How to Soundproof a Solid Wall (Noisy Neighbour Fix)
To soundproof a solid wall from loud noises, you need to add mass, and insulation, and, isolate the structure. They are the three core components of soundproofing and will give you the best solid wall soundproofing available.
Adding mass can be done with boards, like acoustic plasterboard, insulation is packed into cavities and isolation devices can be used to make it harder for sound to pass from one material to the next.
How much does it cost to soundproof a solid wall?
It costs £34 per m2 to £60 per m2 to soundproof a solid wall at the time of writing. While some places offer ‘cheap soundproofing’, you need to choose a solution capable of dealing with your noise issue. Cheaper soundproofing will be suited to low noise levels, which is probably not why you’re here.
A direct to wall single layer soundproof panel will be cheaper but they are only really effective on stud walls. Even then, you need a triple layered panel which costs you much more than £34 per m2! For brick walls, we use various soundproofing panels with insulation and isolation clips.
Solid wall soundproofing solutions
Solid wall soundproofing solutions are made from soundproof panels, insulation and a decoupled frame. The frame is most important for solid walls and creates a physical separation between the brick and the panels. For space used, this method is the most effective soundproofing solution for solid walls.
The MuteClip soundproofing frame reduces the points of contact between the two sections. The systems below show the clip framework over the solid wall with layers of soundproofing board screwed into the frame.
Is solid wall soundproofing expensive?
Solid wall soundproofing starts at around £34 per meter squared but goes up to £60 per m2. Even our cheapest price is for a system that can deliver a good sound reduction of 14dB, instead of a single soundproofing panel.
It’s worth mentioning, several times, that you should choose your soundproofing based on the volume of the noise you experience. Don’t buy a system because it’s in budget, buy it because it can resolve your issue.
Does solid wall soundproofing even work?
Yes, solid wall soundproofing does work, provided it is correctly installed. Remember, soundproofing will only work if it is the right solution for your noise issue so check the data. If you install a system that doesn’t block enough decibels in the lab, then don’t expect it to drown out your noisy neighbours.
Always read the installation guides before starting your soundproofing project. You can also hire a professional installer to keep it stress-free. If you’re a confident DIYer like me, then you might want to do this yourself and save some budget. I would suggest getting an extra person to help as the materials are heavy and bulky to lift!
There are a few ancillaries in soundproofing that are best not forgotten and ensure a good install. For example, most of our systems use isolation strips, to prevent flanking transmission, and acoustic sealant to strengthen every area of your wall.
How much space does wall soundproofing use?
Solid wall soundproofing, of good quality, starts at 60mm thick. While it may seem like a lot of space is lost, you cannot properly soundproof a wall without adding high-mass materials and decoupling structures.
If you can’t visualise this easily, then 60mm is a little less than the width of a five pound note. Go and hold it against your wall to see what you think.
You can use a single soundproofing panel, at 19mm thick, however this will make almost no difference on a brick wall. Direct-to-wall soundproofing boards are most effective on stud walls.
Soundproofing with electric cables and sockets
You have three options to soundproof a wall with sockets and cables. Because these are weak points, the very best option is to rewire your socket to another wall. This will depend on your budget and space configuration, of course.
If you can’t have a socket moved, then opt for a surface-mounted wall socket. While these might not look very pretty, it means only one small hole needs to be made in your new wall. Around the wire, you should add acoustic sealant to close any gaps. I’ve done this in my lounge and it made a great difference as I have two double sockets on my party wall.
The last option is not ideal and should only be used if you can’t wall-mount the socket. Instead, back your recessed socket with our acoustic insert box and close gaps with sealant. This is not ideal and will yield poorer results than the first two options.
Can I decorate over the soundproofed wall?
Yes, you can decorate directly over the soundproofed wall. Start with a skim layer of plaster and from there either paint or wallpaper to finish. Soundproofing boards should have scrim tape over joins before skimming to ensure the plaster takes properly.
Can I put shelves onto a soundproofing wall?
I would not suggest putting shelves onto a soundproofing wall as this creates holes for sound to travel through. Instead, use free-standing furniture that will not compromise the soundproofing performance.
Some soundproofing companies do say you can hang pictures, TV’s and shelves, however, this will always compromise your system to some degree. For small items, stick on wall hooks would be a good option.
How to install a TV on a soundproof wall
To install a TV onto a soundproofed wall, plan ahead by creating an extra system. I have had one installed use a simple plywood support between the MuteClip channels. The plywood will support the TV and by installing it between the MuteClip channels, it can be screwed into the MuteClip system and not touch the original wall.
You must make sure you have properly planned ahead and measured to ensure the wood is in the correct place. An alternative is to create two mini additional channels that will be used to support the TV. This is a little harder because your placement needs to be perfectly accurate to ensure the TV screws go into the specific channels.
I would suggest giving us a call to check through your best options!
