How to Soundproof a Party Wall to Reduce Neighbour Noise

How to Soundproof a Party Wall

Soundproof party walls against noisy neighbours

Noise travelling through a party wall—whether from loud conversations, music, TV, or footsteps—can be a major source of frustration and disrupt comfort, sleep, or productivity. A party wall is a shared wall between two homes, common in semi-detached houses, terraced houses, and flats.

In this soundproofing guide, we’ll explore solutions specifically tailored for homeowners looking to reduce noise in their living spaces. From simple DIY fixes to complete acoustic wall soundproofing kits, you’ll find practical ideas to effectively soundproof your walls and minimise noise transmission. Whether you want to insulate a party wall against neighbour noise or create a quiet home cinema or studio, this guide covers the best wall soundproofing methods to suit your needs. We’ll also explain how sound travels through party walls, what really works for soundproofing, and provide step-by-step solutions—from quick improvements to professional-level methods. Whether you’re dealing with voices, TV noise, music, or vibrations, you’ll discover effective strategies to restore peace and quiet in your home.

What is a party wall?

A party wall is a wall that separates two adjoining homes, such as those found in terraced houses, semi-detached properties, and flats. These walls are typically constructed from materials like brick, plaster, or other lightweight substances, which can easily allow sound to pass from one property to the next.

Why noise travels through party walls

Before you begin soundproofing, it’s important to understand how sound moves through a shared wall. Noise reaches you in two main ways:

Airborne noise

– Voices

– Music

– TV sounds

– Phone calls

Airborne noise travels through the air, passes easily through gaps and thin walls, and can vibrate building materials.

Impact (structure-borne) noise

– Footsteps

– Doors slamming

– Furniture movement

Impact noise travels through the solid structure of the wall as vibrations, through the brick, plaster, or timber frames.

Effective party wall soundproofing must target both airborne and impact noise for the best results

Soundproofing principles to consider before you soundproof a wall

The most effective wall soundproofing solutions add mass, increase isolation, and improve the wall’s ability to absorb sound:

Adding mass to the wall: Use heavy, dense materials to block airborne sounds, such as conversation and TV noise. Combining different high-mass products forms a more substantial barrier against noise transfer.

Increase isolation: Decouple the wall structure to reduce sound transfer by limiting the vibrations that pass through solid objects. When sound hits a wall, it turns into vibrations that can carry through and be heard on the other side. Isolation methods help break this chain.

Improving sound absorption: Materials such as acoustic insulation slabs and sound-damping membranes boost a wall’s ability to absorb sound energy. These specialist products convert sound energy into heat, reducing transmission.

Considering these principles will help you choose the most effective methods for your specific noise issues.

Tips to effectively soundproof your party wall

Step 1: Seal all gaps and cracks in the party wall

Before installing soundproofing systems, you must stop sound leakage.

How to seal a party wall

Carry out any remedial work required to ensure the existing party wall is sealed before installing the soundproofing.

Cracks in plaster
Gaps along skirting boards
Edges where the wall meets the ceiling
Fit acoustic putty pads behind electrical sockets and switches

Why this matters

Sound travels through the smallest openings. Sealing gaps improves the performance of every soundproofing method that follows.

Step 2: Add mass to reduce sound transmission

One of the most effective ways to soundproof a party wall is by increasing its mass.

Best materials for adding mass

Soundproof plasterboard

Denser than standard plasterboard
Often installed in double layers
Reduces airborne noise significantly

Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV)

Thin but extremely heavy
Installed behind plasterboard
Excellent for blocking low-frequency noise such as bass

The heavier the wall, the harder it is for sound to pass through it.

Step 3: Decouple the wall to stop vibration

Decoupling prevents sound vibrations from passing directly through the wall structure.

Most effective decoupling methods

Independent stud wall

Built slightly away from the existing party wall
Filled with acoustic mineral wool
Finished with double plasterboard layers

This is one of the best soundproofing solutions for loud or persistent noise.

Resilient bars or isolation clips

Reduce vibration transfer
Require less space than a full stud wall
Ideal for rooms with limited space

Step 4: Install acoustic insulation

Leaving cavities empty allows sound to echo and amplify.

Best insulation for party walls

Acoustic mineral wool
High-density DFM acoustic insulation

Benefits

Absorbs sound energy
Reduces noise from amplifying inside empty cavities within wall systems
Improves the thermal properties of the room
Works in combination with mass and decoupling

Step 5: Prevent flanking noise around the wall

Flanking noise travels around the party wall rather than through it.

Check and treat:

Adjacent ceilings and floors
Skirting boards
Wall junctions

Soft furnishings such as rugs, curtains, and upholstered furniture can also help reduce sound reflection inside the room.

What does NOT work for soundproofing a party wall

Many commonly suggested solutions are ineffective:

❌ Acoustic foam panels
❌ Egg cartons
❌ Thin decorative tiles

These products improve room acoustics but do not stop noise from neighbours.

Essential products for soundproofing party walls

Acoustic insulation: Absorbs sound energy inside wall cavities and prevents resonance
Soundproof plasterboard: High-density boards that block airborne noise
Isolation clips: Decouple the wall from the structure, reducing vibration transfer
Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV): A flexible, dense material that blocks sound effectively
Acoustic sealants: Seal gaps and cracks around joints, outlets, and edges to prevent sound leaks
Acoustic putty pads: Soundproof electrical outlets using acoustic-rated and intumescent inserts inside electrical back boxes

Acoustic Plasterboard12.5mm - 15mm Full & Half Size

£10.5 exc VAT.

