How to Reduce Noise from Downstairs effectively?
Recently, one of my clients had a hard time with his neighbor. In spite of the repeated complaint, his neighbor didn't even bother to take any action.
Well, there are many cases like this, and one must take preventive measures against unwanted noise. If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you'll be well aware of the soundproofing concept and its implementation. However, I'm bringing to your notice that soundproofing is a very dynamic field, and to perform better, you need to learn and execute regularly.
Needless to say, whether you live in an apartment, flat or house, unwanted noise from downstairs can be irritating and unpleasant. The problem aggravates further if the neighbor is NOT ready to respond to your complaint.
So, what's the solution?
Well, there are many cases like this, and one must take preventive measures against unwanted noise. If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you'll be well aware of the soundproofing concept and its implementation. However, I'm bringing to your notice that soundproofing is a very dynamic field, and to perform better, you need to learn and execute regularly.
Needless to say, whether you live in an apartment, flat or house, unwanted noise from downstairs can be irritating and unpleasant. The problem aggravates further if the neighbor is NOT ready to respond to your complaint.
So, what's the solution?
[Also Read]: Best Quiet Propane Generators
Fortunately, today we have lots of options to get rid of this kind of problem. In this post, I'll take you through all the feasible and cost-effective methods that you can apply to reduce noise from downstairs.
Disclaimer: There isn't any doubt that the below-mentioned methods can help you to drastically reduce noise from the downstairs. However, these methods can't assure you 100 percent silence.
1. Sound Dampen the Floor
The first and foremost thing that you need to do is to soundproof the floor perfectly. Here, you need to keep in mind that ONLY low-frequency travels through the solid. So, your solution must include soundproofing materials that can negate the low-frequency.
1.1 Add Carpet Padding
There are many carpets available on the market that can serve the purpose. However, I recommend the carpets that are thick and have a decent amount of mass.
I've tried a couple of option and finally found RugPadUSA Multiple Thickness (check price on Amazon) a good option. It is a carpet that is elegant, thick, and affordable. So, without giving any second thought, I brought it to my home. It has been more than a year, and the carpet is performing perfectly fine.
This is perhaps the easiest and the quickest way to sound dampen the floor. Once the carpet is installed, you can feel the tangible difference.
1.2 Add an Extra Layer of Drywall
Adding an extra layer of drywall using Green Glue is an advanced soundproofing technique. There isn't any doubt that this is a very effective technique. However, the amount of effort and the time needed for this method is much more than any other method. It's a permanent solution.
This method is NOT for those who are staying in a rented apartment because it needs to change the structure of the floor. If the landlord gives you permission to do the modification, then go ahead.
1.3 Install Bass Traps
As discussed earlier also, Bass Traps are great at absorbing the low-frequencies. Since it is highly affordable, so it is used against the low-frequency noise.
You can install it in all the corners of the room to get rid of the echoes, reverbs, and vibrations.
Hanging it on the wall is also a good option.
There are many good options available on the market. However, I prefer to choose a bass trap that is very effective and affordable. It may NOT be the cheapest one, but when it comes to the performance, it is one of the best. I'm ONLY saying this after using it over a year.
1.4 Install Moving Blanket
Moving blankets can dampen the sound because of their thickness and weight. They are multi-layered.
Simply, use it on the floor to dampen the noise. For better result, use it along with the carpet.
2. Soundproof your windows
There is a high probability that the noise from the downstairs can also come through the window. If that is not the case for you, then you can skip this step.
There are many ways to soundproof a window, and depending upon your requirement, you can select one.
Personally, I prefer soundproof curtains over other methods. They are effective and budget-friendly.
The soundproof curtains are made of sound absorbing materials that absorb noise in the thread.
Always prefer the curtains that have a grommet installed.
In the last article also, I've mentioned that I'm using Nicetown Full Shading Curtain (check the users' review on Amazon). The best thing about this curtain is that it blocks as well as absorbs noise effectively. Some previous curtains that I used weren't good at both the aforementioned attributes.
3. Improve Acoustic Capability of the Wall
Walls covers the major area of any room. If the walls are thin, then it is really important to make it thicker. You can do a lot of things to improve the thickness of the wall.
I have written a detailed article on how to soundproof a wall. You can have a look and let me know in case you need more information.
However, you can do some of the below-mentioned things to sound dampen the wall.
Though using a white noise machine or a white noise fan can't be considered a permanent solution still I recommend you to try these machines. They can give you instant relief from the noise.
Without any doubt, this is the fastest way to combat sounds from the downstairs.
6. Discuss with your Neighbor
You can explain the downstairs about the noise. It may be possible that they aren't aware of your problem. Try to convince them logical reasoning.
