Luckily, there are many ways to increase soundproofing in your home and get peace of mind. Contacting drywall contractors is a good place to start.

Read on to discover how drywall can dampen sound in interior spaces. 

Why Soundproof Your Home

Our lives are filled with sound. Some are softer and quieter, like the sound of a gentle wind, while others can knock you off balance. According to scientists, sounds over 85 decibels can damage our hearing. Yet, even the most common sounds pass that threshold (leaf blowers, motorcycles, music concerts, car sirens, etc.)

In addition, noise pollution and intense sounds can cause stress, heart disease, high blood pressure, and disturbed sleep patterns. So, soundproofing your home will not only protect your privacy but will also prove beneficial for your hearing and overall health. 

How to Dampen Sound in the House

There are many techniques for creating a tight soundproof barrier between your rooms, your home, and the outdoors. Those concerning indoor and outdoor walls are the most effective ones:

1. Wall partition – You will dampen the sound by increasing the mass of your wall partition, i.e. non-load bearing walls. You can achieve this by adding lead, mass-loaded vinyl, or an extra drywall layer.
2. Air space – Another way to dampen sound is to increase the air quantity within the wall itself. You can do this by building double walls or a resilient channel. 
3. Sound absorbing materials – Add materials that can absorb sound. Two great examples are insulation and sound-dampening glue. 

What is Drywall? 

Drywall is a common construction material that became especially popular in the 20th century. It goes by many names: plasterboard, sheetrock, gypsum board,  and custard board.  In its essence, drywall is a panel that is made of gypsum. 

Manufacturers can combine gypsum with a plasticizer, fiber, additives, and foaming agents—these further highlight its primary positive qualities: moisture resistance, fireproofing, soundproofing, and stability.

Soundproof vs Regular Drywall

When using drywall for soundproofing, it’s important to choose thicker drywall—for instance, the five-eights drywall instead of the half-inch one. 

Keep in mind that regular drywall is not fully soundproof. The drywall vibrates when in contact with sound waves; simply put, it allows noise to pass through rather than blocking it. But, you can eliminate this issue by choosing soundproof drywall. 

Besides gypsum, soundproof drywall also has ceramics and viscoelastic in its interior layers. Combined with the gypsum, these two further boost sound blocking, making soundproof drywall a highly effective tool for dampening sound.

Contact Drywall Brandon Fl Contractors

Want to boost your soundproofing? We can help you create your dream property, whether you are looking to revamp your kitchen, install soundproof drywall, or build an addition. 

At Tam Bay Construction, we provide general contractor services, and we have over 100 completed projects in the Tampa Bay area. Additionally, we have over 30 years of experience in commercial and residential construction. 

Contact us today. 

The post Can Drywall Improve Soundproofing? appeared first on Tam Bay Construction.

Many homeowners choose to convert their basement into a comfortable living space. Read on to learn where to find the best drywall repair in Brandon, FL, and consider these tips to get you started. 

Basement Permits and Codes

When it comes to basements, municipalities have strict rules and building codes. Insulation, moisture, and fire protection are just a few preconditions homeowners must meet. The materials used, design, and the contractors doing the work are also part of the bigger picture. Knowing the angles of the process will help you plan a budget for your project and give you realistic expectations. 

Basement-friendly Materials

Finishing basement walls is done inside the already existing concrete walls. So, it requires adequate materials that will be moisture- and rot-proof. Wood treated with the ACQ chemical will diminish the rotting but be sure to use ACQ-compatible fasteners that won’t corrode. You can also use moisture-resistant drywall and install foam board insulation. 

Existing Pipes and Electrical Wirings

The building code requires electrical wirings to run through the ceiling and then be dropped down the wall studs. The electrical wiring must be done by a licensed electrician who will know how many electrical outlets should be installed. 

If there are existing pipes in the concrete walls, it is best to do the wall finishing by covering the pipes. It will take too much time and money to reroute pipes, so the simplest solution is to cut an inch or two from the living space instead. 

Wall Finishing Components

The finished basement walls consist of several layers. Each layer is important and has its role in the basement wall finishing structure.

Moisture Barriers and Waterproofing

Water and moisture are the enemies of walls. To avoid water leakage that can damage your new walls, some preparation is due. 

Namely, you want to direct water away from the walls of the house and do some exterior waterproofing. Taking care of all moisture issues by waterproofing the house will save you lots of money in the long run. Basement waterproofing indicates good air quality and no structural damage. Instead of preventing moisture, barriers are used to control moisture and its movement. These barriers are usually plastic sheets or membranes but this is not always the rule. 

Insulation

Wall insulation is responsible for controlling temperature, serves as an air and vapor barrier, and can dampen the sounds. Spray foam, foam panel boards, mineral fiber batt, or fiberglass insulation are most often used during the insulation process. Preventing heat escape, fire-blocking, and adequate air sealing are just some main benefits of insulation.

Framing and Finishing Walls

Finished walls need framing as support for drywall, windows, electrical boxes, and more surfaces. To create fire-blocking, the wall is divided into small compartments. To be sure you won’t have to deal with microbial growth, treat any wood that comes into contact with the concrete.

Finishing the walls will be based on the plumbing and electrical wirings required in the basement. All it takes is creative planning to cover all wiring and plumbing – and create a visually pleasing basement. 

Consult a Professional Basement Wall Finishing Provider

Drywall that’s used to cover frames comes in many versions. Let Tam Bay Construction be your next choice when you wish to turn your basement into a practical and fun living space. Offering the best drywall repair services – like drywall as a thermal barrier, or a decorative surface – our professionals can ensure your basement wall finishing is spot on and of top quality. 

