Advice on soundproofing upstairs flat in 4 in a block cottage flat

RumHam

We recently moved into a council owned upstairs 4 in a block cottage flat. The flat itself is lovely and I am very grateful for this flat. The only trouble is the lack of soundproofing. The property was built in 1930. I know hearing stuff in flats is normal but I am wondering if there is any way I could lessen the noise both that I hear of the downstairs neighbour and more importantly, what they hear from my flat. I have had bad neighbours before, that is the last thing I would ever want anyone to think of me.


Currently our flat is carpeted everywhere excepted for bathroom and kitchen which are tiled. I'm not an expert but I think it is just bog standard underlay and carpet that is on. We also have very squeaky floorboards, some areas are worse than others. They are very loud in my flat so I dread to think how loud they are downstairs for our neighbour. As for what we can hear from the downstairs neighbour, we can hear him talking at a normal level, his phone ringing, lets just say private engagements etc and obviously if we can hear him, he can hear us doing the same so we want to be able to block it as much as possible.


I know absolutely nothing about all of this stuff but I assuming the creeky floorboards are the first place to start? Would the council fix them or would a carper fitter do that? In our last flat we had concrete floors so once the carpet was on, we didn't have to think about it any more. What underlay would be good for both impact and airborne noise? If I could only pick one to really block out, it would be impact as my cats jump off of things and my husband isn't a light walker but if you know of any underlays that work on both noises that would be great. I am on a budget but if worst comes to worst, I will look into taking a loan for this as I don't want to leave this flat any time soon. Also, any idea on what could help dull the noise from my cats jumping off of things? Any kind of mat or something? Looking for something that might help while I save up for good underlay



Any other tips or advice would be most appriacted. Thank you:)

RelievedSheff

Squeaky floorboards can be a DIY fix.

Lift the carpets, find the squeaky boards and fasten them down properly.

As for the sound proofing, that is a difficult one. You are fighting a losing battle I am afraid. All you can really do is try and be considerate neighbours (which you clearly are doing) and try to make as little noise as possible.

It is difficult I know. We lived 12 years in a 1930s ex council semi and the sound proofing was non existent. We could hear everything from next door, not helped as we had truly awful inconsiderate neighbours.

There was no amount of money could make that house soundproof. In the end we moved and it has been the best thing we could do. But that experience has meant we will never buy semi detached or terraced or a flat again.

Probably not what you want to hear but it is the truth!

Mojisola

RelievedSheff wrote: »

Squeaky floorboards can be a DIY fix.

Lift the carpets, find the squeaky boards and fasten them down properly.

After checking that there are no pipes or wires where you intend to put the screws!

RumHam

Ah I thought this would be the case is it still worth getting a thick underlay to try and keep out some noise?

Me and my husband aren't the best at DIY so I think we may leave the floorboards to the pros. Would it be a joiner or a carpet specialist I'd call for that kind of job?

Thanks for your reply

RumHam

Hi everyone, just a quick update. We have spent the weekend looking at various underlays and we think we are going to go with Tredaire Colours Red underlay as the reviews seem to be very good and unlike other underlays, it has some airborne noise reduction as well. Have any of you guys ever used this?



Plan is to fix the creeky floorboards then put down this underlay with a new carpet. I see it is a heavy underlay, will I need the council's permission to lay it down, do you think?


Thanks for your replies