Soundproofing: is it effective?

foolishqueen

Hello,

As the title suggest, does anyone have any experience of this and its overall effectiveness at reducing airborne noise? With the party wall in my end terrace not being overly thick, we can hear a lot of noise coming from next door (mainly music which I'm sure they don't think is as loud as it is - speaking to them tomorrow if I can).

I need the licing room and bedroom re-plastering so wondered if having a stud wall put up with some sound insualtion type materials would help in redcuing nosie levels?

Just a bit unsure really if it actually works - there seems to be conflicting advice all over the place, and I don't want to spend money on something that won't work!

Cheers.

KeithT

This is subjective, because it depends on what type, as well as what level, of noise winds you up.

We resorted to adding a stud layer because the owner next to me rented his house out to a housing association and we had to put up with the animal-antics of the tenants. The stud layer did reduce the shouting, TV and radio noises, but was disappointing for the low frequency thump thump music. It also did not eliminate the reverberation from slamming doors.

I would recommend it as it means of doing the best you can to alleviate the problem without having to confront the neighbours, but you need to manage your expectations and even with the double layer of plasterboard, you will still get some residue transmission.

Also, you might need to improve the insulation in the roof as well.

In raising the matter your neighbour, perhaps I may suggest that you approach them saying "I am going to install sound insulation to reduce the noise transmission between our walls....... so please bear with the installation noise".

If they were smart, this might get the message across.

If they were idiots, they will take it as having more leeway to increase their volume.

Good luck.

robby-01

or u could just ask them to turn it down

dralter

Hi,

In the US we have a product called Green Glue, I see now that is available in the UK: http://www.greenglue.co.uk/

This material is very effective at reducing noise, especially at low frequencies. Basically, it converts noise to heat. You can read about one guys experience here: http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/06/soundproofing

You buy the product in tubes and install between 2 pieces of rigid material like drywall. In your case you would have to put up another sheet of plasterboard against your wall with the Green Glue in between.

I will be doing my own project with Green Glue on a party wall, same problem, loud music. So you could wait and see how my results are. But from the article about the drummer, you can see the product works.

Look for the article in the coming weeks at http://soundproofingwithdave.com

tweeter

For ceilings, take up every six or seventh floorboard and seal wall/ceiling edges with flexible filler. Make plaster of paris dams around light ceiling electrics.Pour sand between joists to a depth of about 1" using a make'shift comb to level sand.

You can fill the void between joists above the sand with loft insulation.

Stately homes in the past used a type of crushed shingle, but fine sand is better, costs little and can match expensive sound proofing systems with these type of floor.

Poppycat

Some sound proofing products on this site

http://www.soundreduction.co.uk/9.html

annie123

dralter wrote: »

Hi,

In the US we have a product called Green Glue, I see now that is available in the UK: http://www.greenglue.co.uk/

This material is very effective at reducing noise, especially at low frequencies. Basically, it converts noise to heat. You can read about one guys experience here: http://www.wired.com/culture/lifestyle/news/2007/06/soundproofing

You buy the product in tubes and install between 2 pieces of rigid material like drywall. In your case you would have to put up another sheet of plasterboard against your wall with the Green Glue in between.

I will be doing my own project with Green Glue on a party wall, same problem, loud music. So you could wait and see how my results are. But from the article about the drummer, you can see the product works.

Look for the article in the coming weeks at http://soundproofingwithdave.com

very interesting stuff....thankyou:T

foolishqueen

All,

Thanks for the info. I have read up quite a bit about Green Glue and I think along with a stud wall and resilient bars, this would probably be the most effective solution.

I've not had chance to mention anything to next door yet. He is a decent enough bloke and I'm sure he would not have a problem turning the music down and it's not like it's everyday anyway. My partner has a very low tolerance to noise, so I just want to do all I can do to reduce any noise from the neighbours as much as possible.

Cheers.

iamcornholio

The problem with sound emanating from an adjacent room, is that the sound insulation should be in that room to prevent it getting out.

The sound, and especially the bass/lower frequencies will travel through the structure and are difficult to stop. Unless you completely isolate your room from the structure, sound will get through - its not just coming through the party wall, but through the floors, ceilings, external walls etc.

Insulating the party wall will stop some sound, but mostly higher frequencies (like voices).

Despite what the various manufacturers will say about their products, the key things about the material to remember are .... greater density and isolation are good.

Your best bet is to talk to the guy to reduce the volume - especially the bass. Once sound becomes a problem, then it appears louder than it actually is, or ever was.