Sound Proofing a Top Flat ?

thequant

I've been having a very frustating search for a property, I'm a FTB and my main motivation for moving due to the noise from my upstairs neighbours in the rented flat I currently reside in.

The upstairs neighbours are not anti social, types but have a young child who can spend many hours on end crashing about.

For this reason I've been only looking at houses, however due to lack of success I've loosend my search critreas, such as location, budget, and very reluctantly flats.

So imagine my joy that within 5 mins I found a property that ticked every box possible, the only problem being it was a Flat!

However it was a top floor penthouse flat, the only flat on the roof, with only one neighbour below. I contended that since I had been looking at end of terrace and semi's I had already accepted I would have at least one neighbour when I find a place. Plus with the flat being on the top floor, someone could worry about my noise for once!

Viewing was promptly organised, viewing went well and I think the EA showing us round detected our buying signals judging by the length of time we were inspecting the property.

Then all of a sudden, BANG, CRASH, WALLOP! It soon became clear that the residents of the downstairs flat were a young family with toddlers crashing about. I then promptly ended the viewing.

Anyway, I've been thinking about the property, if the noise could be eliminated, I would be seriously interested in the property.

Is this possible in a top floor penthouse flat ? when the main source of noise pollution is from the property below ?

thequant

One thing I noticed, is that the EPC certificate is a rating of G! reading the full report, It seems the main cause of this rating is the property had extremely poor heat insulation. Am I correct in assuming poor heat insulation=poor sound insulation ?

Ivana_Tinkle

You could insulate the floor, but it won't work miracles and you will still hear some noise from downstairs. Since you're already sensitised to the sound of young kids crashing about, it's likely that it will still bother you.

budgetdiyer

Ivana_Tinkle wrote: »

You could insulate the floor, but it won't work miracles and you will still hear some noise from downstairs. Since you're already sensitised to the sound of young kids crashing about, it's likely that it will still bother you.

I would disagree with that.

The most difficult noise to eliminate would be impact noise, but since this flat is a top floor flat it won't be suffering from much (or depending on the construction no) impact noise, just airborne noise.

The lack of heat insulation will have no impact on noise from below.

Do you know what / how the floors are constructed from?

Concrete, Floorboards or Chipboard?

With a wooden floor you will be able to do so much more to eliminate the noise. ie basics - lift floor add dense insulation, relay floor, acoustic sealant to all gaps in the floor boards, edges around skirtings followed by a high quality underlay and carpet.

If you have a good budget you will be able to do alot more too.

PS. if you do go for the flat, speak to the flat below to see if they might be willing to contribute to the costs, since no doubt they'll be suffering more noise from you upstairs!

vegasbaby100

I work a lot with developers who build student accomadation up to high end apartments around the country and in London.

Lots can be done on an accoustic front a lot depends on the construction of the building. If you want a collegue of mine works the the largest Accoustic solution manufacture in the Uk. If you want to talk about technical options I will be happy to pass on his number and he will talk about options and costings and if you want we would be able to put you in contact with a local distributor as they dont sell direct to public.

thequant

budgetdiyer wrote: »

I would disagree with that.

The most difficult noise to eliminate would be impact noise, but since this flat is a top floor flat it won't be suffering from much (or depending on the construction no) impact noise, just airborne noise.

The lack of heat insulation will have no impact on noise from below.

Do you know what / how the floors are constructed from?

Concrete, Floorboards or Chipboard?

With a wooden floor you will be able to do so much more to eliminate the noise. ie basics - lift floor add dense insulation, relay floor, acoustic sealant to all gaps in the floor boards, edges around skirtings followed by a high quality underlay and carpet.

If you have a good budget you will be able to do alot more too.

PS. if you do go for the flat, speak to the flat below to see if they might be willing to contribute to the costs, since no doubt they'll be suffering more noise from you upstairs!

"impact noise", thanks for that term, as that would describe what drives me mad. I dont mind a constant noise from a train, traffic, or even music from outside. It's the sudden without warning bangs that annoys, as I work from home it's very difficult for concentration.

I don't know what the floors are made from, But I'm pretty certain they are not concrete. It's a late 1970's/earlys 80's style, 3 floors high (i.e. not a tower block) with flat roof.

Would insulating the floors make a big difference, bearing in mind the sound is coming from the flat below ? i.e. is the floor the main cause of transmission ?

thequant

vegasbaby100 wrote: »

I work a lot with developers who build student accomadation up to high end apartments around the country and in London.

Lots can be done on an accoustic front a lot depends on the construction of the building. If you want a collegue of mine works the the largest Accoustic solution manufacture in the Uk. If you want to talk about technical options I will be happy to pass on his number and he will talk about options and costings and if you want we would be able to put you in contact with a local distributor as they dont sell direct to public.

Yes, feel free to PM me his details, thanks.

vegasbaby100

message sent any questions shout

coinxoperated

If you are moving in above me, PLEASE wear sponges on the bottom of your feet. At all times.

No coming in at 3am drunk and humping like bunnies above my bedroom either.

Tar :rotfl:

Excited13

Considering your previous posts it seems you have an issue with children and the noise and mess they make. Could you save a bit extra to but a small detached property? The problem with flats/semis/terraces neighbours can change and they may include children later on.

I've lived in two different flats (both built in the last 10 years) and I find them very noisy. I swear the woman upstairs always walks round in heels! If noise is an issue flats may not be the best option for you.

thequant

coinxoperated wrote: »

If you are moving in above me, PLEASE wear sponges on the bottom of your feet. At all times.

No coming in at 3am drunk and humping like bunnies above my bedroom either.

Tar :rotfl:

If you keep your kids quiet (have you tried ritolin ? ), I'll tell the other half (who's a bit of screamer) to keep it down :beer: