Only Robinson Crusoe stranded on an uninhabited island had no neighbors (except Friday later). The rest of us, even if we have our own house somewhere in the suburbs, have to tolerate other people residing next door. Where there are people, there is noise. Most of our neighbors are considerate. They understand that they are not alone and respect the rules of communal living. However, some individuals simply don’t care about those around them or are malicious enough to create noise on purpose. They may throw a big party in their apartment that will go on throughout the night. Or, they may start drilling into a wall when you are still in bed in the morning. If you are unlucky to have such selfish neighbors, don’t despair. Here are some noise reduction tips that will help you solve the problem and have a good night’s sleep again.
Preventive measures
1. Ask the estate agent or landlord about noisy neighbors
When looking for an apartment that you are going to purchase or rent, remember to ask the estate agent or landlord about noise. Perhaps, your potential neighbors upstairs have a dog that never stops barking. Or, the people living one floor below may be rock music fans with a powerful stereo system. Even though you cannot expect the estate agent to tell you the truth, you can at least see their reaction to your question. If they are hesitant or say something like “It’s a city. The noises are unavoidable,” it should raise a red flag or two.
2. Go as far up as possible
If you hate noise, consider finding an apartment at one of the upper floors of a building. When you live on the third floor, for example, you might be disturbed by the noises in the apartment above you more than when you live on the ninth floor.
Noise reduction tips after moving in
Communication
1. Talk to your neighbor
Once you have moved in and discovered that you have a noisy neighbor, first simply talk to them and politely voice your concerns. You neighbor may be simply unaware they are causing trouble. A word or two and you will never have to complain about noise from them again.
2. Keep a record
Your friendly conversation might have done nothing for noise reduction and you still lie awake half a night. Then, take a pen and a piece of paper and note down the dates, times, and actions that you took to stop the noise. That information may come in handy in the event of a dead end when you will have to get authorities involved.
3. Complain to officials
With the information about “noise sessions” that you have written down, you can first have another attempt at convincing your neighbor to keep quiet. If that fails, go to the landlord or write an official letter to authorities. Attach your record. That is the last resort, of course, but it is your right for normal living that has been violated. So, you have nothing left to do but turn to those in power to protect your rights.
Physical measures
1. Drown out the noises
There are several ways to physically protect your ears from annoying sounds. One of them is to turn on certain household appliances and make their noise drown out that from a neighboring apartment. The most fitting appliances for the purpose are an air-conditioner in the hot season and a humidifier when it is cold.
2. Buy earplugs
Those may be enough for you to block the noise. There are two basic types of earplugs: those made of foam and those made of wax. Wax has proven to be better for noise reduction.
3. Use spray foam insulation
Another excellent way to make your home soundproof is to use spray foam insulation. This material can reduce sound transmission by almost 80 percent. You will no longer hear the sounds of television (remember “Duplex” with Ben Stiller and Drew Barrymore?), music, or talking in the adjoining apartments. In addition to perfect noise reduction properties, spray foam insulation is very energy-efficient, blocks moisture, and has a very long lifespan (over 80 years). It also makes the walls, ceilings, and other structural elements of a home stronger. Furthermore, it’s very easy to apply. A spray foam insulation technician only needs to drill tiny holes in the roof underside or walls and inject the material into them.
4. Other tricks
Among other noise reduction measures that you can take is hanging sound-absorbing curtains and having double-pane windows installed in your apartment.
If, after moving in, you have discovered to your horror that your upstairs neighbor is too noisy, don’t rush to search for another place. First, follow our tips. Talk to your neighbor, keep a record of their noise-making, complain to authorities after all. You can also take physical noise reduction steps such as hiring spray foam insulation professionals to make your place soundproof or having double-pane windows installed.
