Should my party wall be "well" sound proofed?

[V8 Stang]

I have a "new build" semi detached that was built in 2017.

I have up to now assumed the party wall was just Dot/Dabbed plasterboard onto block.
So have been very conservative with music levels etc, as its a lovely "older" couple next door i don't want to annoy.

However, i just went to fix a bracket onto the party wall and have discovered, its 2 layers of plasterboard (total around 30-35mm thick), then a 100mm void, then a thin layer of insulation before what i assume is the block wall (and then assume the same the other side).

So it seems its significantly more sound proofed than i thought!

I can never hear a single thing next door (even with my ear to the wall), other than doors closing.


I also play guitar (mostly metal - in drop C!) which can travel a bit, however both guitar playing and music is in the lounge, while the party wall is next to the hallway.

Here is a top quality sketch of the layout!



So considering the construction and where sound is generated, would we suggest a fair volume can be played in the lounge (with door closed) without intruding into next door?

What do we think?

[FredericRobinson]

Won't your neighbours be better placed to answer the question than some strangers on the internet?

[jet_noise]

1. Put your favourite thrash LP on at preferred level.
2. Pop next door and ask if it's too loud.

That's what I did* in my last house.

*Not the thrash bit, I'm more of a prog. head

[Johnnytheboy]

FredericRobinson said:

Won't your neighbours be better placed to answer the question than some strangers on the internet?

I think you mean "neighbours".

[bristolbaron]

FredericRobinson said:

Won't your neighbours be better placed to answer the question than some strangers on the internet?

That depends. If we agree a song for him to play at a certain time and any of us can hear it, it’s probably too loud.

[agent006]

While that party wall isn't technically 'soundproofed' it'll certainly go a long way to keeping the noise transmission down. Success depends on build quality with soundproofing, so being a new build that'll probably be dreadful. However TV and guitar from the far side of the house should be absolutely no problem for that wall to attenuate enough for the neighbours.

[Condi]

Keep an eye out for their car not being there, and play as loudly as you like when nobody is home.

[Mave]

IMHO the volumes you'll get away with with the TV might be different to the volume you get away with for the guitar - depending on your setup. The sound that a TV speaker puts out is much more easily damped than the sound a pair of 12" guitar amp speakers put out...

[dhutch]

V8 Stang said:

I have a "new build" semi detached that was built in 2017.

I have up to now assumed the party wall was just Dot/Dabbed plasterboard onto block.

However.... it seems its significantly more sound proofed than I thought!


What do we think?

Nice.

House party, see how long it takes for them to come round and knock on the door?