Again with the soundproofing

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Author Message   Nancyjay Citizen Username: Nancyjay Post Number: 6 Registered: 2-2006 Posted on Saturday, April 22, 2006 - 10:38 pm:        My wife asked a few weeks ago about soundproofing and we got some helpful responses, thank you. I'm wondering if there are also any effective ways of blowing foam or some other material in between plaster & lathe walls to avoid putting up additional drywall or other materials on existing walls. Does anyone out there have knowledge or experience with this? Who to call, etc...?   Travis Citizen Username: Travis Post Number: 396 Registered: 6-2004 Posted on Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 7:57 am:        The standard way in NA to insulate walls retroactively is by blowing in cellulose. It's relatively cheap, but the cells settle (by up to 20%) over time. Other options include Icynene slow-rising foam and Airkrete (a foam that turns to concrete; great for fire-proofing). All I know about these is the sales pitch. You probably want to make sure first of all that you have a building wrap, otherwise the foam may just come oozing out through your siding. You didn't ask about vapor retarders, so I didn't say....   Nancyjay Citizen Username: Nancyjay Post Number: 8 Registered: 2-2006 Posted on Sunday, April 23, 2006 - 11:26 pm:        Hey Travis, thanks. Might you also know whether there are fire code restrictions on what you can use for material on your kitchen ceiling? (I'd love to put up beadboard or something else semi-decorative).   Bob K Supporter Username: Bobk Post Number: 11297 Registered: 5-2001 Posted on Monday, April 24, 2006 - 8:46 am:        Since almost by definition sound proofing involves interior walls I don't think a vapor barrier is an issue. Blown in cellulose can be a do it yourself project. Home centers (although I don't know about Home Despot) rent machines and sell the insulation material. You have to drill at least two holes in each bay (the area between the studs) of a wall and blow in from the bottom and then from the top. This should minimize settling. The cellulose (actually ground up newspaper I am told) is treated with boric acid for flame resistance and vermin resistence as well. I would be really hisitant to do this, however, if you have any old knob and tube wiring in your house.