How to Soundproof a Party Wall
The ultimate guide to soundproofing party walls
How to soundproof a party wall?
Fortunately, you are in the right place if you’re looking for the answer to how to soundproof a party wall. This guide will explain what is required to soundproof party walls successfully. Whether you are soundproofing against noisy neighbours or increasing the privacy in your home, we will show you the best solutions and techniques to soundproof your party wall.
What is the best method of soundproofing a wall?
Adding mass, isolation, and sound absorption are the best ways to soundproof walls.
Adding mass/density – Increasing the mass of the party wall will block airborne sounds; walls constructed with lightweight breeze blocks or a single skin of bricks require additional mass to reduce sound transfer. Using acoustic insulation and soundproof panels will increase the wall’s mass and help control the noise level.
Sound absorption – Standard building materials aren’t designed to absorb sounds like soundproofing materials will. Mass loaded vinyl membranes and sound insulation slabs increase the separating wall’s absorption capabilities, diminishing sound transfer between properties.
Decoupling/isolation – Sound passes through solid structures such as party walls to the other side via vibration; reducing the vibration transfer further increases the wall’s ability to minimise sound transfer. The most effective method of reducing vibration through walls is the AcoustiClip system, a sound isolation clip designed to absorb vibration.
Can you soundproof a wall against noisy neighbours?
We mentioned earlier that we would get to noisy neighbour soundproofing, and here we are. The answer is yes, you can soundproof a wall against a noisy neighbour. By following the key principles of soundproofing, adding mass, creating separation, and improving the wall’s ability to absorb sound, you will soundproof against unwanted neighbour noise.
What are the primary considerations for soundproofing party walls?
- What is the party wall construction? The choice of construction material, whether solid brick/block, impacts the wall’s sound-blocking ability and dictates the necessary level of soundproofing.
- How much noise can you hear through the wall? Evaluate the noise level and determine whether it is low-level background noise, medium noise levels (TV noise and conversation), or high noise levels (raised voices and dogs barking).
- What type of noise can you hear? In most cases, airborne noise transfer through walls (conversation and TV noise) is the main problem. However, vibrations from low-frequency noises such as deep voices, snoring, and movement would also require soundproofing.
What are the best party wall soundproofing solutions?
Recommend solutions to soundproof party walls
What is the best solution for soundproofing a party wall?
All of these solutions will effectively soundproof your party walls. When choosing the most suitable solution, we would ask the following questions to determine the most appropriate.
How much noise do you hear through the wall?
Establishing the noise level is key when choosing the correct soundproofing solution. If you can only hear low-level background noise through the wall, the Silent Panel would sufficiently soundproof the wall. The AcoustiClip Direct System would be more suitable if the sound is audible conversation and clear TV noise. For rooms that require high levels of noise reduction, such as home cinemas and studios then, we would recommend the AcoustiClip Solid Wall Stud System.
How much space can you afford to lose?
Space loss is a significant factor in deciding on the right solution. The slimmest options are soundproof panels ranging between 20mm and 30mm thick; the Noisestop Silent Panel provides the highest level of sound insulation when applied directly to the wall. Our slimmest solution is the Noisestop Acoustic Panel for walls requiring sound insulation with minimal space loss. Soundproof systems applied directly to the wall will range between 45mm and 80mm. The thickness can be up to 120mm and beyond for the very highest level of soundproofing.
Party Wall soundproofing recommendations in more detail
Once you have established the noise level and the amount of space the soundproofing can take up, you can choose the best solution for your wall.
Option 1.
AcoustiClip Direct Party Wall Soundproofing Kit
Our most popular party wall soundproofing solution is the AcoustiClip Direct System. This is due to its excellent noise reduction and ease of installation, which is directly onto the wall, making it a space-saving option.
The AcoustiClip Direct System combines all the materials required to achieve highly effective noise reduction. The AcoustiClip sound isolation clip is applied directly to the wall, meaning there is no need for an additional stud frame. The metal furring channel clips into place, and acoustic insulation is fitted between the cavity created by the channel.
Two layers of soundproof boarding are then fixed to the channel to complete the acoustic wall. One layer is a 15mm soundproof plasterboard, and the other is our 18mm Noisestop 1 Plus Panel, which consists of a 12.5mm soundboard and a sheet of 10kg mass-loaded vinyl bonded to the paperboard. The acoustic false wall is then ready to plaster skim, or decorate.
Benefits of soundproofing party walls with the AcoustiClip Direct System
- Minimal space loss due to the direct to wall application
- It offers the highest level of soundproofing of any direct-to-wall soundproofing solution for party walls
- Our recommended party wall soundproofing solution for soundproofing against medium to loud levels of noise (such as clear conversation, TV noise and music)
- Suitable for use on any existing party wall
- Dual rubber fixing points for higher performance in absorbing different sound frequencies and strength
- Exceeds Part E Building Regulations
- DIY-friendly installation
Option 2.
AcoustiClip Solid Wall Stud Soundproofing Kit
Offering the highest level of sound insulation of all our wall soundproofing solutions. It is a completely isolated stud frame solution with all the added benefits of the AcoustiClip wall soundproofing system.
Create the perfect room within a room with the AcoustiClip Solid Stud System, which is used to soundproof against excessive noise levels and in rooms such as studios and home cinemas. Incorporating the AcoustiClip system into a stud frame built 10mm independently from the wall ensures significant noise reduction due to the additional levels of separation between the existing party wall and the acoustic wall. Apply this system directly onto stud walls to significantly improve the sound insulation of internal stud walls in the home or workplace.
