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Soundproofing

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Providing Unparalleled Soundproofing Services

 Across Victoria, B.C.

Learn how Finest Finish’s guaranteed system can minimize unwanted noise that interferes with the tranquility of your home.

Quieter Spaces
Relaxing Environment
  • Ceiling Assemblies
  • Wall Assemblies
  • Party Wall Assemblies
  • Fire-Rated Assemblies
  • Basement Suites
  • Music Studios
  • Garages & Workshops
  • Theater Rooms
  • Single & Multi Residences
  • Commercial Spaces

Our Promise

Nothing can interfere with your peace and quiet more drastically than unwanted noise. But if you live in Victoria, B.C., or any city for that matter, there is a good chance you will be dealing with commotion of one sort or another — whether it comes from neighbors, traffic, late-night emergency vehicle sirens, or even the TV and chatter in the next room.

But there is good news: Finest Finish can drastically reduce the amount of noise transfer from one room or one suite to another. We have done hundreds of soundproofing projects over the last decade, ranging from simple to very complex. We have guaranteed systems that can work in any application, whether it’s ceiling or wall assemblies or entire commercial spaces. With our premium package, we have established a system that boasts 80+ STC rating. Our team has built music studios for four world-class musicians and renovated multiple radio stations. Our most memorable and exciting soundproofing endeavor was Brad Pitt’s theater room in West Vancouver.

 
Google 5 star

Why Clients Choose Us For Soundproofing...

Seven months ago, we hired Finest Finish to soundproof our bedroom ceiling. They did such a good job that we had Colten, Dylan and their crews back to do the rest of our apartment. Their professionalism and excellent communication skills continue to be a huge asset for them. Their trade skills and attention to detail are amazing. We can’t recommend them highly enough!

We hired Finest Finish to take down a bedroom ceiling, reinforce the joist/subfloor above, and insulate. They also added a layer of Sonopan, resilient channels, and drywall and then primed and painted.
I’ve worked with contractors and renovators many times. I have never seen a team with greater competence and attention to detail. Dylan and Colten are excellent communicators, who followed through completely and did everything they promised, exactly on schedule. They call (and show up!) when they say. They take great pride in their work, and the finished product is indeed the finest. The rest of their team was equally good. Very highly recommended!

– Harvey Koffman

How does soundproofing work?

Soundproofing works by blocking sound transmission. This may seem obvious, but the concept often becomes conflated with sound absorption. So what is the difference?

Sound Absorption

Sound absorption will reduce echo and background noise in a space, which will improve the sound quality within that space. This is achieved with sound-absorbing materials such as foam or sponges, which absorb the sound waves, as opposed to reflecting them. A music room or gym are prime examples of where sound-absorbing materials are especially beneficial. Acoustic foams and panels won’t block sound transmission, but they will reduce it slightly and can work in conjunction with soundproofing.

Soundproofing

Most people who contact Finest Finish are looking for soundproofing. They want to minimize the noise coming from outside their space. There are four basic ways to block sound from transmitting through walls, ceilings or floors. They are best used together for maximum effectiveness.

  • Decoupling: Sound travels through the rigid connections in walls, ceilings or floors. In the example of a wall, it travels from drywall to stud to drywall. Decoupling the framing within walls will break the pathway and the flow of the sound vibration. Decoupling is the foundation for all other soundproofing methods and is highly effective, depending on the specific system for decoupling. The most effective methods are double stud walls and staggered stud walls. Less effective but also less costly are soundproofing clips with hat channels and resilient channels. Neither of these last two should be used in walls that are used to hang heavy objects such as cabinets.
 
  • Absorption: As well as traveling through the rigid connections in a wall, the cavities within the wall can vibrate allowing some sound to travel through the wall. Insulation is used in conjunction with decoupling to absorb this vibration.
 
  • Added Mass: If a wall is very heavy, it is harder to vibrate. So adding mass such as 5/8″ drywall, plywood, OSB or cement board will help reduce vibration. Unfortunately mass won’t stop lower frequencies such as the bass line of the neighbour’s pounding music.
 
  • Dampening: Green Glue™ and Sonopan™ are often the superior options, which will dampen the vibration in the drywall, reducing the workload of the methods mentioned above.

What is STC?

Sound Transmission Class (STC) is a rating system used to measure the effectiveness of a building material or partition in preventing the transmission of airborne sound. It is commonly used in construction and architecture to assess how well walls, floors, doors, windows, and other structural elements can isolate sound.

Key Points about STC:

  • Scale: The STC rating is a single-number rating that typically ranges from 20 to 65 for most building elements, with higher numbers indicating better sound isolation.
 
  • Testing: The STC rating is determined through standardized testing where a variety of sound frequencies are played on one side of a partition, and the amount of sound that passes through to the other side is measured.
 
  • Frequency Range: The STC rating primarily considers frequencies from 125 Hz to 4000 Hz, which covers most of the typical range of human speech.
 
  • Application: STC ratings are used to evaluate and compare the sound isolation properties of different materials and assemblies. For example, residential buildings might aim for walls with an STC rating of 50 to minimize noise transfer between rooms.
 

Examples of STC Ratings:

  • STC 25: Normal speech can be understood through the partition.
  • STC 30: Loud speech can be heard and understood fairly well.
  • STC 35: Loud speech can be heard but is not intelligible.
  • STC 40: Loud speech is faintly heard.
  • STC 50: Loud speech is not audible; general sound isolation for residential use.
  • STC 60: Very good sound isolation, used in commercial and medium-high end residential applications.
  • STC 70+: Excellent sound isolation. Used in premium residential applications, as well as specialty assemblies (music studios, theaters, etc).
 

