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Thread: Firewall,

  1. #1
    S. Bauer's Avatar
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    Unhappy Firewall, or just sheetrock?

    I if there is 14" between wall of your structure and an adjoining structure can you hear noise through the walls?

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    Last edited by S. Bauer; 08-20-2012 at 01:45 PM.
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  2. #2
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    Default Re: Firewall,

    Since your renting it there's not much you can do besides move. You could ask for permission to open up the wall to see if there is actullay 14" of space between walls, and to see if it's insulated.


  3. #3
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    Default Re: Firewall, or just sheetrock?

    Quote Originally Posted by Santhi Bauer View Post
    I if there is 14" between wall of your structure and an adjoining structure can you hear noise through the walls?
    When my neighbor had a party I could hear it 2 houses away.
    Does that answer your question?

    ' correct a wise man and you gain a friend... correct a fool and he'll bloody your nose'.

  4. #4
    S. Bauer's Avatar
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    Default Re: Firewall,

    But what about building codes? CA building codes must have something about keeping a 2 hour or 1 hour fire barrier between buildings.


  5. #5
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    Default Re: Firewall, or just sheetrock?

    Quote Originally Posted by Santhi Bauer View Post
    I if there is 14" between wall of your structure and an adjoining structure can you hear noise through the walls?
    Depends on various things, such as:
    - how the wall is made
    - what the wall is made of
    - the type and amount of insulation
    - windows present - single pane or double glazed
    - how loud the noise is at its source
    - how loud is it inside
    - etc.

    The wall of my house is 15 feet from the property line and I can hear the neighbors when they have a party at their pool on the other side of the property line, and they are on the other side of the pool, so they are probably 30 feet away. I can hear them, but it is muffled and not loud, but I can hear them - so it also depends on how loud are you referring to.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  6. #6
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    Default Re: Firewall,

    Quote Originally Posted by Santhi Bauer View Post
    But what about building codes? CA building codes must have something about keeping a 2 hour or 1 hour fire barrier between buildings.
    You really need to ask specific questions and give some details to get a reasonable answer.
    What kind of structure; house, apartment, condo, duplex,...?
    Frame construction or masonry?
    etc., etc.

    No code that I am aware of specifically addressed noise.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  7. #7
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    Default Re: Firewall,

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Luttrall View Post
    No code that I am aware of specifically addressed noise.
    1207 of the IBC addresses sound, both air-borne sound and structure-borne sound. An design STC of 50 is required (STC = Sound Transmission Class) - a STC of 45 if field tested is permissible.

    However, the above does not apply to sound from *outside* the building through the exterior walls.
    - 1207.1 Scope. This section shall apply to common interior walls, partitions and floor/ceiling assemblies between adjacent dwelling units or between dwelling units and adjacent public areas such as halls, corridors, stairs or service areas.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Firewall,

    San Francisco is loaded with houses that are 1" apart. If there is just air between the two sound can travel through air. Maybe pull a plug cover and see if you can see anything. You could use a wood skewer or something non conductive to see if there is insulation or wall in between the two.

    Nevada IOS#1730
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  9. #9
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    Default Re: Firewall,

    Santhi,
    For noise from adjacent structures be it 14" or 14 ft it is a determination made by the police officer that responds to your call. Different locals have their own acceptable level of noise along with the time of day and that level is usual determined by the officer that responds to the complaint.


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