Q: What strategies and products do you use to soundproof condo or condo conversion projects?
A: Soundproofing is a key issue for those of us active in the condo market. Among the products and strategies we’ve incorporated into our own product line:
The introduction of cast iron piping, particularly cast iron ductile pipe systems, to significantly abate plumbing noises.
The installation of STC-rated windows to dramatically reduce the impact from road noise or other environmental sounds.
The separation of residential units with not one, but two, physically freestanding walls, each separately insulated.
The addition of sound-retentive mats in addition to a thicker, 1 ½-inch gypcrete floor. In hard surface kitchens and bathrooms, we often install an underlayer of cork; in hardwood areas, we’ve used a sound-retentive mat as a sub-product between the hardwood or tile and the subfloor itself in addition to the “standard” sound-retentive mat and gypcrete.
Chuck Covell is president of Bozzuto Homes in Greenbelt, Md. To participate in future Q&As, contact Rachel Z. Azoff at razoff@hanleywood.com.
LIGHT MY FIRE: Give your clubhouse a funky, edgy look with the Illuma-Flex Flexible Track Lighting System, which features a variety of colorful geometric-shaped glass mini-pendants and adjustable track head styles. Customers can mix and match shapes and colors to achieve the desired look. The low-voltage lighting system, available in six- and 12-foot lengths, offers general, accent, spotlight, or illumination lighting. For more information, call Progress Lighting at 864-599-6000 or visit www.progresslighting.com.
