Please help confirm wall structure design

Started by Lunatique on 16 July 2008. 4 replies.

Originally posted at johnlsayers.com, topic 10941.

Hi guys, I need some more advice before entering the next phase of construction. Right now I've been debating with my construction guy on what to do about the 2nd layer of walls. Please take a look at the following images: For this one, the idea is that the original existing brick/concrete wall already counts as a leaf, and all I need to do is leave 2" of air gap, and then erect my stud/fiberglass/gypsum layer as the 2nd leaf. This is the idea I'm supporting. In this image, the construction guy is saying that we should add a layer of stud/fiberglass to the existing brick/concrete wall to add even more soundproofing. His idea sounds fine on paper, but I can't tell if adding that layer of stud/fiberglass would screw up the two-leaf structure. Since that additional layer of stud/fiberglass does not contain gypsum boards (originally he wanted to put gypsum boards on it and I told him that's a big nono as it'll make it three-leaf instead of two), I would assume it technically does not count as an extra leaf, right? But what does it mean? The extra layer of stud/fiberglass only increases the air gap between the gypsum and the existing brick/concrete wall? So guys, your suggestions?
Adding just wool is not making an extra leaf. The second pic is better since the total air-gap is wider (the part with wool is also part of the total air-gap!). Adding more wool is better for absorption but also more expensive. You could also add more mass on the existing brick wall, if it's flush with the wall that is. Sure.
Agreed. Framing out the concrete wall just to add insulation is probably unnecessary. If you can, just add the insulation without the framing.
What are the chances of the concrete wall sweating? Pretty good I believe.
Thanks for the suggestions. So I'm thinking I'll use 2x6 studs (24" on center for spacing distance, as suggested by Rod in another forum) on the 2nd leaf, 4" insulation between studs, and leave 2" air gap (which would be total of 8" air gap counting the 6" from the studs). Or should I stuff the entire air gap with insulation since air gap means existing wall to the gypsum anyway?