Washing machine & dryer upstairs?

FEDEX

I was considering locating a washing machine and dryer upstairs.

Then I wondered whether the vibrations caused by the machines would upset the ceilings of the rooms below?

Does anyone have experience of washing machines and dryers on the first floor of a house?

cddc

Having previously lived in flats in converted houses with both washing machines above, on my floor and below me, I would say that as long as the floor is sound and as rigid as possible, the vibrations will not damage the ceiling. But the resonance of the noise can be very annoying if you are directly below one!

DaftyDuck

I have done it temporarily, whilst I was refurbishing a property around my living in it (there was a free-standing bath, next to the washing machine, in what was to become the main bedroom.... the joys of renovation).

It is extremely noisy. The vibration can be felt through the house, and scared the bejeesus out of me. (It was a modern, well-balanced, levelled and not overloaded machine at that). I certainly don't think I could have used it at night, without moving everyone else into a hotel....

There is also the problem that leaks and spills are likely to be much more damaging, and spread further, and involve electrics.

So, for those reasons, I would not do it.

However, it is obviously done frequently, when larger houses are split into flats. I doubt the majority of them have strengthened the flooring significantly.

Mine was there for a month or so. In that time, there was no joist damage (I checked!), and I had no leaks. I would do it again for a month, if I had to, but I'd much, much, much prefer to not.

QuackQuackOops

FEDEX wrote: »

I was considering locating a washing machine and dryer upstairs.

Then I wondered whether the vibrations caused by the machines would upset the ceilings of the rooms below?

Does anyone have experience of washing machines and dryers on the first floor of a house?

First thing to consider is the electrics.
Would the washing machine be going in the bathroom?

If so, you'd have to consider the regulations surrounding electrics in bathrooms in this country.

schwam66

i wouldnt do it, what happens when you want to hang stuff outside?? and as someone else had said the electrics would need to be thought through as well...all the best

FEDEX

Thanks for all the feedback folks,

Sounds like its a mostly unpleasant experience, with some risks and challenges involved.

Shame because we've got a perfectly sized space next to an en-suite shower, which doesn't appear to have any real purpose, and could probably fit a stacked washer/dryer arrangement.

Avoriaz

Is there enough room to install a vibration absorbing platform for the washer and dryer?

With a bit of creativity, maybe you could design and build something that would eliminate most of the noise and vibration.

A few layers of MDF separated by foam or strong springs perhaps.

ChristineL

I have my washing machine and tumble drier upstairs in a purpose built cupboard in a bathroom. Electrics are OK when done properly. No excessive vibration or noise problems here (floors are normal wooden floorboards on joists.)

I like the convenience of the laundry being near where most of the washing is generated. I then iron in the bedroom and can put things straight away without trekking up and down stairs.

Where we are we cannot put washing outdoors to dry so we have no downside there.

FEDEX

Avoriaz wrote: »

Is there enough room to install a vibration absorbing platform for the washer and dryer?

With a bit of creativity, maybe you could design and build something that would eliminate most of the noise and vibration.

A few layers of MDF separated by foam or strong springs perhaps.

Thanks 'a vibration absorbing platform' is all new to me, I'll look into it.

Do you have one of these yourself?

Be interested to hear from anyone who has such a platform.

sew_what

Our washer is on the ground floor but it's a suspended floor so quite flexible. We had the floor joists strengthened (by screwing extra wood to the joists) and use rubber feet under it and it has eliminated almost all the noise and vibration!
We bought something like http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/laundry-dishwashers/laundry-dishwasher-accessories/wpro-ska002-washing-machine-shock-absorbers-17316318-pdt.html
And used a stacking unit with shelf like http://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/household-appliances/laundry-dishwashers/laundry-dishwasher-accessories/wpro-sks100-laundry-stacking-kit-with-shelf-17316304-pdt.html

jc808

in my old house there was a converted cellar - bedroom under kitchen, suspended timber floor

used to get v v noisty, was like a echo chamber underneath