Best ways to soundproof your apartment

Apartment-living comes with many wonderful benefits. However, with so many other tenants living close by, noise issues can be a big concern. Still, with the right building materials and design choices, apartments can, indeed, be soundproof.

Concern over noise should not deter you from choosing to live in an apartment, as this lifestyle truly comes with many great benefits. Living in a high-rise development may grant you access to a wide range of amenities that can very rarely be found in a singular house. This includes on-site facilities such as swimming pools, fully-equipped gymnasiums, and spa amenities.

Residential towers also give the heights, views, and enviable locations that houses simply cannot reach. Whether you seek to live in the middle of a bustling metropolis or by the sparkling ocean, apartment-living can take you there.

Along with these, living in an apartment building introduces you to a larger community. Depending on the size of the development, you may have any number of people living on the same floor as you. This means more neighbours which, for those who value community living, could be a great thing!

But for those experiencing the negative effects of the dreaded noisy neighbour, sound-proofing your apartment will likely be front of mind. And while neighbours are great, who doesn’t want to maintain peace and privacy in their own home?

This is no concern as apartments can be soundproof. But, how do you find out whether or not your apartment is soundproof? Even if it’s not, can you make your apartment soundproof? Read on to find out.

How to know if your apartment is soundproof

The first way to determine if your apartment is soundproof is through the building’s construction material. Different levels of noise will enter your home depending on the material. For example, thick concrete will minimise the noise from your neighbours and even from outside. Brick walls also prevent sound from passing into your home.

By knocking on your walls, you may be able to listen in and get a good sense of the building’s density. As aforementioned, stone walls are great for blocking sound. When knocked on, they don’t make much noise, if any at all. However, if knocking on your wall creates an echo or a hollow sound, it may not be made of the best materials for soundproofing.

It also wouldn’t hurt to ask your building manager and/or property owner about the residence and its construction.

The right insulation makes great soundproofing materials. Whether it be isolation rails, soundproofing boards, or acoustic foams, the right insulation will create soundproof walls that restrict sound from transferring between rooms.

Windows and glass doors are some of the most typical entry points for noise. To keep sound out, they must be tightly sealed. Double and triple-paned windows will also stop up to 95% of external noise from coming into your home. So when looking for new apartments, check if your windows and glass doors are double or triple glazed.

If your doors and windows have weather-stripping materials, this is an indicator that your apartment is soundproof. Weather-stripping will prevent rain and wind from coming inside the house. Furthermore, these materials will keep sound from leaking into your home.

The truth is, you will never be truly isolated from external noise when living in a multi-complex apartment. But, there are ways that can help to drown out the noise even if your apartment isn’t already soundproof.

How to soundproof your apartment

If your apartment doesn’t include these soundproofing qualities, you may be wondering ‘how can I soundproof my apartment?’ Luckily, there are ways that you can soundproof your apartment.

Soundproof curtains are highly effective at absorbing noise and preventing it from bouncing around your home. These curtains are generally denser, thicker, and heavier than the traditional model. The best kinds of soundproof curtains have tipple weave technology. Curtains that use tipple weave technology are manufactured by stacking three layers of dense woven materials on top of the other, with the middle layer of the curtain made of high-density yarn.

If a particular wall in your home is letting noise through, consider adding a bookshelf in front of it. The shelves and books act as a sound barrier of sorts and even a second layer to your already existing wall. Fill the bookshelf as much as possible to create an even stronger barrier.

Your floors can also be a soundproofing weak spot in your home. As beautiful as hardwood floors are, this is often the case for wooden floors. Noise from downstairs neighbours can easily penetrate through flooring that has not been well-insulated with soundproof materials.

One way to fix this is by covering your floors with a rug or carpet. Carpets, especially thick ones, do well in absorbing noise and minimising it. Not only that, but the right carpet or rug can beautifully complement the design of your home.

Even if the lone rug or carpet is not enough, you can always add a foam or rubber mat underneath it. This can further soundproof your space from external noise as well as reducing the noise that travels from your apartment.

Whether it be footsteps or things dropping on the floor, the thick carpet can act as a cushion for your own noise and make your space that much quieter. Not to mention, your neighbours will thank you as well.

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