Acoustics and Sound Insulation

Just like any other new homes, when built with good standards of workmanship, timber frame homes will meet all current Building Regulations and Standards on sound insulation and acoustic performance.

The mass of the wall construction, together with the separation and air cavity which helps to prevent the airborne transmission of sound, provides a very good level of sound insulation in modern homes.

Don’t assume that only solid walls can guarantee you peace and quiet. In fact, in tests in 2003 for the establishment of ‘Robust Details’ that can be used by any designer and house builder, the standard specification for timber frame party walls (Wall Specification TPW-1) performed the best out of any construction method.

Reviewing research on the UK’s largest database of test cases on sound performance going back over 17 years, Dr Sean Smith of Napier University says: “Our research shows that timber frame party walls are the best performing in the industry – for current and future regulations.”

“If all dwellings had sound insulation as good as that measured in party walls of timber frame homes, the problems of noise from neighbours would be greatly reduced.”

BRE