Stopping plywood wall from resonating.
#1
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Stopping plywood wall from resonating.
Hello, I hope this is in the right forum...
I started building an 8' plywood wall on the side of my house to help cut down on noises from the neighbor. It's about 40' long.
Basically it is a 2x4 framed wall with just studs (no cross pieces) every 24". I just finished attaching the plywood on the outer side only. It almost seems as if bass frequencies may be worse now because I may have made a big drum skin I do notice that if I pound on it, it does seem to be resonating.
What can I do to keep the plywood from resonating? One side has not been put up yet, so I can still do something from the back side between the studs.
Thanks!
I started building an 8' plywood wall on the side of my house to help cut down on noises from the neighbor. It's about 40' long.
Basically it is a 2x4 framed wall with just studs (no cross pieces) every 24". I just finished attaching the plywood on the outer side only. It almost seems as if bass frequencies may be worse now because I may have made a big drum skin I do notice that if I pound on it, it does seem to be resonating.
What can I do to keep the plywood from resonating? One side has not been put up yet, so I can still do something from the back side between the studs.
Thanks!
#2
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Low frequencies are very difficult to stop and no matter how well you build your wall the sound will go over the top. Long wavelengths can be stopped by mass. Lots and lots of mass. In the end a wall is only going to do so much against low frequencies so you'll have to decide how much money to invest. Even if you build a solid concrete wall three feet thick there will still be the sound coming over the top.
#3
Put in more nailing surfaced such as a cross piece that goes all the way horizontally down the middle. You then take a 4x8 sheet and break it into 2 - 4x4 sheets. Add cross members to that and you further reduce the amount of free space to resonate. Nail/screw to all cross members. Although, a plywood structure outside will have a limited life.
What exactly is the noise you are trying to drown out? Music, road noise? There are such things as noise pollution that may be covered by local ordinances. If it is noisy neighbors, you may have recourse.
What exactly is the noise you are trying to drown out? Music, road noise? There are such things as noise pollution that may be covered by local ordinances. If it is noisy neighbors, you may have recourse.
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Thank you all for your suggestions. (keep em coming!) I totally understand that low frequencies such as the boom bass that I hear is pretty much unstoppable. Usually a talk to the neighbor to "please turn it down" works. However, I don't want the wall to amplify any low frequencies, hence my main question.
The purpose of the wall is to deflect and or dampen "normal" noises caused from my neighbor. Such as car doors slamming, basketball bouncing etc. We have an old house that is not insulated well. I know, I know, better windows and insulation is in order. However, the wall does also serve as a "courtyard" wall and gives a private feel as well.
After the plywood is up, I will have it chicken wired and stuccoed. Just want to make sure I can do what I can before I close it up.
Thanks!
The purpose of the wall is to deflect and or dampen "normal" noises caused from my neighbor. Such as car doors slamming, basketball bouncing etc. We have an old house that is not insulated well. I know, I know, better windows and insulation is in order. However, the wall does also serve as a "courtyard" wall and gives a private feel as well.
After the plywood is up, I will have it chicken wired and stuccoed. Just want to make sure I can do what I can before I close it up.
Thanks!
#7
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The extra mass of stucco will help some with the noise. You will have to beef the wall up to be quite rigid so it doesn't flex and crack the stucco. Both the strengthening for the stucco and the stucco itself will help with the noise.
#9
I read this with my doubts. Furthermore using plywood outside with "studs" which are probably SPF, doesn't seem to be proper construction methods. Plywood will delaminate and studs will deteriorate in short order, and a 40' fence/wall probably isn't cheap.
#10
I have serious doubts that this is the best way to address your problem. An 8' freestanding wall is a giant sail and will need some serious re-enforcement and engeneering if you expect it to last any amount of time. As mentioned, the best thing would probably be to plant some dense plants in place of the fence if you have room for it. It may take a few years to get them to where you need them, but they will last forever if you take care of them and should deaden the sound better than a plywood wall ever will.
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Yes, trees and bushes. Don't go off half-cocked, get good advice first - not at a big box store! Call your County Extension Agent - well educated and super-familiar with your area. No obligation, your tax dollars doing good work there. He can help you choose. Or the nursery business up the street where their whole business is selling you trees and bushes - often they can guide you.