You can even request your neighbor to soundproof the room by explaining the benefits.
After all, a lot can happen over a cup of coffee.
Wrapping UP:
I hope I'm able to answer your query. In case, you've any doubt feel free to contact me.
For the best result, try two or more options together.
If you've reduced noise from downstairs by some other methods, please share with our readers.
We put loads and loads of effort to come up with an idiosyncratic article, so kindly support us by sharing the post.
Fortunately, today we have lots of options to get rid of this kind of problem. In this post, I'll take you through all the feasible and cost-effective methods that you can apply to reduce noise from downstairs.
Disclaimer: There isn't any doubt that the below-mentioned methods can help you to drastically reduce noise from the downstairs. However, these methods can't assure you 100 percent silence.
1. Sound Dampen the Floor
The first and foremost thing that you need to do is to soundproof the floor perfectly. Here, you need to keep in mind that ONLY low-frequency travels through the solid. So, your solution must include soundproofing materials that can negate the low-frequency.
1.1 Add Carpet Padding
There are many carpets available on the market that can serve the purpose. However, I recommend the carpets that are thick and have a decent amount of mass.
I've tried a couple of option and finally found RugPadUSA Multiple Thickness (check price on Amazon) a good option. It is a carpet that is elegant, thick, and affordable. So, without giving any second thought, I brought it to my home. It has been more than a year, and the carpet is performing perfectly fine.
This is perhaps the easiest and the quickest way to sound dampen the floor. Once the carpet is installed, you can feel the tangible difference.
1.2 Add an Extra Layer of Drywall
Adding an extra layer of drywall using Green Glue is an advanced soundproofing technique. There isn't any doubt that this is a very effective technique. However, the amount of effort and the time needed for this method is much more than any other method. It's a permanent solution.
This method is NOT for those who are staying in a rented apartment because it needs to change the structure of the floor. If the landlord gives you permission to do the modification, then go ahead.
1.3 Install Bass Traps
As discussed earlier also, Bass Traps are great at absorbing the low-frequencies. Since it is highly affordable, so it is used against the low-frequency noise.
You can install it in all the corners of the room to get rid of the echoes, reverbs, and vibrations.
Hanging it on the wall is also a good option.
There are many good options available on the market. However, I prefer to choose a bass trap that is very effective and affordable. It may NOT be the cheapest one, but when it comes to the performance, it is one of the best. I'm ONLY saying this after using it over a year.
1.4 Install Moving Blanket
Moving blankets can dampen the sound because of their thickness and weight. They are multi-layered.
Simply, use it on the floor to dampen the noise. For better result, use it along with the carpet.
2. Soundproof your windows
There is a high probability that the noise from the downstairs can also come through the window. If that is not the case for you, then you can skip this step.
There are many ways to soundproof a window, and depending upon your requirement, you can select one.
Personally, I prefer soundproof curtains over other methods. They are effective and budget-friendly.
The soundproof curtains are made of sound absorbing materials that absorb noise in the thread.
Always prefer the curtains that have a grommet installed.
In the last article also, I've mentioned that I'm using Nicetown Full Shading Curtain (check the users' review on Amazon). The best thing about this curtain is that it blocks as well as absorbs noise effectively. Some previous curtains that I used weren't good at both the aforementioned attributes.
3. Improve Acoustic Capability of the Wall
Walls covers the major area of any room. If the walls are thin, then it is really important to make it thicker. You can do a lot of things to improve the thickness of the wall.
I have written a detailed article on how to soundproof a wall. You can have a look and let me know in case you need more information.
However, you can do some of the below-mentioned things to sound dampen the wall.
- Install Blanket
- Add Acoustic Foam
- Add an Extra Drywall
4. Seal the Door Gaps
It is very important to seal the door gaps. The gaps between the door and the frame can be sealed with the help of weatherstrip. The cracks and the holes around the door can be sealed using Green Glue adhesive.
To enhance the capability, you can hang curtains.
5. Use a White Noise Machine
Though using a white noise machine or a white noise fan can't be considered a permanent solution still I recommend you to try these machines. They can give you instant relief from the noise.
Without any doubt, this is the fastest way to combat sounds from the downstairs.
6. Discuss with your Neighbor
You can explain the downstairs about the noise. It may be possible that they aren't aware of your problem. Try to convince them logical reasoning.
You can even request your neighbor to soundproof the room by explaining the benefits.
After all, a lot can happen over a cup of coffee.
Wrapping UP:
I hope I'm able to answer your query. In case, you've any doubt feel free to contact me.
For the best result, try two or more options together.
If you've reduced noise from downstairs by some other methods, please share with our readers.
We put loads and loads of effort to come up with an idiosyncratic article, so kindly support us by sharing the post.
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