I am opening a Massage Clinic, and need to isolate my space from my neighbor. The building is an empty shell, so all options are on the table. The wall is 88 feet long by 24 feet high. Studs will be steel. Since you guys seem to be experts in sound isolation, I thought I would ask for opinions. I have read many related threads.

Goal: cost effective solution to protect space from neighboring stores noise. I think an STC in the upper 50's will suffice. (I hope)

Options:

1. Double Wall
2. Staggered Wall

A. Green Glue sandwiched with 5/8 rock
B. db-bloc MLV
C. 5/8 Quiet Rock or Suppress
D. Channels

Labor and materials are very important, because I will need 66 sheets of rock for one layer. The QuietRock/Suppress can be expensive, but I have not priced out yet.

Any opinions would be very helpful.

Thanks,

Flyingcod

Have you looked at references like:

http://www.saecollege.de/reference_material/pages/STC%20Chart.htm

What is in place now? are you looking at drywall or exposed studs holding up the neighbors interior walls? If it's exposed studs than erecting a free standing wall on your side with a double layer or triple layer of drywall would probably be fine. If they are using a lot of loud music with a lot of BASS the GG may be of interest.

If it's drywall on your side of the wall now building another wall will create the infamous triple leaf and maybe someone can explain why that is bad I just know it is.

The Space is completely empty. I am building the wall. Every option is available to me.

Another option might be just drywall and double studs. STC in upper 50's.

Thanks,

flyingcod

Nice Chart BigMouth!

That will help.

Flyingcod

Just remember that when you start punching holes in the wall for outlets and switches all bets are off.

Code will probably require outlets, one on every wall in every room along that wall and 2 or more if the wall is over so many feet. Back boxes and putty packs are one solution for those. Make sure they don't line up from one room to the adjacent.

Or you could surface mount them inside the room with conduit and boxes approved by your local building code. This would be the best to maintain the soundproofing and firestop properties of that wall.

Well a double wall is your best starting point since you have the space. The GG sandwich is probably the cheapest of your options second options, and probably the best, unless you plan to double up on the 5/8" on the others. So, maybe 1A? It will probably put you well over your goal of 50's for a STC though.