Soundproofing a Victorian terraced house

[cbuk193]

Hi!

We've recently moved into a mid-terraced Victorian cottage. We can hear our neighbours talking through the walls, even when they're not talking particularly loudly (luckily they're decent neighbours).

Has anyone had a similar issue and what have you done that was effective - and at what cost?

We are planning to make significant changes to the layout in 5 or 6 years, which is when I would think about a complete soundproof solution - but is there something fairly inexpensive that can be done in the meantime.

I've noticed that the skirting boards can be pushed back against the wall, suggesting there's quite a gap behind it. It's it worth pulling these off and filling with something?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

- CB

 

[foxhole]

Do you share loftspace with neighbours?
Can you hear next door at all levels or some rooms more than others?

 

[cbuk193]

Do you share loftspace with neighbours?
Can you hear next door at all levels or some rooms more than others?

We don't share loft space. We can hear them on both the ground floor and first floor.

 

[mattylad]

What are your walls made of? I'm in a victorian terrace house and my walls are 22" thick front and back and at least a foot thick between terraces.

 

[cbuk193]

What are your walls made of? I'm in a victorian terrace house and my walls are 22" thick front and back and at least a foot thick between terraces.

I'm not 100% sure but I feel like it's just a 1 brick wall.

 

[flameport]

It's it worth pulling these off and filling with something?

Maybe.
The key is to identify where the sound is coming from - if it's a single brick wall, then gaps in it could be the cause.

A decent start would be;
Removing a section of skirting board to see if there are any gaps in the mortar between bricks.
Remove floorboard(s) along that wall as there may be gaps below the floor level, and if the joists are set into that wall, there may be gaps there as well.
Also check in the loft space above.