Hey everyone, I have a question about covering a cold air return duct that is in one of my bedrooms. The air flows into the hallway but the duct itself protrudes into the bedroom. My son sleeps in there and I wanted to soundproof that so the sound of the furnace doesn't bother him as much. Also I wanted it to look nicer than looking at the steel duct. The problem is I wanted to try not to do it with 2x4 if I can help it because I have an outlet right there that it will block. Is there anything in the construction world that will accomplish this? I was hoping to stick insulation around the duct to soundproof it. Thanks.

Joe

You can use duct wrap for the duct and drywall cornerbead. The problem is screwing the angle to the wall. As an alternate, why not build it out of 2X2 and move the outlet?

Will the 2 x to be sturdy enough to hold sheetrock up?

What will the cornerbead option do? Sorry I'm not following.

if I move the outlet I think can just use 2 x 3 and sheetrock, then stick insulation inside. Whether I use 2 x 2 or 2 x 3, my most concern is that if I do this, will the insulation (bat) soundproof the noise or is there another route I should go?


Thanks for your help.

Even a couple of dB will make a significant difference. Use 5/8 rock. For such a small space use 2 X 3 or side turned 2 x 4,that way the wall is 1 1/2" thick.

What is dB?

Sorry, that's my physics background speaking. DB is a decibel, a logarithmic measurement of sound. A couple of decibel reduction makes a big reduction in sound level.

Gotcha, I wasn't thinking dB as sound. I thought it was a construction term. Mkes sense now. Would it wise to put regular insulation against the duct or should I use the wrap? I thought cost wise it would be cheaper. After looking at it, it's inevitable I have to move the outlet. No matter how I do it, there is only about 1 1/2 inches of play there. Even if I cut the plate a tad.

You can wrap it with regular insulation. Moving the box over came be easy or hard. If there is enough wire, you should be able to move over an inch or so. Kill the power, tear out the old box-I usually let them drop to the floor cavity-use an old work box and fill the hole. As an alternative, possibly easier, install an old work box 3-4 inches down the wall, convert the old box to a junction box, run a new wire and cover the old box with a cover plate. Metal cover plates, used with utility boxes are smaller than the plastic ones. Lots of builders today, get more closet space by using a 2X2 for the plates and 2X3 turned sideways. It is not a bearing wall so lighter construction is fine. You can pick up 2" that way.