Sound

[adk]

I thought the article titled "Sound Advice" was very informative and hit on a subject which I think is very relevant to todays ireland.

Now that there is a shift towards more high density/apartment construction I think its very important to address problems of sound in dwellings.

Im not knowledgeable on the subject but the amount of people/friends I have come across in new developments complaining about hearing the next door neighbours is astounding.

Is it a case that:

a) the current regulations are not up to scratch and there is a case for upping of Tgd E?
b) is it bad workmanship on the builders part?
c)Certain people are too sensitive?

just a thought perhaps if apartments were sound proofed better then they would be viewed as a more sustainable option to living in a house (which I think is generally percieved as having better sound proofing)

and perhaps if dwellings were graded A-F ( like this new energy performance directive) on their sound performance it could be a good marketing tool for the developer and benefit the end user.

Any thoughts???? :?

[Unregistered]

i think you've hit the nail on the head regarding option b). standards in this country are all too often very poor. has anyone ever heard of the building regulations being enforced regarding sound or any other issue concerned with standards of workmanship? the sad truth is that this government is in the builders' back pocket and doesn't want to upset the industry.

[Brigid]

i live in an apartment where the noise gets awful at times. it mainly comes from neighbours thru a party wall. is there any thing I can do to improve it?

[bob]

check out the 'Sound Advice' article on the Construct Ireland website:

http://www.constructireland.ie/articles/0210sound.php

or try emailing jim.dunne@iacoustics.net at Integrated Acoustic Solutions

[VikingHouse]

We have used Softboard and Rockwool for this problem.
Both work well.