Anyone have experience with converting /soundproofing a garage?

[BootsMcClure]

Dear all,

I'm appealing on behalf of my brother who lives Elmers End way.

He is looking for recommendations, advice or contacts of trustworthy tradespersons who have experience in soundproofing/conversions.

The garage is 1930s double detached at the end of the garden with side road access.

He requires a basic conversion to a soundproofed space where him and his band members (including acoustic drums) can practise without disturbing the neighbours.

Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

[pablogrande]

the best method is to create a room within a room. so effectively build a box inside the garage that has no structural links to the garage walls and ceilings. then use mixed soundproofing materials to block out the various frequencies. such as high density plasterboards and soundproofing filler material.

I have done this for private cinemas the big thing to bear in mind is ventilation, ideally you want the box to be sealed but obviously not practical so you need to get fresh air in without compromising the soundproofing, you do this by angling the intake etc

i will dig out some articles that may help. Ignore anyone who mentions filling walls with sand!

[pablogrande]

this company has good products, look at the bottom of this page they have good articles including 'soundproofing a garage' !! http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/soundproofing-acoustic-insulation-products.htm

[BootsMcClure]

Thank you so much. I will follow up this info.

[gardenstudios]

Hi Boots,

We've done a couple recently, one for a recording/mastering studio in Peckham and another for a drummer as a rehearsal studio. If you need any information please drop us an Email.

Dulwich garden studios

[Jeremy]

Sounds like "Dulwich garden studios" and pablogrande will be useful sources!

Actually there was a guy who used to post on here, who had converted his garage into a studio/rehearsal room. A couple of us went round for a forum jam, years ago. He'd basically done what PG said.. built a studwork box inside the garage, with insulation between the studs, and - I think - dampening mats between the studwork and the brick wall. And a double door. There was some leakage, but good enough.

(Un)fortunately child number two came along soon after, and it got converted into an extra bedroom!

[BootsMcClure]

Thanks DGS, will drop you a line.

Jeremy, when you say 'leakage' was there still enough sound outside to cause a problem for neighbours?

[Jeremy]

No, I don't think enough noise "escaped" to seriously disturb the neighbours. It seemed pretty effective.

But of course, depends how much they want to crank it up. Does your brother play in Napalm Death?

[BootsMcClure]

No, they're not that well known - but hopefully soon will be.

The band is Asura - unique metal/rock/indi/jazz/reggae fusion, some really cool stuff.

We both thank you all for the advice. I'm following up leads from here so hopefully he can have the work done soon. Thanks.