ADU Soundproofing: Your Privacy & Protection

Short question: what is the perfect ADU? With absolute probability, the list of the most popular answers will include such items as privacy, comfort, ecological safety, energy efficiency, or coziness. Interestingly, there is one component of the architectural style of any accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that combines all these positions. You may have already guessed that we mean the soundproofing system.

From today’s review, we will learn all about the principles of ADU sound proofing, why it makes sense to think about installing this system, what environmental impact it has, as well as what materials are best to use during the construction process to ensure the technological advancement and environmental friendliness of the new extra living space.

ADU Soundproofing: Essential Knowledge

When it comes to providing guidance about soundproofing installation, many authors immediately begin to immerse readers in the world of complex terms and confusing formulations. We pick a different path and prefer to first tell you about the basic concepts that you will later use when choosing materials for your accessory dwelling units.

There are four main concepts that will help you figure out any soundproofing insulation system:

• Reducing – the most classic way to reduce the impact of noise is to create barriers to its penetration. Interestingly, with this technique, you can isolate both external noise and loud sounds inside the living space. The tools used in this method can be anything from solid core doors and partitions in vertical space format to foam plates and sealant.
• Absorbing – the name of this method gives us a direct reference to the use of special materials and truly speaking, material selection for sound absorption is also very variable. A fiberglass panel or acoustic foam are the classic options, but if you want to organize an unusual ADU design, you can look at fabric materials that also absorb sound, reduce decibels and the echo level.
• Mass – the second name of this technique could be the word “hurdle.” The most famous phrase of Gandalf the Grey in the Lord of the Rings saga is the quote, “You shall not pass.” Approximately the same principle applies to this technique. With the help of massive plasterboard walls and ceilings, homeowners block the penetration of sound waves into living spaces.
• Damping is the most modern technique, the main idea of which is sound dispersion instead of classical blocking. To achieve this effect, builders use special materials, such as rubber, which weakens low-frequency sound and minimizes its impact on the human ear.

Each of these options has a number of disadvantages, e.g, too massive barriers can prevent the natural light penetration and overkill with a soundproof sealant can create breathing difficulties. To avoid such situations, it is necessary to approach the choice of material correctly during the ADU design process, however, more on this later.

ADU Soundproofing & Reasons for Its Installation

Many homeowners note that installing soundproofing in their new accessory dwelling units will not be superfluous. However, this remark most often comes to their mind after the completion of the construction process, while there are at least seven reasons that should encourage you to install this system even at the stage of thinking through the ADU project.

Living space privacy

It is the most versatile item on our list. Regardless of whether you like listening to music, are used to talking loudly, or suddenly your family member is playing a drum kit in the evenings, it is important not to leak sound from your additional living space. There are two good reasons for this decision. First, respect for the neighbors, who will not suffer from loud noises from your house. Secondly, you need peace of mind that no one will hear your confidential and secret conversations.

Health protection

What is the main characteristic of a comfortable living space? That’s right, the feeling of calmness, peace, and overall well-being. Unfortunately, without soundproofing, this goal will remain unattainable. Just imagine, at night, you, your wife, children, and elderly parents are sleeping sweetly when suddenly ten motorcyclists pass under your windows. They bring loud noise, anxiety, high blood pressure, and seizures, especially if they happen several times a day. Isn’t that a reason for you to incorporate privacy by installing soundproofing in a new ADU?

Proper sleep

Let’s continue the topic of sleep. Loud noises have negative consequences not only for health but also for general course and quality of life. If you do not get enough sleep, then after a week, your cognitive abilities will begin to decline; you will not be able to analyze new information, focus, perform basic tasks, and, of course, work effectively. The same can be said about children who, without proper sleep, will very quickly begin to show academic failures. If you do not want to face such an unfavorable scenario, then optimize space by installing sound insulation.

ADU preparation for renting

As we all know, the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a stable source of rental income. However, before potential tenants pick your ADU, it is necessary to create an inviting atmosphere, and an existing structure without soundproofing does not fit into this concept in any way. If the walls of your ADU let through any sound, from the meowing of a neighbor’s cat to the roar of an exhaust pipe, then you will lose tenants in less than a month. Therefore, it is necessary to create privacy, including for a successful renting business.

Building codes compliance

Building codes vary depending on the city of your residence. However, there are uniform legal formulations for all states. One of these rules is the observance of silence at night. No one forbids you from having fun with family members or friends at night, listening to music, or singing karaoke, but you should do it according to the rules. The lack of sound insulation goes against these regulations, and the law will be on the side of those who suffer from noise, so there is every reason to add this component.

