Noisy Neighbours Solution

Neighbours who create lots of noise either by watching television, listening to music, heated arguments, ball games, pet noises or even just stamping around can be very annoying. Your home is your sanctuary and you should not have to put up with excessive noise which can prevent you from enjoying simple activities like reading a book or listening to your own music and TV. It can also have a detrimental effect on all areas of your life, especially if it prevents you getting a good nights sleep. Experiencing excessive unwanted noise from neighbours can even make you stressed, irritable and nervous.

Whilst the easiest and cheapest method would be to have a quiet word with your neighbours this is not always possible.

If you do not have friendly neighbours or you’ve tried talking to them or even complained to the authorities and it still hasn’t solved the problem then an easy solution would be to sound proof the wall using dry lining.

You can do this by installing a 50mm metal stud framework in front of the party wall and fit plasterboard to the face of the studs, or for even greater sound reduction use soundbloc plasterboard. The cavity should be filled with mineral fibre insulation quilt (45kg/m3). Once complete the plasterboard can be skimmed and decorated leaving a soundproofed wall that looks just like it always did but significantly reduces the unwanted sound.

Alternatively it could be you’re a thoughtful neighbour and you’d like to stop noise from your own home annoying your neighbours, in which case dry lining the wall would also be a good solution.

How much do office partitions cost?

Frameless Glazed Partition

There are many different types and configurations of office partitions available but the basic types are metal stud partitions, aluminium partitions and frameless glazed partitions.

Metal stud partitions

As the name suggests this type of partitioning consists of a galvanised metal stud framework clad with plasterboard.

There are literally hundreds of different specifications available for metal stud partitions and these are determined by your requirements.  They have different  acoustic ratings, fire ratings and moisture resistance and sometimes all three together so this guide can only give you a very rough idea.

The cost can vary by a huge margin depending on the specification. For example a basic partition consisting of 50mm metal studs at 600mm centres clad with one layer of 12.5mm plasterboard to both sides could cost in the region of £25 to £35 per square metre.  

At the higher end a 150mm stud partition clad with two layers of 12.5mm plasterboard to both sides could cost in the region of £55 to £65 per square metre.

These costs will increase if a higher specification plasterboard is required or if insulation quilt is fitted in the cavity. There are many different types and thicknesses of plasterboard which all alter the performance of the partition.

Also this type of partition will require the joints and screw holes filling before decoration or alternatively cover strips to hide the joints.

Aluminium Partitions

Sometimes called demountable partitioning this type consists of an aluminium frame with honeycombed plasterboard panels fitted in between. Like the metal stud partitions above there are many different types and thicknesses available.

For a basic solid 50mm thick SAA aluminium partition the cost could be as little as £30 to £40 per square metre.

At the higher end a centre glazed 75mm thick coloured aluminium partition complete with integral venetian blinds could cost in the region of £120 to £160 per square metre depending the type of glass and if it’s double or single glazed.

Frameless Glazed Partitions

This type consists of an aluminium floor and head track with full height glazing fitted in between. The vertical joints are either silicone or dry jointed but in both cases the joints are almost invisible. Again as with the other types of partitions there are many different specifications including single or double glazed, and there are different types of glass available including acoustic and fire rated.

A basic single glazed system costs in the region of £140 to £160 per square metre and this can rise dramatically depending on the type of glass.

 

The above rates should only be used as a very rough guideline as the final cost of partitioning can vary by a huge margin depending on location in the country, type of decoration, height of the partition, and overall acoustic and fire requirements.

For an accurate cost and help with the specification I would suggest contacting a professional partition contractor.