Hey everyone, I am in the process of framing (see my thread) and I was wondering what I should do above the main beam cutting through my basement?? It would be the rafter area. Should I make a small 2x4 frame in each pocket and drywall it??

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Ryan

anyone,,,,anyone?

a drawing might help.

if both sides of the beam are inside the HT - there is no problem and you just need to cover it with something that wont rattle.

if it is split, it could be more complicated and the answer would depend on if you have a room inside a room or not (and why not).

gene

Sorry about that, here is a sketch of what I am talking about.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/NeoOiler/FRAMING.jpg

Any suggestions?

Ryan

Ryan,

I don't see the beam in your pictures in the construction thread. Can you take a picture tonight of the ceiling beam and post? That will help. Reason I say this is because from the render I can't tell if that beam is in the middle of the room or at the side wall/ceiling. If the beam is right next to the wall - I would recommend build a soffit around the room.

Jason

From the render it looks like that if you use good wall and ceiling soundproofing concepts that the open area between the ceiling joists will be a non-issue. I'm assuming the wall meets the ceiling and is not interrupted by the beam

If you are just planning to slap up a single layer of drywall then yes attacking that area. might make some sense in keeping the sound from migrating beyond that point.

In our house (built in 2005), they filled those gaps with pieces of 2x12 (at least i think the joists are all 2x12...) .. I assume as a fire block?

The beam is the one running the length of the whole house. the rafters sit on top. The double wall runs up to the underside of the beam all the way along. So there are gaps between each rafter looking into the other room. I am building a soffet around the ducts which are sitting right below the rafters inside the theatre room.




Ryan

If your worried about sound insulation to the other side of the beam, you'd definatley want to put something up there. Even if you double drywall the ceiling sound will pass through that gap very easily. At least stuff it full of insulation. :)

Are you saying should you insulate between the rafters to create a noise / fire barrier? If thats the question then Yes.

I am mainly asking is insulation enought? Or should I build little walls in between, drywall, etc.?

Ryan

The space above my beam had plywood blocking (fire stop?). If you are not insulating the ceiling (I assume not or you would have said so) then the least I would do is insulation. I insulated all the ceilings in my basement - not just the theater - it was not cheap, but it was well worth it. I personally would go beyond just insulation if sound blocking is your concern, I would want a sealed partition. That won't be fun because you would have to do something between each joist. As to what material, I would go with some sort of wood (plywood, osb, mdf, etc...) because you can precut 16"oc pieces and then mount them.

My goal is to insulate the ceiling of the theatre to start, then install a drop tbar ceiling below it. I dont want to drywall..need access.

I think I will make little plywood blocks for each rafter location...lots of work, but worth it in the end probably..lots of extra wood left from my teardown.

Thanks for all the answers

Ryan

I would personally stuff some insulation in the cavity. Cut to fit, maybe 3 pieces, just to keep the cavity from resonating.

Thats my plan for today probably