Extra insulation

Some property owners do not underestimate the power of nature and, with the onset of cold weather, urgently look for insulation options for accessory dwelling units. Of course, you can lay a second layer of expanded polystyrene or mineral wool, but why do this when you can combine two in one. In particular, a sound insulation layer should be installed, which, on cold days, will perform the same functions as the materials for insulation of living spaces.

High-quality communication

This point is relevant for everyone who lives in a big city and whose large windows face the side of the road or avenue. The sounds of big city life interfere with banal communication between family members, so we recommend minimizing the impact of outdoor sound transmission during the ADU design process, and you will understand how favorably this decision will affect your daily life.

These aspects are relevant for all types of ADU, whether it is a detached adu with a separate entrance or an attached adu next to the main house. Interestingly, one reason out of seven is enough to install sound insulation. However, as practice shows, at least three of the above factors are relevant for the average homeowner, which makes sound insulation an integral component of the ADU construction project.

Top-3 ADU Soundproofing Materials

Both indoor and outdoor space of any type of ADU is technologically advanced, including energy efficient appliances and sustainable design elements. For this reason, we decided to tell you only about the environmentally friendly materials that you can use for the sound proofing system installation.

The following three positions deserve your maximum attention:

1. Soundproof drywall & fiberglass. The most iconic options that we put in one place. Drywall and fiberglass are suitable for everything, whether it’s a main house or ADU, a small space, or a big one. You may ask a question about the principles of operation. In the case of noise-canceling drywall, this is a special three-layer system that prevents sound from penetrating into the living space. In the fiberglass scenario, these are special air pockets that delay sound.
2. Green glue. This material acts as an independent sound insulation method, and is a component of a big structure. Such a glue has damping properties, namely, when sound comes into contact with it, the waves begin to dissipate and attenuation occurs, protecting you from any irritation.
3. Sealant. The final maneuver in creating the perfect soundproofing is sealing up all, even the tiniest openings. We recommend sealing all the seams between the plates, as after this action, you will forget about any noise that has ever bothered you.

When it comes to building an ADU, the choice consists not only of these three positions, for example, noise-insulating putty pads or soundproof underlay are equally worthy options. In any case, always consult with your general contractor to make the right choice.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Soundproofing Additional Techniques

Providing space with a high-quality sound insulation system is a challenging task, so builders rarely deviate from the canons and use only proven materials.

However, ADU design is always about creativity, even in the matter of HVAC systems, so let’s explore more creative options:

• Careful planning of the living space, in particular the competent arrangement of furniture, is the key to perfect soundproofing. The formula is simple: the closer the furniture is to the wall, the less sound will penetrate the ADU.
• Double-glazed windows are a great way to forget about street noise. On par with this, do not think that you will have to resort to additional lighting fixtures or optimize natural light, because they let in light just as well as regular windows.
• Forget about hollow doors, especially in limited space. The massive solid wood doors will not miss a single peep from the primary residence, which means you can focus on your tasks.
• Sound insulation of the floor is also necessary, as well as soundproofing of the walls. In the case of floors, you can use cork/carpet, which absorbs not only sound, but also any vibrations.
• In everyday life, you can hardly hear about soundproof wallpaper anywhere, but this is an advanced technology that, together with a sealant, will create a peaceful environment without extraneous noise.

Overall, you can soundproof every element in your ADU or main house, even if it is about air conditioning. This is the secret of ADU; if you wish, you can customize this space to fit your personal style to feel maximum harmony and comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What are the three main reasons for ADU soundproofing?

The first and main reason is to create privacy from extraneous noise from the street or from the primary residence on the same property with ADU. Creating sound insulation on the territory of all the extra space is also about healthy sleep, respect for neighbors, and additional wall insulation, especially for independent ADUs, e.g., backyard cottages.

Should I obtain the necessary permits to install a soundproofing system in the ADU?

When it comes to building an ADU, homeowners should comply with a variety of local regulations and zoning requirements, however, installing soundproofing is the sole choice of the property owner. You can opt out of this solution; however, if you want to feel calm, safe, and comfortable in everyday life, then you cannot do without soundproofing.

What is the importance of soundproofing when using ADU as a rental property?

Soundproofing significantly increases property’s appeal for all ADU types and especially for granny flats and mother-in-law units, because tenants will feel privacy and security. If you want to receive a stable rental income, then it makes sense to invest in a soundproofing system.

Why is a perfect ADU impossible to imagine without a soundproofing system?

A well-designed ADU balances all life support systems. Soundproofing is not only about blocking external sounds but also additional insulation throughout the available space, following the principles of sustainability at the same level as using solar panels, as well as the ability to make the space feel larger due to competent window placement, which also affects soundproofing.