Top Products To Consider To Reduce Noise When Building ADU

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are typically built in close proximity to the primary residence or neighboring properties. Due to this proximity, sound control can become an important consideration during the ADU’s building process.

Below we’ve gathered five unique products that can be used to reduce unwanted sound and noise from your ADU.

Acoustic Insulation

One of, if not the most common strategy for reducing noise in any new build is the use of insulation within the wall and ceiling cavities. While primarily insulation is used for its temperature control properties, regular batt insulation helps to absorb airborne sounds before it travels through the structure. Alternatively, you can use acoustic insulation which is a thicker, more dense insulation typically made of rock wool. The fibrous material disrupts vibrations and reduces the amount of energy that reaches the opposite side of the wall when compared to regular batt insulation.

Acoustic insulation is particularly helpful between bedrooms, or any shared walls between the primary residence, and the ADU if attached. During the construction of an adu, consider investing in high quality insulation for the entire structure, including the ceiling to reduce sound transfer from outside sounds such as traffic, people, or other outside noises. Although insulation on its own can fully eliminate sound transmission, it provides a great starting layer of acoustic control that also helps with climate control.

Dampening Layers

While not a single product, another method used to reduce sound transferring involves increasing the overall mass of a wall. Heavier walls generally resist vibrations more effectively than lighter ones. One way to achieve this is by installing a secondary drywall layer. Each additional layer adds both weight and sound dampening properties making it difficult for sound vibrations to pass through the thicker wall.

Builders generally add a sound dampening compound between the walls to further reduce the passthrough of sounds. This technique is more commonly used in multifamily homes or ADU structures that share a wall with the main residence whether this is a JADU (Jr. ADU) or a converted attached garage.

Acoustic Sealants 

Even the best constructed walls may allow sound to travel through small gaps. This is due to sound waves moving easily through the air. They may not be easily visible, though there are oftentimes gaps around electrical boxes, wiring and plumbing penetrations, or wall joints, and they can reduce the effectiveness of your sound control strategy. Acoustic sealants are commonly used during construction to close these small openings that allow noises to pass through. Unlike your typical caulking, acoustic sealants remain flexible after installation, this helps maintain an airtight seal even if the building materials shift slightly over time. Keep in mind that seals need to be monitored for gaps and fully replaced between five and ten years later.

Double Pane Windows

Windows are used for more than adding natural light to a room, older window designs can allow for outside sounds and noise to pass through the glass making other sound deadening strategies seem as though they’re not working as efficiently. 

Double pane windows are built with two layers of glass with a gap in between them, this gap is filled with air or gas that helps reduce how easily sound vibrations pass through the window when compared to single pane windows. The space in between the panes act as a barrier that slows the movement of sound, a thicker glass or wider spacing between the panes can further improve sound reduction. Much like insulation, double pane windows are primarily installed for their thermal efficiency, though they can provide a noticeable acoustic benefit that can keep tenants happy and satisfied.

Solid Core Doors

Many doors used in construction nowadays are built light and hollow making them cost effective. However, interior doors can influence how easily sound travels between rooms. Solid core doors are both heavier and more dense, because of this they tend to block sounds more effectively than hollow core doors. The difference is price can be significant, with hollow core doors potentially costing under $100 and solid core doors generally start at over $200. For this reason it's not uncommon to use solid core doors primarily for bedrooms and other private rooms.

Effective sound control in an ADU oftentimes results from several construction choices working together rather than from a single material or product. If you’re ready to provide your tenants with peace and quiet or if you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online.