observation window

[mncheetah]

Can someone put up a diagram of how a double wall observation window should look. Do both sides of both walls have to be sheet rocked, if so - how do you get in and sheetrock between the two walls - there would be no room. Would the STC rating be comperable for a single 2x8 wall with staggered 2x4 studs. Also, how are the glass plates mounted - please describe the framing process. Thank you.

 

[ausrock]

In relation to glass............

If possible use two different thickness, the thicker the better. Some laminated glass has a thicker membrane which will also give better insulation. Check that out with a glass supplier.

Mount the glass so it is insulated from the timber frame with either silicon or rubber. Also dont have any contact between the inner and outer frames.

Peace..........ChrisO

 

[KSound]

Glass For Control Room / Studio

I'm just starting construction of a new control room (29L x 16W x 9H), and am installing two 14 x 4 glass panels. One will be 3/8" thick and the other 1/2". I do have some rough drawing that may help some of you, and there is also a good book available, that deals with this and some other issues .. by F.Alton Everest and Mike Shea named: How To Build A Small Budget Recording Studio". Not only are the drawings clear, but the math is explained, and there are 12 "tested designs" as well.

Make sure you have one plate of glass at an angle so that they are not parrell and acting as moth a reflective mirror (you'll be looking at yourself!), and also they resonate together if the thickness is the same for each. Mail me if you'd like any info on what we're up to.

 

[Buick]

Everest's book is very good. It explains things in ways that are easy to comprehend. Glass windows are expensive, and since every material is transparent to sound at some frequency, there is another option. Try checking out Plexiglas G. I use 1/2 & 3/4 thicknesses and it works great. It's also alot less expensive. Check your fire codes 'cause that stuff will burn. The angling of the glass does more to prevent reflections that make it hard to see through than it does anything significant regarding sound transmission. Also remember to totally separate the two window frames from one another or you will get some serious low freg. transmission. Insulating the top, bottom and sides of the interior space will cut down on the ping-pong effect between the windows, too. Windows are tough- you need to be sure they are damn well built, or the leakage is ferocious.
Buick