Air/ventilation ducts and noise

gemaface

Hi

Not sure if this is even the correct term but we have a few air ducts running through our flat - along different ceilings in two different rooms. I have changed a vent grille before and the duct is just made from wood and appears to be an empty void (the flats I live in were built in the early 1970's). If you follow it along the ceiling it leads to a cupboard with used to house the hot water tank so I am guessing that is why this ventilation/air duct is present.

My problem is that is also allows a lot of noise to travel from upstairs and I was wondering if it would be possible to have it removed or filled in to try and stop some of this noise (mainly chatting, squeaking floorboards, etc).

Would there be any downsides to this?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

ComicGeek

If it's not being used, then I would just get some acoustic insulation and put this just inside the duct by each grille. As long as you pack it tightly into the duct so there's no air gap around it then that would help massively

You might also get vibrations through the duct itself, but as it's wooden and not metal then that shouldn't be significant. Otherwise you would need to cut it as it exits each room to provide a break.

Furts

Acoustic insulation is a denser form of Rockwool or fibreglass roof insulation. You could use this and squeeze it to make it denser. These materials should be encased in a plastic bag because loose fibres may be carcinogenic. You do not want drafts distributing the fibres around your flat.

ic

Sounds like the house originally had a warm air system - so a big heating unit with a fan or two in what is now your airing cupboard. You should be fine to block those up, as there purpose wasn't to let fresh air into the house. http://www.miketheboilerman.com/warmair.htm