Benefits of soundproofing party walls with the AcoustiClip Stud System
- Creates a room within a room decoupled from the original structure, which offers the highest level of soundproofing
- The perfect solution for soundproofing against excessively loud neighbour noise, recording studios or home cinemas
- Used on solid party walls, or stud walls
- Dual rubber clips are for higher performance due to their ability to absorb different sound frequencies and added strength
- Exceeds Part E Building Regulations
- DIY install
Option 3.
The Noisestop Silent Panel (the slimmest option)
An excellent choice for soundproofing walls without compromising living space, the Noisestop Silent is applied directly to the wall, ensuring space loss is at a minimum. The Silent Panel is only 30mm thick.
The Silent Panel is constructed from four layers of different high-mass soundproofing materials to block a wider frequency range. The various layers add mass to the wall and improve its ability to absorb sound. The three layers to the back of the board are a combination of mass-loaded vinyl and acoustic-grade foam. The final layer is an acoustic soundproof plasterboard, allowing for an easy DIY installation; you are then left with a plasterboarded finish, ready to add a skim coat of plaster and decorate.
Benefits of soundproofing a party wall with the Noisestop Silent Panel
- Keeps space loss to a minimum. Applied directly to walls with only 30mm of space loss
- Soundproof directly onto solid party walls or stud walls
- Slim panel and a very straightforward DIY install, meaning minimal disruption to your home
- The Silent Panel consists of 2 layers of mass-loaded vinyl to block airborne noise and closed-cell foam to absorb vibrations. These layers are bonded to a 15mm soundproof plasterboard
- Soundproof plasterboard is higher in mass than regular plasterboard and can be skimmed and decorated as normal
- Passes Part E Building Regulations when applied to certain walls
Use a sound isolation clip system to achieve the best level of party wall soundproofing
Why use the AcoustiClip system to soundproof your party walls
We use the AcoustiClip system in all our best soundproofing kits, including soundproofing systems for ceilings. A majority of soundproofing products add mass or improve the sound absorption capabilities of an area, but for the best soundproofing, you need isolation or decoupling, and that’s where the AcoustiClip comes in.
Soundproof walls without compromising space
Most customers want to soundproof a room without losing living space, and the most economical way to do this is by applying soundproofing directly to the wall. But how do you apply the sound insulation to the wall and create the separation? That’s the easy part: you use the AcoustiClip sound isolation clip.
Apply the clips directly onto solid party walls or stud frames as part of your acoustic wall system. Once the AcoustiClip is applied to the wall, it absorbs vibration sounds due to the dual rubber fixing points and stops it from transferring through the wall.
Use the AcoustiClip to build an acoustic wall
The AcoustiClip is suitable for use on all walls. Once the Acoustichannel, a metal furring channel, has been clipped in place, you can build your acoustic wall. Combine acoustic insulation slabs and soundproof panels to form a soundproof wall that effectively blocks all types of noise through your walls.
Looking for more party wall soundproofing solutions?
That’s no problem. We’ve got plenty more solutions to meet your requirements. Wall soundproofing can be tailored to your space, as no one solution will meet everybody’s needs. Noisestop offers a range of products that soundproof walls of all shapes and sizes. Whether you want to build your acoustic wall or apply one of our soundproofing panels to your existing wall, look at some of our best selling wall soundproofing materials.
Best products to soundproof walls
AcoustiClip | Sound Isolation Clip
£4.95 exc VAT.
AcoustiChannel 1800mm Metal Furring Channel
£4.45 exc VAT.
Noisestop 1 Plus Panel 18mm
£29.95 exc VAT.
Acoustic Insulation 25mm/60kg DFM Per Pack
£54 exc VAT.
Acoustic Insulation 50mm DFM Per Pack
£46 exc VAT.
Sound Proof Silent Wall Panel 30mm
£59.95 exc VAT.
Acoustic Wall Panel 22.5mm | Soundproofing Panels
£43.95 exc VAT.
Acoustic Putty Pads Single & Double Sockets
£4.35 exc VAT.
Noisestop Isolation Strips 10m - 50mm, 75mm & 100mm
£11.85 exc VAT.
Acoustic Sealant 310ml & 900ml
£3.95 exc VAT.
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.
We recommend soundproofing the alcove areas. You should be able to leave the chimney breast as this area tends to have additional layers of brick which add mass to the area.
Our soundproof products and soundproofing systems are finished with acoustic plasterboard. Once the soundproofing is installed, you can bring the wall up to decorative standards without adding additional boarding. The most common method to finish the walls is to have them plastered. Alternatively, you can tape and join the edges along the tapered edge of the boards before decorating. This means you don’t need a plasterer to skim your wall. Once brought up to a decorative standard, you can use lining paper or paint to decorate the panels.
Yes, you can reinstate electrical outlets to your soundproofed wall. Use acoustic putty pads inside electrical back boxes to ensure the acoustic integrity of the wall. If you are extending wires through the wall for lights, then we recommend sealing the hole using an acoustic sealant.
Lightweight fittings can be secured into the soundproofing. Pictures and mirrors can be attached to the soundproofing.
Party wall soundproofing conclusion
Soundproofing party walls is crucial to creating a peaceful and relaxed environment. By employing effective soundproofing techniques and materials, the nuisance of noise transfer between adjoining properties can be significantly reduced, ensuring a more comfortable living or working atmosphere. Whether through the application of specialised insulation, acoustic panels, or other sound-dampening solutions, addressing sound transmission in party walls can lead to improved privacy and reduced disturbances.
