Sound Proofing – Noise damping in Party Walls
The 4th element of a robust soundproofing design (or acoustic design) is the introduction of noise damping within the party wall construction. In all cases, careful selection of good quality soundproofing damping materials will contribute towards a successful sound test. Noise damping materials can be acoustic resilient layers and rubber panels which help to reduce vibration within the party wall construction.
Noise damping in party walls
Dense recycled rubber panel systems are high performance wall soundproofing solution aimed at providing good noise damping performance. Unlike other acoustic solutions, this dense recycled rubber is fairly easy to install and will provide a reliable soundproofing-barrier.
Many of these types of acoustic upgrade systems are quite easy to fit, as the acoustic rubber panels just need to be cut to size and stuck to the party wall covering the entire party walls surface. Proprietary adhesives are usually supplied with the rubber panels. The wall can then be finished off by adding two layers of acoustic plasterboard.
When used correctly, this simple upgrade system, can improve the performance of a single skin brick wall by 7-10dB or achieve 46dB to 48dB Dnt, W +CTr which exceeds the requirements of Approved Document E for party walls 43dB Dnt, W +CTr in conversion projects.
As with many acoustic solutions there is quite simple ways to upgrade to this system to achieve even higher levels of soundproofing. By adding two layers of 15mm soundboards you will further improve the party wall performance particularly at low frequencies. On projects where space is tight, a single layer of 15mm soundboard can be applied; however, this will result in a small loss in overall performance over the two-board system, but will still out perform the original wall.
Do you need help with your soundproofing design?
Getting the acoustic design right from the word go, is key, and APT Sound Testing can help in all areas of sound insulation design and testing. Get in touch on info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk to request a quote or call us on 01525 303905 to discuss your development.
Please Note: although we take every care to ensure the information was correct at the time of publication. Any written guidance provided does not replace the user’s professional judgement. It is the responsibility of the duty-holder or person carrying out the work to ensure compliance with relevant building regulations or applicable technical standards.