The Unspoken Noise Problem in Saskatoon Homes

In a growing city like Saskatoon, multi-family dwellings, from duplexes to homes with legal basement suites, are becoming increasingly common. While these developments offer fantastic housing solutions, they also introduce a unique challenge: noise. Many homeowners and tenants are surprised to learn just how easily sound travels through standard construction. Common noise complaints in basement suites and shared-wall homes often revolve around two types of sound, and understanding them is the first step toward a solution.

Airborne vs. Structure-Borne Noise: Know Your Enemy

Industry professionals categorize noise into two main culprits that require different strategies to defeat.

• Airborne Noise: This is sound that travels through the air. Think of conversations, music from a stereo, or a barking dog. These sound waves hit a wall or ceiling and cause it to vibrate, transferring the sound to the other side.
• Structure-Borne (or Impact) Noise: This is sound created by a direct impact on a structure. The classic example is footsteps from the floor above, but it also includes things like a dropped object, a washing machine’s vibration, or furniture being moved. This type of noise is often more difficult to mitigate because the vibrations travel easily through interconnected building materials like wood studs, floor joists, and drywall.

In many Saskatoon homes, especially older ones not built with modern soundproofing in mind, the construction assemblies do little to stop either type of noise. For anyone considering developing an unfinished basement into a rental unit, addressing acoustics isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential for creating a desirable and livable space that commands top dollar and keeps tenants happy.

The Science of Silence: Key Principles of Soundproofing

Effective soundproofing isn’t about just one magic material; it’s a strategic approach built on four crucial principles. A high-end basement contractor understands that a truly quiet space requires a combination of these methods to create a robust barrier against unwanted noise.

Experts in basement finishing consistently find that overlooking even one of these principles can compromise the entire system.

1. Adding Mass: The heavier and denser a barrier, the harder it is for sound waves to vibrate it. This is why a concrete wall blocks sound better than a thin, hollow door. In construction, adding mass often involves using thicker or multiple layers of materials like drywall or specialized products like Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV).
2. Damping: Damping is the process of converting sound vibration into a negligible amount of heat. This is typically achieved by using a viscoelastic compound, like Green Glue, sandwiched between two rigid layers (e.g., two sheets of drywall). When sound waves hit the wall, this gooey layer flexes and shears, dissipating the vibrational energy before it can pass through.
3. Decoupling: This is arguably the most effective principle, especially for stopping structure-borne noise. Decoupling involves physically separating the two sides of a wall or ceiling so that vibrations can’t travel through the shared framing. Think of it as creating a break in the bridge that sound uses to cross from one room to the next.
4. Absorption/Sealing: Sound, like water, will find any crack or opening to leak through. Sealing all air gaps around outlets, light fixtures, and perimeter joints with acoustical sealant is critical. Additionally, filling the cavity of a wall or ceiling with acoustic insulation helps absorb airborne sound that gets trapped inside the assembly, preventing it from resonating and amplifying.

If you are experiencing noise issues in your home, it’s likely due to a failure in one or more of these areas. For professional guidance on diagnosing and solving your specific sound problems, Axium Interiors can help evaluate your situation.

The Professional’s Toolkit: Materials and Technologies That Work

When undertaking a premium basement development or commercial office space renovation, using the right combination of materials is key to achieving superior sound isolation. Here’s a look at the technologies Saskatoon-based professionals at Axium Interiors use to create truly private spaces.

Decoupling with Resilient Sound Clips and Hat Channel

This is the gold standard for decoupling ceilings and walls. Instead of screwing drywall directly to the joists or studs, you attach specialized rubber-and-steel clips, called resilient sound clips. Metal “hat” channels are then snapped into these clips, and the drywall is fastened to the channel. This creates a “floating” wall or ceiling where the drywall is mechanically isolated from the framing, drastically reducing the transfer of both impact and airborne noise. This system can improve an assembly’s Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating by up to 20 points.

Insider Tip: A common mistake DIYers make is using screws that are too long, which penetrate through the drywall and hat channel and into the stud or joist behind. This “short-circuits” the system, creating a direct path for vibration and rendering the expensive clips useless. Professionals know the precise screw length is non-negotiable.

Layering for Mass and Damping

A typical scenario for ultra premium basement finishing involves creating a constrained layer damping system. This involves:

1. A first layer of 5/8″ fire-rated drywall is attached to the resilient channels.
2. A generous layer of Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is applied to the back of a second sheet of 5/8″ drywall.
3. The second sheet is then screwed into place, sandwiching the Green Glue.

This combination of added mass (from two layers of thick drywall) and damping (from the Green Glue) creates a formidable barrier to airborne sound like voices and music.

The Power of Insulation and Sealant

The empty space in your walls and ceiling joists is an echo chamber. Filling this cavity with the right insulation is crucial. While standard thermal insulation helps, true acoustic insulation (like Rockwool Safe’n’Sound) is denser and specifically designed to absorb sound frequencies. It controls reverberation within the wall cavity, improving the overall performance of the assembly. Finally, every single gap, no matter how small, must be sealed. Professionals use flexible acoustical caulk around the perimeter of the drywall, around electrical boxes, and any other penetrations to create an airtight seal, stopping sound leaks in their tracks.

