Metal stud wall between houses

Brego888

Hi all

We are buying a new build semi d in a new development.

They builder has responded to a few questions by email and let us know that the separating wall between houses will be metal stud with insulation and sound proofing which conform with building regs and code E of the technical guidance documents.

I'm not overly familiar with this type of wall and had wrongly assumed it would be brick wall separating the houses and stud wall internally.
Does anyone have any experience on this type of wall and its effectiveness particularly in relation to sound transfer?

I've read the building regs document but I'm no clearer. -snip- are the developers and they come with a good reputation.

Gumbo

Brego888 wrote: »

Hi all

We are buying a new build semi d in a new development.

They builder has responded to a few questions by email and let us know that the separating wall between houses will be metal stud with insulation and sound proofing which conform with building regs and code E of the technical guidance documents.

I'm not overly familiar with this type of wall and had wrongly assumed it would be brick wall separating the houses and stud wall internally.
Does anyone have any experience on this type of wall and its effectiveness particularly in relation to sound transfer?

I've read the building regs document but I'm no clearer. -snip- are the developers and they come with a good reputation.

Very similar to Timber Frame construction. I was involved in one estate in North Dublin built this way and they felt more secure and solid compared to a similar timber frame.

Penn

Brego888 wrote: »

Hi all

We are buying a new build semi d in a new development.

They builder has responded to a few questions by email and let us know that the separating wall between houses will be metal stud with insulation and sound proofing which conform with building regs and code E of the technical guidance documents.

I'm not overly familiar with this type of wall and had wrongly assumed it would be brick wall separating the houses and stud wall internally.
Does anyone have any experience on this type of wall and its effectiveness particularly in relation to sound transfer?

I've read the building regs document but I'm no clearer. Glenveagh are the developers and they come with a good reputation.

It would usually be a masonry block wall between semi-detached properties. However, any partition meeting the standards for the regulations, particularly regarding structure, fire safety, thermal insulation and sound insulation is acceptable. If you have concerns about the wall in terms of fire or sound performance, ask for the specification they're using or confirmation from the manufacturer of the metal frame that that specification is sufficient to meet the applicable regulations.

Brego888

kceire wrote: »

Very similar to Timber Frame construction. I was involved in one estate in North Dublin built this way and they felt more secure and solid compared to a similar timber frame.

Thanks and any experience in relation to sound transfer between buildings?

Gumbo

Brego888 wrote: »

Thanks and any experience in relation to sound transfer between buildings?

Very similar to TF also.
They pass the Part E Sound Transmission test once constructed properly, but as with any party wall, you will still hear the high pitch baby cry, shouting or doors slamming etc

imp1

Can you get the actual spec of the construction from the builder?
A properly specced lightweight construction party wall can (and almost always does) perform far better, in terms of sound transfer, than a simple 'block on the flat plastered both sides' typical party wall, but it has to be built up by a builder than realises and appreciates what he is doing - guessing -snip- know their onions, but no harm to ask them for test results for similar party walls. Using the wrong length screw in the metal section can have a marked impact on the performance of the wall.