Sound-proofing floors - cost/effectiveness?

Bossypants

I am shortly to become the proud owner of a one bedroom flat on the first floor of a Victorian house (exchanged yesterday, woo!). On the ground floor is a cafe, and a certain amount of sound travels up through the floor, mainly from their sound system.

I knew about this when I bought the place, and although it is not my favourite aspect of the place, overall I have made my peace with it, however I have idly been wondering if anything could be done to reduce the penetration of sound? Has anyone had any experience with this, what sort of effectiveness has it had and what is the ballpark cost (flat is small, around 45 square metres)?

I should specify that due to dust allergies I can't have fitted carpets.

Thanks for any help!

nickyg2000

Egg boxes and tin foil

Bossypants

Okay, thanks then...

vansboy

I used THIS in my flat, as it has sound insulation properties, so maybe worth considering.

VB

Marktheshark

Complain to the council, they will make them turn it down and you save money.

anselld

Most forms of floor insulation are designed to reduce impact noise from above travelling down. They are not very effective in preventing airborne noise travelling up.

jimbog

I would lift the floorboards and pack fibre glass insulation down - will stop smells too

Davesnave

Marktheshark wrote: »

Complain to the council, they will make them turn it down and you save money.

The OP did not suggest that the noise from below was atypical for the situation.

As many similar businesses will also provide music to increase ambience, the council might well take the view that nothing excessive is being done and no enforcement is appropriate.

Bossypants

Thanks for the comments everyone! To be clear, the cafe are doing nothing wrong, it's just the total lack of soundproofing of the building which is annoying, but nothing is ever perfect. On the plus side, they close at 6, which is before I get home most nights anyway.

Sounds like what I will have to do is get a specialist in to do what they can (fortunately the ceilings are stupidly high so can afford to gain a few inches of floor if needed) and then spend some money on a nice sound system to drown out what is left.