If your upstairs neighbors complain about noise, you should try to solve the problem by taking steps to prevent the noise from reaching your house. There are several ways you can do this, including installing resilient channels, lowering the ceiling, and rearrange fabric-covered sofas or chairs. However, you may want to contact your apartment manager for more advice. If you still have trouble, you can also write a letter to your neighbors.
Drop ceilings
If you’re having trouble with noise from upstairs neighbors, installing drop ceilings may be the solution. Using a drop ceiling can greatly improve the soundproofing of a room, because it creates a space between the original ceiling and the drop ceiling. The space between these two ceilings is called the plenum space, and it traps noise from upstairs neighbors. Since sound doesn’t travel easily through air, this space is often filled with elements that can contribute to the noise.
There are two types of noise: impact and airborne. Impact noise is transmitted through a vibration path that’s caused by objects impacting the floor. Examples of impact noise are footsteps, drops, and crying. Airborne noise, on the other hand, comes in the form of sound waves and travels through the drywall. A drop ceiling helps to prevent both types of noise. Choosing the right type of material can make all the difference in your home.
Resilient channels
If you are concerned that noise from your upstairs neighbors will echo into your downstairs bedroom, you may want to install resilient channels. These are metal strips with predrilled holes that screw against an existing wall. They help create a “decoupling zone” that traps soundwaves. This method will be most effective in older homes. To ensure soundproofing, you will need to carefully measure the height and width of the existing ceiling.
Resilient channels come in single-leg and double-leg styles. Single-leg resilient channels are 8 feet long and have one series of holes while double-leg resilient channels have two parallel rows of holes. When using RC-8, choose one that is 1/2 inch deep and 8 feet long, as this type of channel is more stable than single-leg channels. Depending on your needs, choose a length of 8 feet or more.
Rearrange fabric-covered sofas or chairs
If you live in a multi-unit residence with an upstairs neighbor, you may have a problem with loud noises coming from above. If you can’t sleep soundly at night, rearranging your furniture can help. Heavy furniture acts as a buffer, absorbing sounds coming from nearby or outside. The denser the textile, the more it absorbs sound. You can also add additional mass to your furnishings by placing shelves above them.
Writing a letter to neighbors to soundproof from upstairs neighbors
A polite note can help you solve the problem of noisy upstairs neighbors. Don’t threaten them; instead, state your complaint in detail. Be specific about the noise – not just how irritating it is. You can also post anonymous notes by mailboxes to remind your neighbors to be quiet. Sometimes, shame works. Listed below are tips to help you write a letter to soundproof from upstairs neighbors.
First, contact your house manager or landlord. If the neighbors don’t respond in a helpful way, you can always call the police. Most people will behave peacefully after speaking to the police. However, if your upstairs neighbors don’t budge, you can file a lawsuit against them. If they still don’t follow the noiseproofing measures, you can also complain to the building management.
