Insulation the interior walls?

[Dave C.]

I just wanted get some opinions on whether to opt to have all the interior walls of the new 1941 sq ft. manufactured home we are about to buy. The price is $430 to do all the walls. Most people at the dealer, say it is a waste of money, as there is no real benefit. I just don't want to be putting money out for no real gains.
Thanks in advance,
Dave

[ScottMan]

As a newer (2 years) mh owner, I'd say for sound proofing, it would be worth it. MH walls are definitely thinner and sound really travels. If you have a stereo, TV with surround sound, etc, every room can hear it. Insulating will definitely lessen the noise. For heating purposes, I'd say it has no benefit. my 2c w.

[Mark]

Do it.

There will be a mild improvement in sound baffling (most sound travels through the studs, not the airspace), and it's not that expensive. Just make sure they use UNFACED insulation. There's no need for a vapor barrier on interior walls and it could cause problems by trapping moisture.

[Bill Fry]

If the home has 1/2 inch tape and textured sheetrock don't bother,it wouldn't make a difference.However, if you have the MH standard fare 1/4 inch stuff with strips between it by all means have it put in.Half inch sheetrock is a pretty good sound insulator while 1/4 inch or thinner panels are about as sound absorbent as paper towels.

[Dave C.]

Yes we are getting tape and texture walls, but I'm not certain on the thickness. So the extra thickness of the sheetrock and the "mud" on the walls, will make that much of an audible difference? We live in an old 1968 home now and I hate how loud it is from room to room, so that is why I am leaning towards the extra insulation.
Its nice to be able to make these decisions before ordering the house. We plan to sign papers this weekend and be on our way.
Thanks to all that responded.
Dave

[ScottMan]

For the money considering its your investment, I would do it. I noticed a huge diff from my old stick-built to my mh with drywall. Bump into the walls and it sounds "thin". I'd say regardless of the drywall, it's a small % of your total home price. Sounds will still be dampened more with the insulation regardless. It can only help. Good Luck!

[Neil]

Sound is energy and has to be stopped by something that has mass to it. That is why we used lead lined curtains in industry(not feasible in homes). Save your money, you would get more sound reduction by thicker wallboard however but it may not be worth it.

[jgn]

You need to see what thickness of interior wall studs you will have. Some are 2x4 but many MH have 2x3. If you have T&T most likley it will be 1/2". Insullating the interior walls will help but there are a lot of other things that will add to the noise of a MH. Other factors that will make the home noisey are gaps at the bottom of the doors for ventilation or a grate on top of doors. A lot of sound is transmitted is through your HVAC vents. If you decide to not insullate the entire home make sure you insullate the furnace room. Full length curtains in the living area can make a big difference as will plants and other objects that keep sound from bouncing off walls.

[Mark]

Solid core doors will also go a long way to stopping interior sound, good, high quality double pane windows will help ease the exterior noise.

[Ann]

Boy I think that's a good price for all the walls. I'd do it, but I have a child that when she goes to bed, we'd like to watch some good, surround sound TV and we don't because it's too noisy. We were going to move and they priced us one room at $300! I do it for the soundproofing!

Just remember, you won't be able to yell at your wife unless she's in the same room, 'cause she won't hear ya. Heehee