Wall Solutions:

Considerations for soundproofing a party wall effectively.
Wall Construction: Understanding the construction of the wall is crucial. Different wall types, such as solid brick/block or lightweight timber stud, have varying levels of inherent soundproofing performance. Knowing the wall type helps determine the level of soundproofing required.
Noise Level and Type: Identify the level and type of noise you are dealing with. Is it quiet and muffled, clear but not excessively loud, or excessively loud (e.g., dogs barking, doors slamming, clear conversations)? This assessment helps determine the appropriate soundproofing solution.
Type of Noise: Determine whether the noise is airborne (e.g., voices, TV, music) or impact noise (e.g., footsteps, objects hitting the wall),or a combination of both. Different soundproofing techniques are effective for each type of noise.
Chimney Breast: Consider whether there is a chimney breast on the wall. Chimney breasts often have higher mass, making them perform better for soundproofing compared to alcoves. This information helps in planning the soundproofing approach.
Now, let's delve into the three important criteria for effective wall soundproofing:
Add Mass to the Wall: Mass is essential for blocking airborne noise. Heavier and denser materials are more effective at blocking sound. Using a combination of high-mass materials is recommended for better results. Different materials may also block different sound frequencies.
Dampen Sound Vibration and Energy: Sound vibrations can easily travel through solid walls and materials. To counter this, high-mass materials added to the wall should also dampen sound energy. Decoupling materials from the structure (the wall) can help prevent sound vibrations from transferring through.
Address the Drum Effect: If there's a hollow space inside the wall or if dot and dab plasterboard is fixed to the wall, sound that enters the cavity can echo, resonate, and amplify, creating a drum effect. This cavity needs to be addressed to achieve the best soundproofing results.

Overview and Comparison Table:

*Performance stated above includes dBX boards.