STC is an important consideration in building design, especially in multi-family housing, hotels, offices, and any spaces where sound privacy and control are important.

Google 5 star

Why Clients Choose Us For Soundproofing...

Easiest 5 star review I’ve ever left for a business. Dylan and Colten did a great job with soundproofing our main bedroom with a shared party wall. This included demo, soundproofing, refinishing the trim, and painting. They were very transparent and up front with the entire process and costs and were great at setting and meeting/exceeding expectations. Their attention to detail and professionalism is second to none and they ensured every inch of the job met their high standards.
 
– Benedict Chang

How does soundproofing increase property value?

Soundproofing can significantly increase property value for several reasons, particularly in a condo.

Enhanced Privacy and Comfort:

  • Reduced Noise Pollution: Effective soundproofing reduces the intrusion of external noises (e.g., traffic, airplanes, neighbors), making the property more peaceful and comfortable to live in.
  • Internal Privacy: Within a property, soundproofing ensures that noise from one room does not easily transfer to another, enhancing privacy for occupants.
 
Attractive to Buyers and Renters:

  • Desirable Feature: Many potential buyers and renters seek properties that offer a quiet living environment, making soundproofing an attractive feature.
  • Improved Marketability: Properties with good soundproofing can stand out in the market, making them easier to sell or rent.
 
Health and Well-being:

  • Reduced Stress: Constant exposure to noise can lead to increased stress levels and negatively impact health. Soundproofing can contribute to a healthier living environment.
  • Better Sleep Quality: Soundproofing helps ensure a quieter environment, promoting better sleep quality, which is a significant consideration for many people.
 
Enhanced Functionality:

  • Multi-purpose Use: Soundproofed spaces can be used for various purposes, such as home offices, recording studios, or entertainment rooms, adding versatility to the property.
  • Productivity and Concentration: In home office settings, soundproofing can improve productivity and concentration by minimizing distractions.
 
Energy Efficiency:

  • Insulation Properties: Many soundproofing materials also provide thermal insulation, potentially lowering heating and cooling costs and enhancing energy efficiency.
 
Compliance with Regulations:

  • Building Codes: In some areas, building codes and regulations require certain levels of soundproofing, especially in multi-family dwellings. Meeting or exceeding these standards can make a property more compliant and attractive.
 
Perceived Quality:

  • Premium Feel: Soundproofing can give a property a more premium feel, indicating quality construction and attention to detail, which can justify a higher price point.
 

Overall, investing in soundproofing can lead to a more desirable living environment, making the property more appealing to a wider range of potential buyers or renters and potentially increasing its market value.

Why hire a soundproofing specialist vs a traditional drywaller?

Deciding between hiring a drywaller and a soundproofing specialist is crucial in the quality of installation and degree of soundproofing effectiveness that you desire.

Drywaller

  • Skills and Expertise: Drywallers are skilled in installing drywall, finishing, and repairs. They can handle tasks like taping, mudding, sanding, and texturing walls and ceilings.
  • Project Scope: Suitable for general wall and ceiling construction or repair. They may not have specialized knowledge in soundproofing techniques.
  • Cost: Generally less expensive than hiring a specialist, as their work is more standard and doesn’t require specialized materials or methods.
  • Outcome: Provides a standard finish suitable for most residential and commercial construction needs but might not address specific soundproofing requirements.
 

Soundproofing Specialist

  • Skills and Expertise: Specialists in soundproofing have in-depth knowledge of acoustics, materials, and techniques to reduce or eliminate sound transmission.
  • Project Scope: Ideal for projects where sound reduction is a priority, such as home theaters, recording studios, offices, or rooms needing privacy.
  • Cost: Typically more expensive due to specialized materials (e.g., acoustic panels, mass-loaded vinyl, soundproof drywall) and expertise.
  • Outcome: Provides a tailored solution to significantly reduce noise transmission, improving the acoustical quality of the space.
 

Decision Factors

  • Purpose: If you need standard wall construction or repair, a drywaller is suitable. If noise reduction is crucial, a soundproofing specialist is necessary.
  • Budget: Drywalling is generally more budget-friendly. Soundproofing requires a higher investment but offers specialized benefits.
  • Long-Term Needs: Consider whether the space will be used for activities where sound control is important. Investing in soundproofing can add value and comfort to specific areas.
 
By evaluating these factors, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your project’s goals and budget.

Finest Finish: Victoria’s #1 Soundproofing Specialist

If you dream of making your home a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life, give us a call. We are your soundproofing specialists and we can advise you with options to make your dream come true.

Give us a call and let us answer any of your questions!

250-686-9483

ADDRESS
3351 University Woods, Victoria, BC V8P 5R2

EMAIL
info@finestfinish.ca

PHONE
(250) 686-9483

HOURS
Mon – Fri: 7AM – 6PM
Sat & Sun: Closed

AREAS OF SERVICE
Jubilee, Gonzales, Oaklands, Cordova Bay, Quadra, Cadboro Bay, Saanich Core, Esquimalt, James Bay, Gordon Head, Ten Mile Point, Rockland, Fernwood, Oak Bay, Uplands, Victoria, Victoria West, Fairfield

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