How To Soundproof A Party Wall
Noisy neighbours can be a real problem, especially during the wee hours when very little other noise is produced that might otherwise drown out unwanted sounds through a party wall. Whilst Part E building regulations now provide a minimum standard of domestic soundproofing, older houses and flats could well suffering from a significant lack of sound insulation. Neighbours dont even need to be particularly noisy for this to be a problem; in the worst cases speech and normal levels of TV or radio noise could become problematic.
To add complications, whilst the most likely problem will be airbourne noise through the wall, there is also a possibility that additional unwanted noise will be transferred as impact noise through the ceiling and/or floor, so if you are in any doubt consult an expert before proceeding to ensure you get the right installation to meet your requirements.
As a rough DIY guide, the following method represents one of the more effective ways you can soundproof a party wall using a combination of isolating resilient bars, a special mineral slab and commercially available acoustic panels:
1) First, fit Resilient Bars horizontally at the top and bottom of the masonry wall or exposed timber studwork and at 600mm. These will be used to isolate the acoustic board from the existing wall.
2) Then, place a mineral fibre slab between the bars before screwing the acoustic board to the resilient bars, using a bead of special acoustic adhesive along the edge of each board.
3) Where the edge of the acoustic board touches an internal wall, the floor or the ceiling, always ensure there is a small gap and fill this with a bead of acoustic sealant.
4) You can then either skim with plaster or affix plaster board to the acoustic board and decorate to taste.
There are however a couple of things to bear in mind during the installation process. Be aware that no screws or fixings should be allowed to penetrate through to the existing studwork or wall; better performance can be achieved by installing a fully independent wall lining, although this is more costly and will take up more of the room; and ensure all acoustic boards are continued through any existing plasterboard. - Where abutting walls are dry-lined with plasterboard on dabs, ensure the solid wall behind is met and sealed.
Whilst this is only a rough guide, it should give you an idea of what is involved during the soundproofing of a part wall, and if you are in any doubt we recommend consulting a domestic soundproofing expert.
To add complications, whilst the most likely problem will be airbourne noise through the wall, there is also a possibility that additional unwanted noise will be transferred as impact noise through the ceiling and/or floor, so if you are in any doubt consult an expert before proceeding to ensure you get the right installation to meet your requirements.
As a rough DIY guide, the following method represents one of the more effective ways you can soundproof a party wall using a combination of isolating resilient bars, a special mineral slab and commercially available acoustic panels:
1) First, fit Resilient Bars horizontally at the top and bottom of the masonry wall or exposed timber studwork and at 600mm. These will be used to isolate the acoustic board from the existing wall.
2) Then, place a mineral fibre slab between the bars before screwing the acoustic board to the resilient bars, using a bead of special acoustic adhesive along the edge of each board.
3) Where the edge of the acoustic board touches an internal wall, the floor or the ceiling, always ensure there is a small gap and fill this with a bead of acoustic sealant.
4) You can then either skim with plaster or affix plaster board to the acoustic board and decorate to taste.
There are however a couple of things to bear in mind during the installation process. Be aware that no screws or fixings should be allowed to penetrate through to the existing studwork or wall; better performance can be achieved by installing a fully independent wall lining, although this is more costly and will take up more of the room; and ensure all acoustic boards are continued through any existing plasterboard. - Where abutting walls are dry-lined with plasterboard on dabs, ensure the solid wall behind is met and sealed.
Whilst this is only a rough guide, it should give you an idea of what is involved during the soundproofing of a part wall, and if you are in any doubt we recommend consulting a domestic soundproofing expert.
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