Soundproofing Party Walls

[www.bluetreeacoustics.com]

I am a chartered engineer in acoustics and work with all types of sound insulation issues.

I find myself having to defend the developers. They are simply building and selling dwellings. The dwellings must meet the building regulations minimum standards for sound insulation. This standard is set by the government not the developers.

The minimum standard could be higher that is true, but ultimately this will cost more to build and the cost will be passed on to the buyer. There is clearly a trade off to be made.

It isn't too dissimilar to any other product. Everything could be made better/stonger/longer lasting/more efficient - but ultimately this will cost more money.

I have some information on my website BlueTreeAcoustics dot com but it might not answer specific questions.

[crystal_10]

· 1
Start with a bare wall with the wood studs exposed. The sheetrock or drywall should not be in place yet
· 2
Pack the cavity between the studs with a fiberglass bat insulation such as R13.
· 3
Seal the back of the outlets in the wall with firestop putty pads, because even a one percent opening in a wall can let through 50% of the noise.
· 4
Add mass to your wall, because in simple physics mass will block airborne sound waves such as conversation, television noise, ringing phones and alarm clocks. There is a mass loaded vinyl product available though various acoustical companies that weighs one pound per square foot, but is only 1/8" thick.
· 5
Use an acoustical caulk to seal all open joints and perimeter around the wall.
· 6
Isolate or float your drywall off of the studs by using resiliant channel or isolation clips. By doing this you are blocking structure-borne noise such as footfall noise and slamming doors.
· 7
Finish the wall with a double layer of drywall or sheetrock, minimum thickness 1/2".