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I am designing a home to be built close to a noisy highway. With a small steep lot and a modest budget, large areas of facade will inevitably be exposed to the cacophony. What are the most cost effective ways to reflect or absorb highway noise? Which siding/sheathing materials have distinctly superior sound proofing properties (cedar, stucco and 1/2 log are favorites in this region)? Do I frame exterior walls with 2×8 instead of 2×6 and beef up fiberglass insulation (perhaps use blown cellulose?). Do I use a sound dampening drywall system that holds the rock off the studs or use double layers or 5/8 or some other special drywall. How do I get the biggest (or in this case smallest) “bang” for my buck?
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Joe. This house is to be on a steep grade up from the hiway? Figure a baffle (several) in front of and in a direct sight line to the road. This will kill much of the noise b/4 it gets to the walls of the house. To sound proof (sort of) usually means mass. I think you would be better off splitting the wall so there would be no direct connection from inside to outside. There is much to read about sound attenuation. You could even do a search here at BT. Best of luck.
*The current issue of Fine Homebuilding (on newstands now!) has a neat house built on a tight lot that is designed to limit the noise from the road.Rich Beckman
*The April 2001 issue of Journal of Light Construction had an article on noise-proofing near airports. Lots of ideas for windows, etc. These were retrofits, but the ideas would apply to new construction, too.
*Building the house of ICF's makes for a real quiet house.Given your special circumstances, have you considered an architect?If you're doing it yourself, get specs from manufacturers. For example, on windows, request sound attenuation ratings so you have an objective way to compare.
*If you like the stucco style, ICF would be my choice. You get the added benefit of a good thermal package.