AcoustiClip | Sound Isolation Clip

£4.95 exc VAT.

Acoustic Putty Pads Single & Double Sockets

£4.35 exc VAT.

Mass Loaded Vinyl Soundproofing Barrier Shield | 5kg & 10kg 1.2m x 1.2m

£10.05 exc VAT.

Acoustic Insulation Slabs - Soundproof Insulation

£43 exc VAT.

Acoustic Sealants 310ml & 900ml

£3.95 exc VAT.

The most effective solutions for soundproofing party walls

Soundproofing a party wall can be achieved with two options, depending on the noise level, available space, and budget.

Option 1: Direct-to-Wall soundproofing panels

Panels fixed directly to the party wall
Adds mass to reduce airborne noise
Minimal space loss and faster installation
Best for low to moderate noise levels, such as TV and conversation

Option 2: Full soundproof system

Uses isolation clips or independent framing to decouple the wall
Includes acoustic insulation, multiple layers of plasterboard, MLV, and acoustic sealant
Reduces both airborne and low-frequency noise
Requires more space and investment but delivers maximum performance

AcoustiClip Party Wall Kit - Direct to Wall

£316.32 exc VAT.

Noisestop System 2 - Slim Party Wall Kit

£172.51 exc VAT.

Silent Panel 30mm - Soundproofing Panels

£59.95 exc VAT.

Acoustic Panel 22.5mm - Soundproofing Panels

£43.95 exc VAT.

Conclusion: How to soundproof a party wall successfully

Soundproofing a party wall is one of the most effective ways to improve comfort and privacy in your home. By sealing gaps, adding mass, reducing vibration, and using proper acoustic insulation, you can dramatically reduce noise from neighbours.

Whether you choose a DIY approach or a professional system, investing in proper party wall soundproofing delivers long-term peace and quiet.

If you are looking to soundproof an internal wall, take a look at our guide to soundproofing stud walls. Find out how to stop sounds from transferring through the walls in your home.

Wall Soundproofing Products

Party wall soundproofing FAQs

The best way to soundproof walls is to use a combination of products in a soundproof system.

Adding mass and density, decoupling the existing structure from the new and increasing the sound absorption capability of the wall ensures the highest noise reduction.

The Acousticlip System is the best solution for soundproofing brick party walls. The AcoustiClip Direct System combines all the elements required to soundproof your walls successfully, making it our recommended party wall soundproofing solution. Upgrade the system using the AcoustiClip Solid Wall Stud System for excessive noise levels.

Wall soundproofing really will stop noise from your neighbour coming through your walls. Stopping every noise type and level is impossible, but you can significantly reduce unwanted sounds using the correct solution.

Our most popular solution is the Acousticlip Direct to Wall System.

If you require soundproofing and space loss to be kept to a minimum, then the best product is the Noisestop Silent Panel.

Competent DIYers can install all of our wall soundproofing solutions. We recommend using local tradespeople if you do not want to fit the soundproofing yourself. Local builders, joiners and plasterers would be the most suitable tradespeople to contact. We can provide full-fitting guides for all our soundproofing solutions.

Some of the most effective wall soundproofing materials include:

Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV): A dense, flexible material that blocks sound.
Soundproof panels: High-density soundproofing boards that block sound.
Acoustic insulation slabs: Help absorb sound within wall cavities.
Decoupling clips: Sound-isolation clips decouple the existing wall from the new wall, reducing vibration noise.
Soundproof Plasterboard: Denser than standard plasterboard, making it better at blocking airborne sound.

The cost varies depending on the solution you choose. If we assume the wall is 10 sqm, the average price of materials to supply soundproof panels would be between £42 and £51 per square metre (£420-£510 per 10sqm wall), depending on the type of panel.

For higher soundproofing levels, a complete acoustic wall system would cost between £55 and £65 per square metre (£550-£650 per 10sqm wall). These costs are approximated and do not include fitting.

Yes! Low-frequency noises, such as bass or vibration, can be more challenging to block. To reduce this, you will need to use a technique called decoupling, which separates layers of the wall to prevent sound vibrations from travelling through it.

Decoupling isolation clips applied directly to the wall or a stud frame will reduce vibrations from travelling through the wall’s structure. If you have space in the room, an independent soundproof wall will reduce sound transfer between the walls.

The best wall soundproofing solutions for reducing these noises are the AcoustiClip Direct System or the AcoustiClip Stud System, as they minimise vibration transmission through walls.

Soundproofing can significantly reduce noise, but it’s unlikely to block 100% of sound. Low bass frequencies or very loud sounds may still get through, but the overall noise reduction can be substantial. To ensure you get the most from your wall soundproofing solution, consider other areas of the building that may be weak spots and allow sound to pass through. See our flanking noise answer below.

Common flanking noise paths.

Sound can travel through:

Ceilings and floors, joists with empty cavities
Side walls that connect to the soundproofed wall
Studs and framing inside the structure
Doors and windows
Electrical outlets, vents, and gaps

Find out more about flanking noise and how to stop it.

How to Soundproof a Party Wall