Partition Wall Strengthening - advice please

Posted by: AndyFelin on 28 February 2005

At long last we have got the go-ahead for the conversion of an adjoining workshop into a new lounge and separate study/office.

I initially wanted a solid wall (blockwork) between these two rooms, but have been told that this will need the original floor dug up for a foundation to be laid. Wanting to keep the project's costs down we have vetoed this and are now going with the architect's suggestion of a stud wall with plasterboard. This stud-partition will be about 3.75 metres high by 4 metres wide, tying into an existing floor which will become the study/office ceiling. The architect has specified 12.5 mm P/Board on 38x89mm cls studs @ 600mm ctrs.

My questions is, as this is quite a high wall on the lounge side, how can I ensure this is stiff enough and not boom like a big bass drum. My initial thoughts are to put 18mm chipboard under the p/board to stiffen and give some weight to the structure.

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Andy

Posted on: 28 February 2005 by Martin Clark

You might be surprised at how effective partitions can be at acoustic isolation. The one thing they lack in comparison with blockwork is mass, which affects primarily how well they perform at low frequencies. It won't boom like a bass drum, but it will act as a (big, free) bass absorber to some degree. A little flex is usually a good thing.

So we need a little bit more information: I'm presuming the lounge is a listening room - will it ever be used when someone is trying to work in the office What degree of separation do you want, and what do you need? I presume you've discussed your particular needs and wants in this regard with the architect.

If it's just 'the best we can manage at a reasonable extra cost' then putting mineral fibre insulation in the partition (= damping), or adding a second layer of plasterboard to both sides (cheaper and denser than the chipboard) - or both - are worth considering. Bear in mind though, that's qute a high partiton and the total effect on extra mass may be reflected in beefier studs or other works if the floor it is to rest on is suspended.

Posted on: 28 February 2005 by Rasher

Don't be afraid to discuss this with your Architect and also talk to the people at the advice centre. Sound proofing is now part of the Building Regulations and the days of hollow stud walls are over. They all have to reach certain acoustic standards and nearly always have fibreglass quilt inside at the very minimum.

Posted on: 28 February 2005 by Martin Clark

Good catch Rasher, I'd overlooked the obvious.

(now guess who's been staring at partition details for the last week...! Time for a holiday.)

Posted on: 28 February 2005 by Trevor Bennett

Hi,
I would recommend that you put the studs at 400mm ctrs 600mm is a bit flexible(planky)and i would also go for two layers of plasterboard rather than chipboard (ply or sterling board would also be ok)and fill the studwork with rockwool.

Cheers
Trevor

Posted on: 28 February 2005 by AndyFelin

Thanks for the info guys.

I will discuss it with my architect.

It's not important to keep noise out of the study/office.

Putting the studs closer together and using two layers of p/board seems a good idea to stiffen and dampen the structure.

Andy

Posted on: 01 March 2005 by Rasher

But remember that you don't want to spend money unnecessarily.

Posted on: 01 March 2005 by long-time-dead

... unless it is on something you cannot afford !