Learn more and contact our team to schedule an estimation.

The post Finishing Basement Walls: What to Know and Where to Find Drywall Repair in Florida appeared first on Tam Bay Construction.

But how do you know whether you should worry?

Let’s go through the different causes of drywall cracks and learn how our drywall repair team in Brandon, FL  can help you find the right solutions.

Causes

Some wall cracks may have been prevented with better care or installation, but there’s often nothing you can do — walls will simply show damage over time. Still, there are many possible causes of wall cracks:

Normal Settling Cracks & New Homes

Over the years, a house’s foundation and the soil underneath will shift and move due to weather changes. This settling can cause some drywall cracking in the weakest areas. Therefore, hairline cracks near doors and windows are typically a sign of normal house settlement.

Over the first few years of living in a new home, the fresh lumber used in construction will gradually lose its moisture. As the wood dries out, it slightly moves and can cause small, surface-level cracks to form, usually at the joints.

Vacant Builds

Sometimes houses can sit empty for longer periods of time. Whether they’re vacation homes, rentals, or have been on the market for a long time, these builds are likely to show some drywall cracking. This occurs because of the lack of climate control.

When temperatures and humidity levels fluctuate, the drywall will expand and contract — and some superficial cracks can appear.

Leaks

Damage from water leaks is easy to identify as you’ll notice discoloration. The affected area might also feel soft, depending on how long the issue’s been going on. Before you can address the negative effects of water on your walls, you need to find the source of the leak and fix it. After that, you can replace the damaged section of the drywall.

Faulty Taping

Although some cracks are normal and can’t really be prevented, sometimes wall cracking is a result of poor workmanship. Issues can arise because of the use of too little or too much mud, missing drywall tape, etc. So, choosing a reliable provider is an important part of any home construction or repair project.

Foundation Damage

Wall cracks can also indicate serious underlying issues. Sometimes they’re a result of the foundation greatly shifting or sinking. Other times, they’re caused by the deterioration or collapse of supporting wood. Either way, these damages hurt your home’s structural integrity and need to be dealt with immediately.

You should look further into cracks when they are wider than an inch. If termites are the source of the problem, you will need to contact pest control before you can get started on any repairs.

Repairs

As you may have noticed, most drywall cracks are cosmetic issues that require minor repairs to be as good as new. Other times, however, cracks can indicate a greater problem with your home and its support structure. These instances require immediate attention and more intense repairs to keep your home safe.

Contact Tam Bay Construction for Drywall Repair in Brandon, FL

Contact Tam Bay Construction, Inc. to schedule an assessment to determine the exact cause of drywall cracks and develop an effective repair solution. Check out our site for more information on drywall repair and other services we offer throughout Brandon, FL!

The post Causes of Wall Cracks and Drywall Repair in Brandon, FL appeared first on Tam Bay Construction.

Whether you’re looking to renovate, remodel, or upgrade, you’ll likely need some help. In this article, we’ll show you how to get it. Before hiring a general contractor, let’s look at what you need to consider to ensure you’re getting the best service.

Licenses and Permits

Whenever you’re working on home renovations, you want to ensure that you have the correct permits and have hired a contractor with the proper authorization to operate within your state or county.

In Florida, some tasks don’t require a general contractor license, and others might only require contractors to be locally registered. Other than having the correct documentation, requirements for a good general contractor can include relevant experience, amiability, and positive customer reviews and recommendations.

Why do I need a general contractor?

General contractors oversee the construction, provide workers, equipment, and materials, as well as ensure everything runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently. They can handle a variety of projects, such as:

• New construction and additions;
• Remodeling;
• Repair and renovation;
• Painting;
• Flooring;
• Plumbing;
• Woodworking;
• Roofing.

Some contractors may specialize in a specific niche, while others can provide comprehensive service. So, if you’re starting a large-scale project, it’s best to get professional assistance.

Questions for Your Contractor

Before you select a contractor and sign any binding documents, you should know the details of your arrangement. After you’ve made sure a contractor has proper licensing, certifications, and insurance, you should inquire about:

• The estimated timeline;
• The work schedule;
• The cost;
• The payment schedule;
• Means to reach the contractor;
• Past project and experience.

Another good idea is to get an outside opinion – check customer reviews of contractors and their previous projects.

General Contractor Red Flags

Always be careful when choosing a contractor – one small mistake can cost you plenty. Here are some signs that you need to be wary of a contractor:

• Aren’t properly licensed and insured;
• Require cash payments;
• Request large or full up-front payments;
• Refuse to sign a contract;
• Are difficult to reach.

Hiring a General Contractor

A home renovation, repair, or remodel is a huge project, and you don’t want to trust the wrong person with it. Making sure you have everything in writing can protect both parties, so always ask to draw up a proper contract.

Never go into business without this document. Ensure that it includes the payment schedule and amount, timelines, and further information about your cooperation (for example, what happens in the event something goes wrong).

Choosing the Right General Contractor in Brandon, FL

If you’re looking for a skilled, professional, and experienced contractor, you’re already in the right place. Tam Bay Construction offers expert service with over 30 years of experience and many satisfied customers. Our team has you covered, from outdoor and indoor kitchen remodeling to complete home renovations.

Contact us today, and we’ll make your dream home design a reality!

The post What You Need To Know Before Hiring a General Contractor appeared first on Tam Bay Construction.