I have very noisy upstairs neighbours, what would be the best & cheapest way to soundproof?
I would really appreicate any tips.
Answers:
Noise pollution is horrible! I don't think there are any cheap options other than ear plugs. Even if you soundproofed the ceiling noise would travel down any cavity walls.
I think there are measurable limits beyond which the landlord must take action. If you make a complaint to the council in writing(tell them it is a 'complaint', they have to respond in a time limit)
they should set out for you what those standards are and how to test them. You could talk to environmental health directly to get their take on it without revealing it is a council property in the first instance. See if they are all singing off the same hymn sheet.
Sticking egg boxces on your ceiling is insulting suggestion not to mention a fire risk, I would put that in your complaint too. If you don't get anywhere copy the letter to your MP. Usually does the trick!
Other answers:
poison them
poison them
Buy a set of earmuffs!
If they are above you, then they are the ones that need to soundproof their floors. I'm not sure there's a way to sound proof your ceiling, but I may be wrong. It doesnt' hurt to search on the internet.
I worked for a residential property management company and there are usually requirements on flooring and soundproofing, if they distrub you chances are they don't meet those requirements. If you live in a rental complex, you should notify the landlord. If you do live in a condo comlex then you should find out what the flooring requirements are and find out if your upstairs neighbors meet them, if not, then they can be fined and in addition required to comply.
Good luck!
Soundproofing walls/ceilings is very expensive. I don't know how much it would cost to soundproof a home, but to soundproof an office at my company cost in the region of £15,000.
You really need to sort out the problem with the noisy neighbours. You have the following choices:
1. Politely talk with the neighbour themselves - maybe they don't realise their sound is coming through downstairs. Don't be provocative - just be polite.
2. Contact a mediator organisation - you'll find these in the yellow pages under help/advice. They are a neutral party who will liase between the two of you, to find a solution.
3. Contact your local council. Even if the property is private, the council can still take action against noisy neighbours.
4. Contact the local police station - they may be able to do something, or will refer you to the council.
Go upstairs and punch them in the f*cking head and tell them they are too loud.
Seriously, call the police and turn them in for disturbing the peace.
cyanide gas through their keyhole late at night--- by the morning its as quiet as a graveyard.
I have a bsmt suite and looked into soundproofing. Not sure how much of it you could do in a rental unit. Basically the best way is to put the sound control insulation in between the floors, then hang double drywall.