If you’re living in a noisy flat, there are ways to minimize the effects. You can learn about the different levels of noise – normal noise, excessive noise, and how to soundproof the ceiling. This article also contains useful tips on rugs and soundproofing the ceiling. Noise can have an adverse effect on your quality of life. So what can you do to make your flat more peaceful? Read on! You’ll soon be able to sleep peacefully at night!
Normal noise
If you live in a flat or apartment, you might be wondering what constitutes as “normal noise.” Although this term can be subjective, average levels for indoor residential areas are around 45 decibels. The threshold for hearing damage is 70 decibels, and noise levels of over 70 decibels can cause neighbor disputes. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to minimize noise. Keep reading for more information on this topic!
First of all, consider the type of noise you’re used to living with. Most people live in close proximity to each other, whether it’s a rural community or a super-dense city. Because people are often close to each other, noise from nearby buildings is inevitable. While it’s impossible to avoid all noise, you can try to reduce the noise level of your apartment by choosing an apartment with fewer walls or a ground floor unit.
Excessive noise
When it comes to excessive noise when living in a flat, there are several things you can do to make your life quieter. For one, you can ask your landlord about the noise-producing devices in their flat. This will give you some idea of how loud they can be. If the noise is excessively high, you can also inform your landlord by sending a noise complaint letter. You can even get your landlord to issue you a letter telling you to reduce the noise.
If you cannot resolve the issue with your landlord, you can always take the matter to the local council. If the noise is coming from your neighbour’s home, you can contact the local council and explain that you’re concerned. Make sure that you provide proof of the noise so that the council can investigate it. If the noise is a nuisance, you may even break your lease and find a new place to live.
Rugs
The best way to combat noise in a flat is to use sound absorbing products, such as rugs. They absorb sound, both from the outside and from within the flat. Rugs are particularly useful for absorbing impact noise, which is caused by the physical impact of an object on a building’s mass. This noise travels through the floors and joists of the building, and rugs can effectively absorb this sound. Using a thick rug can make a flat more noiseproof, and rugs made of a dense material can be particularly effective.
While the best type of rug to use depends on the room, a thick area rug can reduce footfall noise by as much as 90%. Choose a cut-pile rug, if possible, rather than one with a loop pile. A good area rug will also soften hard floors. It is also a good idea to invest in soundproof mats, which can help further reduce noise. They should be the same size as the area rug, although they can be cut to fit the space. Cork tiles are another excellent on-floor soundproofing option. Cork tiles are generally snapped together.
Soundproofing the ceiling
There are several ways to soundproof the ceiling when living in a noisy flat, but not all methods work. For example, if you have a ceiling that is too low, you can attach insulation panels and then use these to fill in the gap. This is the cheapest solution, but it is the least effective. You should also consult your landlord before implementing any changes. You can also soundproof the ceiling without tearing it down.
If your ceiling is too low or is not acoustically sound, you can install a double layer of drywall. This will help you get a more effective soundproofing effect. You can also install damping compound between the layers. However, this method is not suitable for flats. It will not work on apartments, but it will definitely work in a condo. And it can also be a selling point.
Location of the unit
There are many factors that can contribute to a noisy flat. The location of your unit is a big factor, especially if you live on the top floor. Apartments in the basement or first floor are likely to be quieter, as there are usually no mechanical structures nearby. However, it is important to note that noise can travel upwards, so beware of the location. The sound always seems louder if it comes from above, so be aware of this. Also, try to choose an apartment with outside walls so that you can reduce the noise from the neighbor’s side.
Having a clause in the lease to enforce noise regulations
While it may seem that noise regulation in a flat isn’t a priority, the fact is that noise complaints are becoming a greater problem in rental properties. A clause in the lease that enshrines quiet hours can be an effective way to curb the issue. The policy will prevent excessive noise during quiet hours and also require residents to be respectful of other residents. In some cases, it can even be used to break a lease.
As a landlord, it is your duty to deal with any complaints made by your tenants. You can issue a cure or quit notice, which will require the tenant to cease their noise behaviour by a certain date or face eviction. You can even include a clause in your lease that states that you will have to pay a fee if the tenant continues to violate the quiet hours policy. By having such a clause in your lease, you’ll be more likely to avoid losing other tenants to other flats.
