Sound Reduction part 3 – Raised Frame w/ Ductboard

The next logical step for sound reduction is to combine the raised frame concept and add the duct board mentioned in part 1. In the following steps we’ll show you how to do this type of install.


STEP 1:  First we created two frames with inside dimensions of 14.5″x22.5″ using 2×4’s.


STEP 2:  Next we made a box using the two frames from step 1 and 3/8″ plywood. For this example we made our raised frame 17″ tall using (2) 25.5″ x 17″ and (2) 18.25″x17″ pieces of plywood. The vertical clearance of your attic will determine how tall of a box you can create. The picture shown is with one side removed.


STEP 3:  Position the box over the framed opening and secure. Caulk all of the seams and gaps of the newly constructed raised frame. Attach the provided gasket to the upper frame of the box. Line the box between the 2×4 frames with duct board. In this example we used (2) 24″x10.75″ and (2) 16″x10.75″ sections of duct board. We decided to go with a friction fit, but adhesive or screws with flat washers would work as well.


STEP 4:  Position the unit on top of the raised frame (1.7 shown). Secure using the provided screws. From the living space caulk all the gaps between the unit and the framing. You can now follow the remaining steps in the installation and operation manual to finish your install.



PART 1 / PART 2 / PART 3

Sound Reduction part 1 – Duct Board

Your AirScape is already the quietest whole house fan on the market, but there are a few install techniques to make it even quieter. We’ve decided to dedicate a few blog entries to some techniques that will help with sound reduction.

We’ll start with a simple installation step that works with all AirScape models. You can easily line the inside of the framed opening (between the unit and grille) with duct board. Duct board is a resin bonded fiberglass board that has acoustic and insulative properties. The fibrous mat surface of the duct board helps absorb sound and allows for the smooth passage of air. The fiberglass body of this material usually has an insulation value of R-4. The duct board can easily be installed in new or existing installations using either adhesive or screws and flat washers. In fact, we love this material so much we lined one wall of our new office with it (our lead engineer’s rants on energy efficiency, life, and politics are a little more muffled now).

Duct board resources:

http://www.specjm.com/products/ductboard/enviroaire.asp

http://www.owenscorningcommercial.com/data/products/product.aspx?id=271

http://www.certainteed.com/products/insulation/hvac-mechanical/317382



PART 1 / PART 2