Converting an old tool shed/chicken coop into a guest bedroom. Looking for advice on soundproofing and insulation.
Hi everyone. I have a small rectangular room that I want to convert into a guest bedroom. The main goal is to have it well insulated from outside noise (and ideally from rain noise on the roof, if possible). Here are the current details: ๐ Measurements andโฆ
Hi everyone. I have a small rectangular room that I want to convert into a guest bedroom. The main goal is to have it well insulated from outside noise (and ideally from rain noise on the roof, if possible). Here are the current details: ๐ Measurements and structure: Floor: 8'2" x 11'7" (currently has a rough concrete screed). Walls: 4" thick bricks (laid on their narrow edge). They are quite thin. Roof: Sloped corrugated metal sheet. Wall height ranges from 7'9" on one long side down to 6'7" on the other. Current openings: A small window (27" x 16") and a door (27" x 5'10"). ๐ Context and limitations: Party walls: Two of the walls (forming a corner) are shared with my neighbors. Current use: It used to be a tool shed/chicken coop, so the floor is rough concrete and there's no insulation anywhere. Location: Greater Buenos Aires suburbs, Argentina. Budget: Medium budget, and I'm open to doing the work in stages if that makes sense. โ My main questions: Walls: How should I approach soundproofing the 4" walls, especially the two shared with the neighbors? Would it be worth taking advantage of the thin walls and applying a cement-based waterproofing coating (like "Ceresita," a local hydrophobic additive we mix with cement) on the exterior/neighbor-facing side? Or would it be better to build an inner frame with glass wool/rock wool insulation and drywall? Roof: Since it's a metal sheet, noise and temperature will be issues. What do you recommend for a false ceiling or attic space to insulate it properly? Floor: What are my options to level and insulate the floor starting from the rough concrete screed? Openings: Should I replace the window and door with double-glazed aluminum ones, or are there budget tricks to improve the current ones? Any advice on the order of work or recommended materials would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Collected discussion
Only note: keep the chickens. You know, as bunk buddies for your guests.
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For those thin brick walls I wouldnt bother with exterior coatings for sound, build a stud frame inside with mineral wool and drywall leaving a small air gap between the frame and the brick. The decoupling does most of the work and you can stuff the cavity with the cheap fluffy insulation not the rigid stuff. Roof rain noise is tough with corrugated metal. A drop ceiling with heavy insulation above it will help but you might still hear a dull drumming in heavy storms. Worth adding a layer of mass loaded vinyl above the new ceiling if the budget stretches. Floor wise I would lay down a damp proof membrane pour self leveler and then put rigid foam boards under a floating floor. Makes a big difference for comfort.