Basement Suites in Saskatoon: Unique Acoustic Challenges

Developing a legal basement suite in Saskatoon comes with its own set of acoustic hurdles. The primary challenge is almost always impact noise from the floor above—footsteps, kids running, vacuum cleaners, you name it. Beyond that, basement suite construction must also account for noise from mechanical systems.

Saskatoon families looking to create a comfortable living space for tenants or family members need to plan for these issues from the beginning.

• Mechanical Noise: Furnaces, ductwork, and plumbing are all significant sources of noise in a basement. Wrapping pipes and ducts with acoustic insulation can quiet the sound of running water or airflow. When possible, boxing in and insulating these elements with a decoupled drywall assembly is a highly effective solution.
• Stairwells: Staircases act like giant speakers, transmitting noise between floors. Insulating the stud cavities around the stairwell and using solid-core doors at the top and bottom can make a huge difference.
• Building Code Requirements: The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC), which Saskatchewan has adopted, mandates a minimum STC rating of 50 for separating assemblies between dwelling units. However, experts often recommend aiming for a higher rating, like STC 55 or even 60, for superior comfort and to minimize complaints. An experienced basement contractor in Saskatoon will know how to design assemblies that meet and exceed these legal requirements. For custom basement suite construction that ensures peace and quiet for everyone, Axium Interiors provides expert design and implementation.

Is the Investment in Soundproofing Worth It?

When evaluating basement development cost per square foot, homeowners sometimes hesitate at the added expense of high-performance soundproofing. However, the return on investment is significant and multifaceted.

A common situation encountered by Basement Finishers providers in Saskatoon is a landlord struggling with high tenant turnover. Often, the root cause is noise complaints. A quiet, private living space is one of the top priorities for renters. Investing in proper soundproofing leads to:

• Higher Tenant Satisfaction and Retention: Happy tenants stay longer, reducing the costs and hassles of vacancies.
• Increased Property Value: A soundproofed home or legal suite is a premium feature that attracts discerning buyers and can significantly increase your property’s market value.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: For those living in the main dwelling, soundproofing the basement suite below means your own peace and quiet are preserved. It’s an investment in your own sanity.
• Energy Efficiency: Many soundproofing materials, like dense-pack insulation, also provide excellent thermal benefits, which can help lower heating and cooling costs here in Saskatoon.

When you consider the long-term benefits, the upfront cost of creating a truly private space becomes one of the smartest investments you can make in your property.

Local Expert FAQ

Here are some of the questions Saskatoon homeowners frequently ask us about soundproofing.

What is an STC rating?

STC stands for Sound Transmission Class. It’s a single-number rating that describes how well a building partition (like a wall or ceiling) reduces airborne sound. The higher the STC number, the better the sound isolation. For example, at STC 30, normal speech can be easily understood. At STC 50, which is the building code minimum for multi-family homes, loud speech is not audible.

Can I soundproof an existing basement suite?

Yes, it’s possible to retrofit soundproofing solutions, though it can be more complex than during new construction. The most effective method often involves removing the existing ceiling drywall to properly decouple and insulate the assembly. Other options include adding a new layer of drywall with a damping compound like Green Glue over the existing surface, though this is less effective for impact noise.

What’s the biggest mistake people make with soundproofing?

The number one mistake is focusing only on insulation and ignoring decoupling and sealing. Many people believe that just stuffing a ceiling with batt insulation will solve their noise problems. While insulation helps with airborne sound, it does very little to stop structure-borne vibrations. Without decoupling the drywall from the joists and meticulously sealing all air gaps, the sound will find a way through.

Are there any Saskatoon-specific regulations I need to know?

The City of Saskatoon adheres to the National Building Code, which specifies the minimum STC 50 rating for partitions between dwelling units. When creating a legal basement suite in Saskatoon, all construction must be properly permitted and inspected to ensure it meets these and other safety standards, including fire separation and egress requirements. Consulting with a premium basement design expert like Axium Interiors ensures your project is fully compliant.

Key Takeaways

• Effective soundproofing requires a multi-faceted approach using the principles of mass, damping, decoupling, and sealing.
• Decoupling—physically separating drywall from framing using resilient clips—is the most crucial technique for stopping structure-borne noise like footsteps.
• A combination of materials like multiple layers of drywall, a damping compound (e.g., Green Glue), and acoustic insulation provides the best results for airborne noise.
• For basement suites in Saskatoon, addressing impact noise from the floor above and mechanical system noise is paramount.
• While the building code requires a minimum STC rating of 50, aiming for a higher standard (STC 55+) ensures greater comfort and tenant satisfaction.
• Investing in professional soundproofing increases property value, reduces tenant turnover, and dramatically improves your quality of life.