Sound deadening or sound proofing (house, transfer, buy)

[cowboyqb]

Hello:

We completed a new build and during the walk-through, realized that the AC units of the neighboring house (spec home as of now) are close enough to the study in our house, that we can hear the resonance of that. It is almost like white noise but could be clearly heard.

Initially the builder said there is not much they can do, but I told them it could be a deal breaker.

What can I suggest they do to fix the issue? Any ideas? I am assuming this is not the first time for a situation of this kind.

The only idea I had was to install sound proof windows in my study (to which the builder said I could do anything after I move in, but I said I won't mone in with this noise - another story).

Should I/they hire any expert in sound deadening or sound proofing? Any ideas/recommendations please?

Thanks!!

[iberanon]

Roxul, green glue, air tight electrical box. Will need to open walls. Everything that side has to be air tight. Taped OSB (too late to do this now)

[cowboyqb]

Originally Posted by iberanon

Roxul, green glue, air tight electrical box. Will need to open walls. Everything that side has to be air tight. Taped OSB (too late to do this now)

Hi iberanon: Thanks for your response.

Are you saying to get an air tight electrical box and put it over the AC unit? But how will the air flow out of it when the fan revolves? I did not understand your solution.

Thank you!

[jdallas]

No. all of the acoustic modifications would be on your end.
He was talking about any/all outlets along the exterior wall that contributes to the sound transmission.
Adding mass is the only way so you would have to tear out the interior finishes down to the studs. Use a dense natural fiber insulation in the cavity (roxul), use quietrock drywall with the special electrical boxes/sealant. Quietrock should be installed in either a double layer config with offset seams or, better yet, installed as a room within a room config with an air space and floor/head seals for the new head/sills.
The windows would need to be removed completely and acoustic rated windows installed but you will need a specialist as any weak link will negate the performance of the window assembly. Most installers have no idea how to properly isolate an acoustic unit so the sound still transfers around the perimeter.


If the new build is with a production builder within a planned community and not a true custom with your own builder, you likely won't have a leg to stand on when it comes to walking away from closing.

[Katana49]

What windows are being/have been installed? In my experience, windows are the best bang for your buck when it comes to soundproofing. A soundproof window can be installed on the interior side of your office. If that doesn't do the trick, THEN look at tearing into the drywall and doing other soundproofing stuff.

Photo Gallery | Soundproof Windows, Inc.

[iberanon]

Another thing I forgot, is the noise transmission bass or higher frequency? If it's bass I don't think there's anything you can do.

You could buy a quieter AC for your neighbor.... Might be cheaper, lol.

[EDS_]

Originally Posted by cowboyqb

Hello:

We completed a new build and during the walk-through, realized that the AC units of the neighboring house (spec home as of now) are close enough to the study in our house, that we can hear the resonance of that. It is almost like white noise but could be clearly heard.

Initially the builder said there is not much they can do, but I told them it could be a deal breaker.

What can I suggest they do to fix the issue? Any ideas? I am assuming this is not the first time for a situation of this kind.

The only idea I had was to install sound proof windows in my study (to which the builder said I could do anything after I move in, but I said I won't mone in with this noise - another story).

Should I/they hire any expert in sound deadening or sound proofing? Any ideas/recommendations please?

Thanks!!

Trying hard to be nice..........there's a lot of questionable info above.

You sure - you are hearing a resonant frequency? Might it be instead noise coming through your walls?

1. Are the neighbor's unit(s) sitting on plastic/fiberglass pads?
2. Does the "tone" you hear change markedly when you move your head from side to side?
3. Can you feel it through your fingers on the wall?
4. Can you feel a similar vibration in the ground outside your house when their AC is running?

Resonance:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resonance

[Rakin]

Can you pull your fence forward enough to separate the Compressors from your house? Also some shrubs on your side might help with the noise.

[cowboyqb]

Hello EDS_:

1. Are the neighbor's unit(s) sitting on plastic/fiberglass pads?
They are on concrete

2. Does the "tone" you hear change markedly when you move your head from side to side?

Not when I am standing at the same position.

3. Can you feel it through your fingers on the wall?

Will test this soon and update.

4. Can you feel a similar vibration in the ground outside your house when their AC is running?

Will test this soon and update.

[cowboyqb]

Originally Posted by Rakin

Can you pull your fence forward enough to separate the Compressors from your house? Also some shrubs on your side might help with the noise.

The fence is in between the unit and our house. I'll try setting up bushes.