Noise through a party wall

Many people think that just applying a sheet of extra plasterboard to a party wall is all that is required to give a vast improvement to lowering the noise from their neighbours.  In reality there would be no noticeable improvement.  Noise from neighbours can take several forms and some which can only be addressed through action by the local authority because the noise they are making is loud and anti-social that cannot be silenced by adding soundproofing to the party wall.  Such anti-social noise would be music being played loudly so that it can be heard outside as well as your side of the party wall.  Or loud and raised voices, shouting and screaming, none of which can be controlled with the addition of sound insulation.  And finally, slamming doors.  With the exception of slamming doors, all of these noise problems can only be solved via action by the local authority.  Quiet closers can be fitted to doors so they close without slamming.

Also, noise at night, even if it is not loud will most likely always be heard when in bed at night and awake.  This is because the normal daytime background noises in your own home that mask other noises are usually switched off at night and it is in this quieter environment that you are more easily able to hear other noises not normally noticed.  Again, it is unlikely that noise at night can be totally silenced but the upside is, if the noise is the same every night, usually you will get used to it and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Back to noise through a party wall and how to address it.  In the daytime if it is normal noise such as normal levels of speech (talking) or music, television and radio being played at reasonable volumes, good results can usually be obtained by adding soundproofing to the wall which will reduce noise from coming directly through the wall.  However, walls with a chimney breast cannot be soundproofed as efficiently as walls without a chimney breast.

More short articles will be written about how to soundproof a home so keep a look out for them.  In the meantime, if you require any further information about how to soundproof your party wall go to soundproof a party wall.

This article is just an introduction to the types of noise experienced through party walls.  More about noise through walls will be published in the near future and also how to soundproof them in more detail.  There will be more articles on noise through party walls and how to address it to follow this one so look out for them.

Washing Machine Noise

Recent Question

I want to move a washing machine upstairs. At the end of a corridor i have a 5′ sq space for it, can strip off floorboards. What is your best solution to prevent the spin cycle vibrating throughout the house? I am happy with any finished surface, even concrete flags!

Answer

Thank you for your enquiry.  It is likely the footprint of the washing machine is 600 x 600mm although size is not important because the principle of reducing noise and vibration from the machine remains the same.  And that is to mounted the washing machine on 25mm thick ply which in turn would be on top of our 10mm Anti-Vibration Mat.  Normally, this can be installed without disturbing the floorboards but the addition of 100mm of AMW100 between the joists will further help reduce noise nuisance through the floor.  More info about our AV Mats can be viewed on our web site via the following link

Anti-Vibration Pad

A link to prices can be found on the rhs of each of our product pages.

Current prices are also on our web site. 

For more information on all of our acoustic products call us on 01993704981

QuietBoard Acoustic Flooring

Our QuietBoard, a high density acoustic flooring is a big hit with one of our northern customers. They consistently use the QuietBoard floating floor system as their preferred option when changing buildings into multi-occupied residences. QuietBoard is used along with our R10, a resilient recycled rubber isolating layer designed to absorb vibrations therefore reduce impact noise through floors which in turn is on top of a 2mm layer of SBM5 soundproofing mat designed to seal up the joints of existing floors.
When this system is used along with a decoupled upgraded ceiling and an acoustic infill between the joists of 100mm of AMW100 acoustic mineral wool, exceptionally good sound testing results are obtained. Using the QuietBoard system of soundproofing for separating floors is not the cheapest solution to help meet Part E compliance for the reduction of noise through separating floors but it is by far the most reliable as long as it is installed in accordance with the instructions supplied with each order. A higher initial outlay will be a far better investment than opting for a cheaper alternative that does not perform and leading to more expense in analysing the reason for the failure before putting it right. Not to mention the delay in making the property available for use.
So if you are a construction company about to get involved in the change of use of a building into flats have a look at our system to meet Part E compliance for separating floors via this link

 https://www.keepitquiet.co.uk/acousticel-r10-floating-floor-insulation/

If the link does not work simply copy and paste it into the address bar of your browser.  Selecting this system will be one of the best decisions you make concerning sourcing the best materials for the contract.

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Snow

Due to the amount of snow we have had today, our office will be closing early at 1:00 and will reopen at 8:30 Monday morning. For those customers of ours that want to place an order, they can do so on our website www.soundproofing-direct.co.uk