Sound transfer via fireplaces
I can hear my third floor tenants conversations via the decorative fireplaces on my parlor level. Same from my bedroom right below. Comes through crystal clear right through the insert. I’ve learned (learning?) to choose my battles when it comes to soundproofing my townhouse but curious if anyone has any obvious solutions for this particular source?
I don’t believe there’s anything functionally happening inside the old chimney/flue. Unlike an old townhouse I rented where it was the forced air source, my building has duct work and soffits.

Guest User | 4 years and 8 months ago
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cate | 4 years and 7 months ago
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You are absolutely right! If it goes to the boiler or furnace, probably a chimney company would be the one to consult. If it’s for something else such as air conditioning or venting a gas dryer, perhaps try an HVAC company.

Guest User | 4 years and 7 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "202271"
It is in use still @Cate and that was my first thought too! Don’t need those gases entering the apartment and the tape is pretty weakly wrapped.

cate | 4 years and 7 months ago
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Is that an old duct that isn’t in use? If so, wouldn’t worry about it. If it is in use, I’d wonder about that tape or whatever it is and make sure it’s properly sealed.

Guest User | 4 years and 7 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "202271"
Finally got around to opening the cover, they had sealed it fairly well. Looks like they did in fact use the chimney to vent the cellar furnace (and possibly water heaters too). What a mess they left inside the fireplace though. Thoughts and opinions welcome, is there more to do here?
[4EDE9056-841B-4CCE-8F18-6512E073E3D7](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:AIse:4ede9056841b4cce8f186512e073e3d7.jpeg.jpg) [C7529D34-EAB5-4484-B8DB-3D09F3A548CF](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:n0dZ:c7529d34eab54484b8db3d09f3a548cf.jpeg.jpg) [2D2FB52B-EEFC-41B7-A686-C64F9F448450](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:aBq2:2d2fb52beefc41b7a686c64f9f448450.jpeg.jpg)

Guest User | 4 years and 8 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "202271"
Yep, no-permitz, was a flip. While I’m (increasingly) well versed in the shortcuts/workmanship issues in flips, what in this particular situation made you think to ask? What could they have messed up there?
Ha, I was waiting to be corrected on ‘insert’. I meant cover. Going to remove that off this weekend and get a better look) will report back.

yudashasom | 4 years and 8 months ago
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Was your house a flip? This isn’t a common problem because chimneys *should* have separate flues/chambers.
You say you have an insert, do you mean cover? If that’s what you mean, can you remove it to see what’s going on behind?

stevecym | 4 years and 8 months ago
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You know what they say about unplastered brick and sound transmission.

Guest User | 4 years and 8 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "202271"
Thankfully that hasn’t come up yet, Bob, but there’s still a few days of 2020 left so who knows.

RobertGMarvin
in General Discussion 4 years and 8 months ago
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Sound transmission isn’t just through flues. In a couple of rooms I can hear my neighbors through back to back gas fireplaces.

Guest User | 4 years and 8 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "202271"
Thanks Steve and Urbandad, good things to think about. I can’t recall whether the chimney is uncapped but if memory (and photos) serves me it is. Maybe solving two issues at once if I can better seal it. Will take off the inserts this weekend and see if I can get a look inside.

hkapstein | 4 years and 8 months ago
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That’s probably overkill. If you want to just pack it, you could use bonded logic ultratouch denim batts from home depot and jamb them up there. Or roxul mineral wool, but I dislike handling that compared to the ultratouch. It is more fireproof though is if it’s near an active flu it might be a better bet. Both are great sound insulation.

stevecym | 4 years and 8 months ago
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i just tried looking for inflatable packing and it returned a lot of results – too busy to read. if this were me, i might see if a car inner tube might fit in there, put it in a bag, pre inflate it a little, bind it into shape with loosely applied duct tape, stick it in there with the valve facing down and put a few lbs of air into it.
you can always put expandable foam insulation in there but that might create a hassle later. as you blow it in you might have to find a way to support it or you will have a mess.

stevecym | 4 years and 8 months ago
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if you have an uncapped chimney anyway, you are letting a lot of heat out of it. and that is pulling a lot of cold air in from down below, the doors, etc. i like what urbandad says. perhaps you can find somekind of packaging balloon to put in there and fill it with air. maybe something made with a schrader valve (tire valve) on it?

Guest User | 4 years and 8 months ago
string(1) "3" string(6) "202271"
Thanks Urbandad, I’m not certain adding a damper would work as there’d still be gaps? Had also thought adding rockwool would be a good bet. Never heard of a chimney balloon, will look into that too.
I had imagined I wasn’t the only person to experience this and there’d be someone here with a “here’s what I did” response.

hkapstein | 4 years and 8 months ago
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Can you close the damper or add a damper? If not, you could try stuffing it with a chimney balloon or some mineral wool. Make sure of course it’s not venting anything.