Registered: 01/25/08
Posts: 2
Loc: Brooklyn, New York
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Hi Ethan [and any other folks with prior experience on this topic]
Sorry if you’ve already addressed these concerns/questions in the past.
Your panel trap designs are especially appealing to me because the fiberglass becomes completely encased, with basically zero chance for any fibers to escape. Since both my wife and daughter have severe asthma and allergies, this is an area of real concern for us.
I’ve studied your ¼” and 1/8” ply panel trap designs, and want to know if it is possible to achieve the same results if I incorporate a stiff backing panel into the design for each trap - in lieu of using the actual wall. The reasons for this are:
1. I don’t want to permanently attach any of the traps. 2. It would mean I could build them all at ground level, with less time spent on my ladder at heights that are scary (I’ve got 18’ ceilings.) 3. There is indeed a “wife acceptance factor” at play, as this is our living space. She might be more amenable to dealing with more traps if she knows they’re just hanging up like a painting, and not permanently affixed.
So, do you think ½” or ¾” plywood for the back would work out? Or is there another material I should consider? I would follow every other step and use all other materials as shown in the plan drawings [except for using the actual wall surface as the back panel.]
And, one final question: Is USG brand [Sheetrock] acoustical sealant the way to go when sealing the joints of the panel traps? It seems to be the ultimate caulk in my past experience, and it is inexpensive. Or do you recommend something else?
BTW, I downloaded your tones and was astonished at the varying bass buildups and cancellations in different areas all over my space. Wow! Can’t wait to get this problem taken care of…
Registered: 06/12/00
Posts: 5299
Loc: New Milford, CT, USA
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You can make a thick rigid back but I recommend against that. It's not difficult to wrap fiberglass with soft fabric thick enough to keep all the fibers in place.
--Ethan
_________________________ www.realtraps.com The acoustic treatment experts
