What is a party wall primarily used for?

A party wall is primarily used as a sound and fire separation between units. This type of wall typically exists between two adjacent properties, particularly in multi-family buildings like duplexes or townhouses. Its primary function is to enhance privacy and safety for the occupants of each unit by minimizing sound transmission and providing a barrier against fire spread.

When constructing a party wall, building codes often require that it meets specific insulation and fire-resistance ratings to ensure that it effectively serves its intended purpose. This is crucial for ensuring that residents in neighboring units can enjoy their living spaces without disturbing each other, and it helps to protect both homes in the event of a fire.

This contrasts with other options. While party walls can indeed separate property lots, that is not their main purpose; the distinction is more about ownership and legal parameters than functionality. A garden boundary does not typically serve the structural or protective functions that a party wall does. Aesthetic appeal can be a factor in overall design, but it is not the primary role of a party wall; functionality related to separation and safety takes precedence.