I live in an area where natural disasters are common, and they normally cause power outages. Therefore, it’s necessary that I have a functioning generator in my home.
Generators, of course, can be loud and distracting while they operate. For a while, I tried to put up with the noise, but my wife was having a hard time concentrating, especially when the generator started buzzing like crazy.
That’s when I decided to take action and build my own soundproof box for my generator. I built my own instead of buying one, because these boxes are quite expensive. Building one of them is actually quite easy, though, if you carefully follow the seven steps outlined below.
You should always keep in mind that it’s impossible to completely silence a generator. There must be air intake and output to allow for sufficient cooling, because you don’t want your generator to overheat. Consequently, having vents on your soundproof box is important, and this will allow a bit of sound to get out.
Tools and Materials
Before getting started, it’s best that you equip yourself with the necessary tools and materials. Here are a few things you’ll need to get the job done:
- A measuring tape
- A saw
- A drill/driver
- A pen and pencil
- Screws
- Green Glue
- A hammer and a screwdriver
- Mass Loaded Vinyl
- Medium-density fiberboard
- Foam mats
- A ventilation duct
How to Make a Soundproof Generator Box
1. Take Measurements
To start, take the measurements of your generator with a measuring tape. One thing to remember is that generators come in different sizes, and not all boxes are the same size. Taking accurate measurements is very important, and if you mess up the measurements, you’ll probably ruin the entire project.
Once you’ve finished measuring your generator, write the measurements down. It’s also a great idea to add several inches onto each measurement, because you’ll need some extra space for insulation and ventilation.
2. Create The Sides and Top
Once you’ve got your measurements, it’ll be time to cut your medium-density fiberboard in accordance with them, by using a circular or table saw. If you have pieces of plywood lying around, then you can also use those instead of medium-density fiberboard.
If you’re getting fiberboard, make sure you buy the right amount, so you don’t have to go back to the hardware store or make a second order online.
3. Make Ventilation Holes
Once you have your ventilation ducts in place, measure the diameter of the ducts and mark two circles on the fiberboard to cut.
One of these circles should be located on the piece that’s meant for the top—keep in mind that it’s better to place it on either end of the board, as opposed to the centre. The second circle should be located on a board that will be used as a wall, on the opposite side from the top duct.
When you’ve finished making these circles, lay your fiberboard walls flat on your workspace. Place the one that’ll be used for the ceiling in the centre, with the four walls surrounding the top.
4. Add Mass Loaded Vinyl Insulation
A key thing to remember about soundproofing is layers: layers of materials, layers of free space and gaps, etc. The most effective way to soundproof the inside of a generator box is by adding multiple layers of sound-deadening material.
One material of this type is Mass Loaded Vinyl, which you can purchase for a reasonable price. This will be used for the first layer of insulation in your soundproof generator box.
The installation process is pretty easy. All you’ll need to do is cut the Mass Loaded Vinyl down to the size of your box, and glue it to the inside of your soundboard. Be sure to seal the edges by using this Green Glue noiseproofing compound.
5. Add the Second Layer of Insulation
The next insulation layer that you’ll add to your soundproof box will be made of foam mats. A closed-cell, soundproof foam mat is the best option, as these mats are very soft, which will make it hard for sound to jump around and bounce off the walls of your box. As with the Mass Loaded Vinyl, cut it down to an appropriate size and glue it directly to the first layer (of MLV). Caulk the edges again to complete the job.
6. Assemble the Soundproof Box
Once you’ve completed all the tasks above, it’ll be time to assemble the box.
To begin, attach all four walls together by using screws. Finally, you’ll need to attach the ceiling of the enclosure to the rest, and securely screw it down.
Keep in mind that you can also install some hinges, and this will give you easy access to your generator. For this to happen, though, the vents will need to be installed differently, as the hoses will present a barrier.
7. Install the Ventilation Ducts
It’s important to supply air and proper ventilation to the inside of your generator’s soundproof box, as this will help stop the generator from overheating.
To do so effectively, you must use venting ducts that are flexible. Since soundwaves have a linear path when they’re travelling, this will cause a lot of noise to get caught and diminish.
Thread the venting hoses into the circular holes that you prepared earlier, and secure them in place. Lastly, you should add a smaller vent right above those openings.
Conclusion
See? Building your own soundproof box for your generator isn’t as hard as one might think. Soundproofing your generator will make your life a lot easier, as it’ll help block a fair amount of noise from entering your home. For safety’s sake, just make sure you create a proper airflow so your generator won’t overheat!
If you’ve got a shed on your property, you may also be interested in our guide to soundproofing a garden shed.
image 1: Wikimedia Commons; image 2: Alex Borland