How to Soundproof a Chimney Breast

Do we need to soundproof the chimney breast and the alcoves?

The simple answer usually is no. You don’t have to soundproof the chimney breast and the alcoves. In most cases, you only need to soundproof the alcoves on either side of the chimney breast.

You don’t usually have to soundproof the chimney breast because it is formed by more bricks and a greater mass. The alcoves at the side of the chimney are usually the weak spots for transferring sound between properties.

Another reason for sound passing through the alcove areas is the position of TVs, radios and any other devices that are usually amplified. The alcove is a convenient place to have this type of equipment. The problem is that the sound source is very near the party wall and placed near the weakest point of the wall, the alcove.

What are the best solutions for soundproofing alcoves on a party wall?

There are a variety of wall soundproofing solutions that you can install into an alcove. Which one you choose should be determined by the following factors.

• How much sound are you trying to stop?
• How much space can you lose inside the alcove?

The more noise you are trying to stop, the more soundproofing you require. For the best soundproofing, you should use a combination of products. This will ensure you block higher levels of sound through the alcove. Below are some of our recommended party wall soundproofing kits that you can install inside your alcoves.

Wall soundproofing systems for alcoves

Slim direct to wall panel solutions

If you are tight on space and can not afford to lose much room inside the alcove, we have a range of thin soundproof panels. You might want to use the alcove as a bookcase or as storage, so you will want to retain as much room as possible. By applying the direct-to-wall soundproofing solutions inside the alcoves, you will reduce mid-level domestic noises through the wall, such as TV noise, but still use the alcove area.

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