Soundproofing - Only 8.5cm space available

rossbardon · 21 Mar 2011

Hi,

I live in a 1930's semi which only has a single skin of brickwork separating the joining property. I therefore wish to build in some soundproofing as I am currently redecorating. I only have an available 'soundproofing wall' thickness of 8.5cm (just over 3 inches) available.

I appreciate this is a small amount of space to generate the most affective sound proofing solution but what would prove the most effective sound proofing construction with the limited space I have available?

Any advice or suggestions welcomed! Thanks!

dizz · 21 Mar 2011

Really you need to create a separate independent stud wall and put rockwall or equivalent between the two.

rossbardon · 21 Mar 2011

Yes I have read this a lot, but with only 8.5cm I do not think this will be possible?

Deluks · 21 Mar 2011

framework of 50x50 attached only at floor and ceiling (pushing it but doable) and 15mm soundblock plasterboard, gives you a spare 20mm between studwork and wall.

60mm rockwool within the framework.

mointainwalker · 21 Mar 2011

@ Deluks

As long as the battens were not attached to the wall behind, there would be no harm in taking the fibre-wool back to the other wall, would there ? This is, after all, not going to transmit sound.

The extra 20 mm obviously represents a significant extra amount of damping.

rossbardon · 21 Mar 2011

I should also add I have a chimney breast in each room I intend to sound proof. Surly the air gap in the chimney is good for sound absorption? So I only intend to sound proof the alcoves spaces. Is this a fair assessment?

So with that the frame can also screw into the side of the chimney breast and the external wall of the house.

When you say rockwell do you simply mean the stuff you buy in big rolls for £3 at B&Q, just general insulation?

alittlerespect · 21 Mar 2011

Hi

Go to 'www.acaraconcepts.com'
Select 'sound proofing walls' and you will find various solutions one of which may be of interest to you.

Regards

alittlerespect · 21 Mar 2011

Hi

Go to 'www.acaraconcepts.com'
Select 'sound proofing walls' and you will find various solutions one of which may be of interest to you.

Regards

Deluks · 21 Mar 2011

MW: No you're right, in fact 70mm rocky could be used.

Ross: If you can avoid attaching to the chimney breast/side walls you will reduce the chance of flanking sound. Leave the plasterboard a few mm short of the perimeter and use a thick bead of acoustic sealant round the edge.
Chimney breasts can be problematic regarding sound, leave it alone initially and see how you get on.

Rockwool slab insulation is a rectangular slab which is generally denser than loft roll, and is rigid so stays in place between studwork. It is more expensive though and will probably need to be bought from a builders merchants or online.

rossbardon · 21 Mar 2011

Ok thanks very much Deluks, and others. This is my first house and with the help of this website I have had the confidence to tackle jobs I would have otherwise paid somebody to do.

I will see how secure the stud work is but I might have to cut my losses and screw it into the chimney too if it is too weak. Even if I can get some noise reduction, or some improvement I will be pleased.

ajrobb · 22 Mar 2011

19mm thick battens, 10mm thick resilient bar, 25mm thick plasterboard (2 layers of 12.5mm Soundbloc) is less than 85mm. Put 25mm of acoustic mineral wool behind the resilient bars and seal edges with acoustic sealer. Add a 3mm rubber damping layer between the plasterboard layers.

I've read that chimneys are a weak spot. You cannot treat the party wall behind the chimney breast and an open fireplace lets the sound into the room.

mointainwalker · 22 Mar 2011

19mm thick battens

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ajrobb · 22 Mar 2011

Thin vertical battens screwed to a flat wall to take the horizontal resilient bars. Just thick enough to prevent screws through resilient bars from touching the wall behind and to allow 25mm acoustic mineral wool behind the bars. The resilient bars can be attached through the battens directly to the wall, so the wood is just a spacer.

If there is extra space, then an independent frame could perform better but might be a waste of time with an open chimney.

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Soundproofing - Only 8.5cm space available

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