Technical > Home Improvement > Smoke-proofing and sound-proofing from neighbours in condo

Smoke-proofing and sound-proofing from neighbours in condo

That's scary. Since there's no box, there's no need to remove the insulation. Since there's no need to remove the insulation, but there is no insulation, it means that there probably is absolutely no insulation/sound proofing in that wall!

Anyway, the best you can do is seal the wall plate with something like this.

»www.homedepot.ca/product/rectang···2/906909

And if you're considering putting up another layer of drywall, then why not remove the current layer of drywall to be able to put sound proofing material in the cavity? The effort would be almost the same, but with better results.

Try to talk to your neighbor, see if they like the idea of sound proofing (And split the cost).

reply to pfak
Just WOW! Does that even meet fire code? I thought that a rated fire wall was required between units? Also thought Canada had a code for sound attenuation between units?

While the Low Voltage box may be letting smoke through, it is also very possible that other electrical boxes are leaking.

Another very common place for air leaks is the under the bottom 2x4 that supports the framing in the wall. This is laid and nailed down on plywood and is seldom sealed to the floor. Air can pass under this 2x4 very easily since it is a long run. It is one of the first places a home inspector looks when they do an energy audit with a blower door test. This can be sealed with a calk gun if you can get to the area. It may require lifting the carpet to get to the gap between the sheetrock and the flooring.

However if you want to really soundproof, you will need to remove the sheet rock, add studs on your side that are setback an inch or so from the neighbors wall to break the mechanical connection between you, calk the heck out of every place where sheetrock touches studs, add good soundproofing material, and then finish the wall on your side.

Not a really big job, but it will be messy.

Tim
--
The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits.

reply to alkizmo
The real scary part is the lack of a firewall.

And given that there are apparently heavy smokers living next door, I would be planning an exit ASAP.

reply to pende_tim

reply to pfak
I came across a Holmes on Homes episode that had a similar situation
»www.hgtv.com/hgtv-holmes-on-home···dex.html
The episode was called Building A Wall Of Silence.
Hopefully there may be a couple of pieces of information that might be helpful.

Edit
On the list of shows, scroll to the right to find the episode.

Also, you might want to address why your place is under negative pressure and is "pulling" the smoke in. If your place was under slight positive air pressure, then the smoke would not come in (as easily).

reply to pfak
Sell! Really they built a ton of shit in that city; unfortunately it seems your unit happens to be one.

Go to a home improvement store and get some light switch draft gaskets (a thin foam gasket the same size as a typical cover plate) it should seal out much of the smoke. You could also pick up a small back of fibreglass insulation and stuff it into the opening, it might reduce some of the sound, though the entire wall should have been done (and built as a fire wall).

EDIT the wall might last 30 min, but the plastic cover plates sure as hell are not durring a fire.

reply to pfak

reply to pfak
When was the building constructed or majorly renovated? That will tell your which version of the fire code is applicable.

The lack of insulation in the wall would indicate to me that you don't have an STC rating (sound transmission) which meets code either.

You have different legal options open to you if you bought the condo 'new' from a developer and the construction does not meet code, or if you bought it as a 'resale' and the building is still within the warranty period. You may want to consult with the city building inspections department and a lawyer experienced in construction law.

You may also write a letter to the condo/strata board about this issue, though I think this »www.vancouversun.com/health/Smok···ory.html may be a better option to sneak into the building by-laws if the construction is that crappy and it's too expensive to remedy the construction (ie. if you owners have to foot the bill).

reply to pfak

reply to pfak

I ended up using:

»www.homedepot.ca/product/duct-se···s/963529

Around the electrical outlets, and the RJ11 outlet -- additionally to fill the gap. I also caulked between the floor and the drywall. I don't think I've missed anything for now, so we'll see how it goes!

Thanks for everyones assistance
--
The more I C, the less I see.

reply to pfak

Just install a fresh air heat exchanger

quote:

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Air exchangers contain a heat exchanger core that uses the heating/cooling energy contained in the outgoing stale air to temper the incoming fresh air.

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reply to Jack_in_VA
That won't prevent the neighbor's smoke from entering his unit.