Acoustic Insulation for an Airing Cupboard

[TVC]

A quick question. We have just had a nice shiny new boiler fitted in the airing cupboard. Now the boiler is one of the quietest on the market, but the cupboard is rather lightweight and acts like a soundbox.

So any thoughts on suitable sound deadening materials I could add to the inside of the cupboard? Open cell foam sheeting is available from specialist suppliers, but I could do with something I could pick up from B&Q tomorrow.

Thanks

 

[paul04]

In B&Q they do some blue plasterboard which is called soundbloc plasterboard, which is ideal for blocking out sound, not sure on the price, and like Reiver Said, you can double up plasterboard if it works out cheaper that way

also if you can, get 8x4 sheets as it works out cheaper than buying smaller boards, just take a knife with you to cut it so it will fit in the car.

 

[TVC]

That sound like what I'm after, thanks guys

 

[tony111]

Have a quick read of the boiler handbook just in case it needs air for ventilation purposes, it probably wont, but better safe than sorry.

 

[TVC]

Have a quick read of the boiler handbook just in case it needs air for ventilation purposes, it probably wont, but better safe than sorry.

It's a room sealed combi, I won't be reducing the stated clearances around the unit, and it won't seal the cupboard either. The idea of adding mass to the cupboard seems to be where I'm heading.

 

[slowmotion]

It's a room sealed combi, I won't be reducing the stated clearances around the unit, and it won't seal the cupboard either. The idea of adding mass to the cupboard seems to be where I'm heading.

Even if it's room sealed, the manufacturer might still specify a minimum open area for the cupboard to stop the boiler casing overheating. Have a look in the installation manual, or on the boiler manufacturer's website.

 

[TVC]

Even if it's room sealed, the manufacturer might still specify a minimum open area for the cupboard to stop the boiler casing overheating. Have a look in the installation manual, or on the boiler manufacturer's website.

Yep, I've checked that out and all will be OK.

Actually I'm starting to think of rebuilding the whole cupboard as a more substantial structure, the current thing is not the best crafted thing I've ever seen

 

[Ben M]

Egg cartons.

You better get eating.

 

[Saluki]

Egg cartons.

You better get eating.

I was going to say that but after reading all the comments, I figured that egg box sound insulation was a thing of the past.

 

[TVC]

I was waiting for the egg carton suggestion, the acoustic foam is basically an engineered equivalent

 

[classic33]

I was waiting for the egg carton suggestion, the acoustic foam is basically an engineered equivalent

Are you saying that the hens now lay the packaging as well as the eggs!!

 

[Globalti]

I did this to improve the acoustics of a bare metal MOD Land Rover diesel and later the shower pump in our airing cupboard.

The most amazing improvement came simply from lining the inside of the Landy roof with sound-absorbing felt; it sucked all the sharp frequencies out of the engine noise and made it dramatically more bearable, a much more noticeable improvement than any of the subsequent sound-proofing that I fitted around the seat box and bulkhead.

For the shower pump I built a box from ply, lined it with carpet underlay and covered it in a soundproofing felt outer. This slips over the pump with slits cut in the material, to accommodate then close around the pipes. It works a treat; the nasty high-pitched whine of the pump has gone and all you hear is a muted hum. If I was you I'd certainly block all gaps and holes and line the inside of the cupboard with something like felt or carpet underlay, you'll be amazed at how much that will absorb.

Get automotive sound-absorbing needlefelt from Segal Motor Trimmings in Manchester; they will post a roll to you.

http://www.segalmotortrimmings.net/index.php/foam-felt-fibreboards/felt/?k=:11:156741:

 

[vernon]

Yep, I've checked that out and all will be OK.

Actually I'm starting to think of rebuilding the whole cupboard as a more substantial structure, the current thing is not the best crafted thing I've ever seen

Try moving house and let someone else have the hassle of silencing the noisy boiler.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

Earplugs?

Whack the stereo on loud?

 

[Fnaar]

Fill it with sheets, blankets etc