Sound Insulation Consultant

PhilDS

I've been looking into sound insulating my party wall as the neighbours do enjoy their TV loud. Problem is it seems you can spend a lot of cash with not much of a result. So I'm after getting a professional in for some advice and a quote. I've looked in my area (Southampton) and I can't seem to find a company that specialises in sound insulation. Can anyone recommend one or do such companies/tradesmen not exist?

Cheers,

Phil

ormus

i dont think they exist for domestic properties.
ive never seen/heard of one.
a decent local builder should be able to advise and quote for a job like this.

i would imagine a simple studwork frame and plasterboard with an infill of glassfibre will do a half decent job for not much money.

Theo_Cupier

You could take a look at the Home Accoustics Alliance

A lot of the work they do is actually setting up a home cinema room to ensure the best sound possible from YOUR stereo, but this involves working with acoustic absorbing materials etc so they would be a useful set of contacts.

If you follow the link on the menu to "Dealer Locator" and select "United Kingdom" you'll find about 10 listings, including some in the South of England. Guys like this are few and far between so they will be prepared to travel, or give advice over the phone.

economiser

Southampton University has a highly regarded acoustics department. The Institute Of Sound & Vibration Research, University Of Southampton, Highfield, Southampton, SO17 1BJ - 023 8059 2162

You might try contacting an academic there who might be able to give you some advice or put you in touch with someone who can.

economiser

I hesitate to offer advice as its not my direct field of expertise but the first thing to check is for gaps. Gaps in floor boards around skirting boards, in party walls between ground and first floor or under ground floor. Even small air gaps including those in poorly mortared joints will let noise through. Noise may "breakout" that is if the you and your neighbour both have windows open or they have theirs open and yours are not a good fit.

In building terms as you say it is difficult. Sound insulation is not the same as thermal insulation. You really need a heavy weight material between you and the sound source and this is not really practical in a domestic property.

As you suggest a survey might help but I would not hold out a lot of hope.

I presume you have tried having a chat with the neighbour.