Soundproofing

Chucklechops

Hi

I was considering soundproofing my upstairs rooms a few years ago, but didn't go ahead due to the cost. I'm now in a position to proceed.

I live in a mid-terrace cottage, and I can't afford to lose too much off the walls, as the rooms are small to begin with.

I've had a quote from a soundproofing company. The first option would add 4.5 cm to the main wall, and if I proceed, I would go for this option as the next step up would add 10 cm, which is too much.

So, the 4.5 cm option would give an estimated noise reduction of 50%, at a cost of £1,670 (this includes putting right the wall afterwards - plastering, replacing the skirting board etc).

My question is, does anyone know if an off-the-shelf product might be a better option? I'm afraid to spend so much money on professional soundproofing when the result might not be as good as I would want it to be. Has anyone else shared this dilemma, and what did you decide to do? Were you pleased with the results, or do you regret the decision you took?

Any advice would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks.

Mutton_Geoff

Chucklechops said:

the 4.5 cm option would give an estimated noise reduction of 50%,

Is that on a linear or logarithmic scale? If it's linear, then a 50% reduction is equivalent to just 3db (decibels) which would be barely perceptible change. For something to sound half as loud it needs a reduction of more like 10db.

newbuild2020

Are you looking to soundproof against neighbours or from noise within your house? 

And are you looking to block out impact noise or sound?  

Chucklechops

Hi, thanks for your message. I'm trying to block out noise from neighbours - just general sound such as conversations. Also, the room in question has a chimney running through it, and I was wondering whether or not to soundproof that part, as well as the recessed areas either side of the chimney.

Many thanks.

newbuild2020

The chimney will be a contributing factor for sure and is worth soundproofing as well as the recess area. A simple wooden frame with soundproof insulating, soundproof plaster boards and a plaster finish should eliminate this problem for you 

Chucklechops

Thank you very much, I appreciate your advice. But can I ask - when you state:

'A simple wooden frame with soundproof insulating, soundproof plaster boards and a plaster finish should eliminate this problem'

Do you mean that a wooden frame, insulating & soundproof plaster boards should be used just on the chimney, or across all walls in the room? In other words, is it your opinion that this method would be preferable to using a specialist soundproofing company? If so, then I could ask my builder to do that, and it would be considerably cheaper, too.

Apologies for all the questions and thanks again for your help.

Norman_Castle

Is the chimney flue in your side still open? Sound can travel between rooms this way.

Bigphil1474

OP, I wouldn't spend a load of money on a specialist sound proofing company. Largely because it probably won't make enough of a difference. There may be some notable difference initially, but in my experience of over 20 years of dealing with noise complaints, you'll probably find the new lower level annoying after a while. People become sensitised to noise so end up listening out for it as they expect it to be there. It may be worthwhile you trying the wooden frame plan with your builder if it's a cheap try but I expect it won't make a big difference either but at least you won't have wasted as much money.
I live in a mid terrace and they are often problematic as they weren't built with sound insulation in mind. It is usually a case of dealing with the source, where it is unreasonable like loud music, or learning to live with the day to day noises everyone makes. You could speak to your neighbours if there is a specific issue of course, but if it's just general noise, not much they can do either.

newbuild2020

Chucklechops said:

Thank you very much, I appreciate your advice. But can I ask - when you state:

'A simple wooden frame with soundproof insulating, soundproof plaster boards and a plaster finish should eliminate this problem'

Do you mean that a wooden frame, insulating & soundproof plaster boards should be used just on the chimney, or across all walls in the room? In other words, is it your opinion that this method would be preferable to using a specialist soundproofing company? If so, then I could ask my builder to do that, and it would be considerably cheaper, too.

Apologies for all the questions and thanks again for your help.

Yes we did this with a builder instead of a soundproofing company. We heard loud bass noise from their TV and this eliminated it. It wasn’t a lot of money and was a one day job. Best money we’ve spent in this house! 

newbuild2020

Apologies, I missed your other comment. Do the whole room not just the chimney!