Bathroom decorating and party wall sound insulation

[skinnymalinky]

Hi all,

Getting my bathroom redone but I am keen to do something about the lack of sound insulation between us and next door's bathroom. I think it's basically a single brick between us so can clearly hear conversations through the wall! I doubt they'll be thrilled about hearing my singing either once the shower is in either

Just wondering if anyone has any experience of this or can offer any advice in terms of products to use, etc? I have a limited amount of space I am willing to lose here - definitely no more than 100mm but ideally less.

While I'm here - what sort of paints are people here tending to use for walls and wood panelling in bathrooms?

Thanks in advance as always!

 

[Cubist]

Hi There,

What kind of wood panelling have you got in mind? Are the existing walls plastered? Are you sure that the sound is being transmitted directly through the walls? I have come across instances where sounds are transmitted via wooden beams and amplified in floor-spaces.

 

[skinnymalinky]

Hi @Cubist,

The sound issue is the same throughout that side of the house across all floors - I suppose the lack of floor insulation won't be helping either but I imagine the complete lack of mass in the party wall is an issue. I don't expect to fix it everywhere e.g. staircase where the space is too limited - but the bathroom of all places feels like a good room to try and take the edge of it at least. I don't expect total elimination of noise - a dampening so I can't hear actual words of the conversation would be sufficient!

Panelling is already there and yeah the walls are already plastered (and painted as you can see).




Thanks!

 

[Cubist]

I have no particular relevant experience - other than a noisy neighbour years ago - of products to alleviate the problem but others here may be able to commend some approaches and products. Personally I would be looking to lose as little space as possible and would therefore be looking at some of the acoustic panel boards that are available. Many of these seem to consist of layers of sound absorbing materials bonded to a plasterboard panel. Presumably these can be cut to the required dimensions and fixed to the party wall, after removing the wainscotting of course, and finished initially with a skim of plaster. To my mind though these seem expensive and I do wonder if, in a bathroom, tiles may produce an equivalent, or even superior, sound deadening effect.

Alternatively, you might consider the services of a singing coach = but only if you like your neighbours.

 

[Feltwell]

Worth having a look at the NoiseKiller website:-

https://www.nkgroup.co.uk/domestic-soundproofing/

I've used their vehicle products and they definitely make a difference.