Sound takes the easiest route. A 1% opening in a wall can cut its performance roughly in half. Flanking paths carry sound around a wall through floors, ceilings, ducts and structure.
- Run walls to the structural deck, not just to the suspended ceiling.
- Seal the top and bottom of drywall with non-hardening acoustic sealant.
- Offset outlet boxes on opposite sides by at least one stud bay, and use putty pads.
- Line ducts or add silencers where they pass between quiet rooms.
- Use solid-core doors with full perimeter seals and an automatic door bottom.