Building a generator shed

[LevelUpLifter]

My dad is building a 4'x4'x4' generator shed/sound enclosure for their 6.5NH generator on a remote property near the family's lake house.

The shed has three goals: weather protection, security, and noise reduction for neighbors.

The construction involves an outer layer of 1/2" T11 siding, an inner layer of 1/8" Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) on all surfaces, Rock Wool insulation for fire resistance and sound absorption, and an inner skin of aluminized woven poly for radiant heat reflection and aesthetics.

The generator sits on a plywood shelf with a ducted cooling air exhaust system lined with high-temperature insulation.

Fresh air intake is baffled. The engine exhaust uses the factory manifold, flex section, and a custom-built thimble, with plans for an external muffler (Onan or automotive) and vertical exhaust.

He installed the heat shields to protect the shed from radiant heat. All openings will be screened, I think it's cool.

He's currently finishing the exhaust welding and plans to complete the roof and doors soon.

Thoughts?

 

[Robin Scherbatsky]

My dad is building a 4'x4'x4' generator shed/sound enclosure for their 6.5NH generator on a remote property near the family's lake house.

The shed has three goals: weather protection, security, and noise reduction for neighbors.

The construction involves an outer layer of 1/2" T11 siding, an inner layer of 1/8" Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) on all surfaces, Rock Wool insulation for fire resistance and sound absorption, and an inner skin of aluminized woven poly for radiant heat reflection and aesthetics.

The generator sits on a plywood shelf with a ducted cooling air exhaust system lined with high-temperature insulation.

Fresh air intake is baffled. The engine exhaust uses the factory manifold, flex section, and a custom-built thimble, with plans for an external muffler (Onan or automotive) and vertical exhaust.

He installed the heat shields to protect the shed from radiant heat. All openings will be screened, I think it's cool.

He's currently finishing the exhaust welding and plans to complete the roof and doors soon.

Thoughts?

Oh, props to your dad for that well thought out project! Pretty sure it will turn out great and continue to perform that way in the long run. Good luck! Tell him continue with the ventilation and exhaust plans so it's gonna last long

 

[MorePower]

Absolutely! Your dad deserves a shoutout for putting together such a solid project. It really sounds like it's built to last for a long time. Make sure you encourage him to stay on top of the ventilation and exhaust work, too, that's super important for making sure everything holds up down the road.

Is retirement not in his plans anytime soon?

 

[TailOfChaos]

My dad is building a 4'x4'x4' generator shed/sound enclosure for their 6.5NH generator on a remote property near the family's lake house.

The shed has three goals: weather protection, security, and noise reduction for neighbors.

The construction involves an outer layer of 1/2" T11 siding, an inner layer of 1/8" Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) on all surfaces, Rock Wool insulation for fire resistance and sound absorption, and an inner skin of aluminized woven poly for radiant heat reflection and aesthetics.

The generator sits on a plywood shelf with a ducted cooling air exhaust system lined with high-temperature insulation.

Fresh air intake is baffled. The engine exhaust uses the factory manifold, flex section, and a custom-built thimble, with plans for an external muffler (Onan or automotive) and vertical exhaust.

He installed the heat shields to protect the shed from radiant heat. All openings will be screened, I think it's cool.

He's currently finishing the exhaust welding and plans to complete the roof and doors soon.

Thoughts?

Your dad's approach to noise reduction is particularly smart with the MLV and Rock Wool combo, that should make a huge difference for the neighbors. The baffled fresh air intake is also crucial for sound, so good call there.

For security, is he planning on robust locking mechanisms for the doors?
Given it's on a remote property, making it as difficult as possible to access is key.
Also, how is he managing the generator's access for maintenance once it's all buttoned up? Sometimes people forget how tight it can get in there.