Browse Forums Renovation + Home Improvement 1 Jun 06, 2021 12:24 pm Looking for some advice. I own and live in a duplex which has a long common wall. I can hear my neighbour cough, talk on the phone (can't make out details) and vacuum (it is almost like they are in my living room). I also know when they have dinner because I can hear the tinkering of the fork against the plate. I can hear when they drop something on the floor. I can hear them switch their TV on and off at the wall, even though (assuming their unit is the same as mine) that power point isn't on the common wall - it is on the adjoining wall. I'm fortunate that they are the quiet living type, but I am annoyed I even have to hear this in the first place. I spoke to them some time ago - they said they can hear conversation when someone visits me, but can't make out the details. They also said they are quite deaf, so I'm possibly hearing them more than they are hearing me. I don't know if the common wall is double brick with a gap, like it is supposed to be. I've made some enquiries with a place that sells soundproofing materials but they weren't particularly helpful. My next plan is to talk to a builder. I like this property but because of this issue I regret buying it. Not really in a position to sell, but willing to spend some money fixing the issue (if I can find out what is likely to work). Would appreciate advice from someone who knows / has been in this situation. Re: Noise transfer through duplex common wall - solutions? 2Jun 06, 2021 12:31 pm Track down the construction/engineering drawings, your local Council Building department should have copies. Then have it properly assessed for sound, fire, compliance ,etc.. solutions can be calculated/worked from there. Designer,Engineer (Civil,Const & Envir),Builder,Concrete & Masonry Contract.Struct Repairs Re: Noise transfer through duplex common wall - solutions? 3Jun 17, 2021 8:07 am HomeOwner2021 Looking for some advice. I own and live in a duplex which has a long common wall. I can hear my neighbour cough, talk on the phone (can't make out details) and vacuum (it is almost like they are in my living room). I also know when they have dinner because I can hear the tinkering of the fork against the plate. I can hear when they drop something on the floor. I can hear them switch their TV on and off at the wall, even though (assuming their unit is the same as mine) that power point isn't on the common wall - it is on the adjoining wall. I'm fortunate that they are the quiet living type, but I am annoyed I even have to hear this in the first place. I spoke to them some time ago - they said they can hear conversation when someone visits me, but can't make out the details. They also said they are quite deaf, so I'm possibly hearing them more than they are hearing me. I don't know if the common wall is double brick with a gap, like it is supposed to be. I've made some enquiries with a place that sells soundproofing materials but they weren't particularly helpful. My next plan is to talk to a builder. I like this property but because of this issue I regret buying it. Not really in a position to sell, but willing to spend some money fixing the issue (if I can find out what is likely to work). Would appreciate advice from someone who knows / has been in this situation. Hi Homeowner2021 In my Metricon duplex building days, to save money it was common to use a thin fire rated partiwall system as opposed to double brick. We mainly used the Boral Partiwall which is a 25mm fire rated plasterboard. Also to save money (because our clients had us on extremely tight budgets - my favourite story is that we were given $17 to paint an alfresco ceiling) little or no insulation was used. To me it sounds like your duplex has a similar construction methodology. There are several ways to try and improve it ( and it will cost money, but not crazy money): 1. Most expensive but best method - in your main rooms, remove the plasterboard, install acoustic insulation to the cavity, seal any gaps with an acoustic sealant and then sheet with 2 x 10mm plasterboard sheets or Soundcheck 2. Second Cheaper option - simply line the internal adjoining walls with an acoustic rated gyprock such as Soundcheck. If you are in Sydney I would be happy to send you the details of my gyprocker Jerry, who is fantastic and can sort you out. If you are in another state just chuck your enquiry on hi pages. Good luck Simeon Architectural Homes & Duplexes - specialising in custom designing homes to your budget Get a Free Onsite Consultation Today or send a PM for information, questions or advice. Re: Noise transfer through duplex common wall - solutions? 4Jun 17, 2021 5:45 pm Hi Simeon, Appreciate your reply - that's good information. I'm not in Sydney, otherwise I'd gladly take your gyprocker's contact details. I now have some hope the issue can be addressed. Thank you In the end, two pieces of treated timber (20mm thick) were bolted onto the joists and planed when there was too much sticking out. Passed inspection. 13 7800 I would find out how deep your clay base is and depending on the depth install a cut off drain which is more than a normal agi drain. Where the neighbouring walls is… 2 3147 Nope, only on the inside, I've literally has my ears to the brick outside and can't hear anything. I can sort of 'reset' the noise by pressing firmly on the studs. This… 10 11760 |