Is PVC Permitted in a 2 Family Home Renovation?


I’ve seen that some people say that they think that PVC is permitted for the sewage pipes of a two family conversion in NYC. Is it true 100% that the DOB will permit PVC for a 2 family home? Some people say that is very noisy. What type of sound insulation would be the best to eliminate that problem?

Categories: Plumbers
By 5thFloor | 03/02/2011 12:13 PM | Comment

Regarding the Subfloor. Architectural Question


This morning I had an interesting conversation with an architect. He was telling me that in order to achieve the best sound insulation between floors, I should install the plywood subfloor floating, without nails or screws to the joists or beams. He was telling me that the nails are not needed and I could just glue all the pieces of plywood together. He was telling me that each nail or screw will carry the sound between floors.

I know that is not common practice, but is he right? Is it crazy to install the plywood subfloor without screwing or nailing it to the joists or beams? Any opinions will be appreciated. The photographs are just for illustration. I’ve got them from the Internet, not related to our project.

The project is typical two families Brooklyn townhouse, 20×40 feet.

Categories: Architects
By 5thFloor | 01/28/2011 11:45 AM | Comment