Soundproofing - how effective is it?

rajanm

Hello everyone,

I have a slight problem with morning noise from the neighbours above. They've got that dreaded combination, a couple of kids and some wooden floorboards.

I don't really feel there is any reason to approach them about the noise as it is nothing out of the ordinary and only really starts, at the earliest, around 8am when the kids get up. I guess I just have to live with it but was wondering how effective soundproofing the ceiling might be and how expensive it can be?

What I'd ideally do is get some soundproofing done, by getting a false ceiling built but, at the same time, maybe getting spotlights installed too. What does everyone think of this? Will it be mega-expensive?

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Rajan

Getafix

You could suss out material prices here at Domestic Soundproofing.

I would suggets a minimal combination of resilient bars and acoustic mineral wool.

The prices are not obvious so here's a link: http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/soundproof_pl.htm

Poppycat

Cheapest option would be wearing ear plugs. Using sound proofing materials could be expensive as you would have to cover such a large area to stop sound penetrating

I have been three with traffic noise, and believe me, sound is very hard to stop coming through, it always finds week spots to get through

This site may help you

http://www.soundreduction.co.uk/9.html

Liz1966

Hi,

I had my flat soundproofed in April by taking down the ceilings, putting in sound-proofing insulation, put in new ceilings. My neighbours are best described as an arguing couple with a screaming toddler!

My flat is about 30' x 20' & the work cost about £1800. I live on Surrey Sussex boarder.

In terms of effectiveness it does muffle the sound, however, it has no impact on the sound of footfall & I still get noise when their windows are open & so are mine (obvious when you think about it).

Soundproofing this way is very disruptive while the work is being done. Everything has to be put away & there is still dust everywhere for some time & I'm doing the decorating myself to keep the costs down.

For me it was worthwhile because I was having other work done at the same time. Not sure if I'd recommend it though!

When my neighbours are next having new carpet fitted I'm going to offer to pay for soundproofing underlay. This is relatively cheap & is apparently reasonably priced. That should resolve the footfall noise as far as possible.

Good luck!

ben500

Pardon?

torbrex

There is an option that a friend of mine used but it requires the cooperation of the people upstairs.
He got a load of ash from the local hospital incinerator and spread it about 3 inches thick between the joists under upstairs floorboards. He got the ash free and his neighbours gave him access to do it while they were away on holiday so all it cost was the transport for the ash and my alcohol level topping up with the required substance (I had not stopped at that time).