Sound Insulation Guidelines

Gumbo

Guys, forgive me if im in the wrong section, but a friend of mine bought a house a few years back. its a duplex type 2 storey house with a single storey apartment overhead.

The problem is that this apartment has only now been occupied and the noise levels are unbelievable!

He now has reason to believe that the builders didnt build it according to the regs etc but has no idea on how to approach it?
Anybody have any ideas on the process to check this out?

Many Thanks.

sydthebeat

i had experience with this a few years ago.

In my opinion there is an implicit fault in the regs.

There is a prescribed method of construction of party walls to be complied with in the regs.
There is also prescribed noise levels to be met. However, in my experience, in some cases, the prescribed construction does not met these noise levels in reality.

what your friend needs to do is to get someone qualified and able out to check:
1. how the building is constructed
2. how the noise is most likely transferred
3. what the actual average noise levels are and do they contravene regulations
4. what remedial action is required

as to who is liable, well thats another story.

Gumbo

sydthebeat wrote: »

i had experience with this a few years ago.

In my opinion there is an implicit fault in the regs.

There is a prescribed method of construction of party walls to be complied with in the regs.
There is also prescribed noise levels to be met. However, in my experience, in some cases, the prescribed construction does not met these noise levels in reality.

what your friend needs to do is to get someone qualified and able out to check:
1. how the building is constructed
2. how the noise is most likely transferred
3. what the actual average noise levels are and do they contravene regulations
4. what remedial action is required

as to who is liable, well thats another story.

Thanks Syd.

1. Timber frame Construction. (he says he will cut out a trial section the weekend to see the build up)
2. side byt side dwellings seem to be ok, its only the noise from above, impact noise and the people peeing!
3. i assume theres a test that can determine noise levels?
4. ive recommended an extra layer of insulated plasterboard and then re-skim and paint, but dont know how much of an effect this will have.

Do-more

kceire wrote: »

3. i assume theres a test that can determine noise levels?

For impact sound the tapping test is used to measure levels.

I know Dublin city council had a scourge on impact sound levels in apartments many years ago, so it would be advisable for your mate to contact the relevant section of their local council and see if they can find an official who is sympathetic to their position.

There are various strategies that can be employed to improve the situation such as adding mass in the form of high density mineral wool insulation between the joists and creating a sound break in the construction.

I'll PM you the name of a company in Dublin who specialise in sound proofing work, it's not a recommendation as I know nothing of the company other than their name, so make your own enquiries.

writhen

You may find that you meet the current Irish regs! They are quite weak ( in comparison to some of our European neighbours). Also getting a test done requires you gaining acccess to your neighbours apartment - which may be difficult if you have uncooperative neighbours.