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Take action against noisy neighbours before we rent flat out?

Take action against noisy neighbours before we rent flat out?

Old Nov 10th 2017, 10:49 am
  #16  
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Default Re: Take action against noisy neighbours before we rent flat out?

The accoustic ceiling you've fitted is only ever intended as an additional barrier to an accoustic insulation system. As you've found out, used in isolation, the results can be disappointing.


You mentioned possibly soundproofing their floor. Unfortunately, retro fitting accoustic floor insulation is easier said than done. It's a major job. It would be massively inconvenient for your neighbour, and it wouldn't be cheap. Cutting corners would render it a waste of money.


It would mean lifting up all their floorboards and removing skirting boards and doors in order to lay a noise deck. The noise decks I'm familiar with are about 1.5" thick and are a composite structure made up of a 1" top layer of MDF or chipboard, a layer of spongy felt, a layer of rubber and a bottom layer of the same felt. Ideally, the noise deck covers the entire surface of the sub floor (which I assume is concrete). It's only as good as its weakest point, so any parts of the flat's floor which aren't decked will reduce its effectiveness.


Covering the flat's entire floor means kitchen units, appliances and bathroom suites would also have to be removed to lay the noise deck there, too. No small feat.


The floor covering (in your case, their floorboards) is then fixed to the top MDF/chipboard layer of the noise deck.



Problem: The newly finished floor will now be 1.5" higher than before, so the doors and architrave would need reducing and the plumbing adjusted in the kitchen and bathroom before the units and suite are reinstalled. Your neighbours will now have an unavoidable extra 1.5" step up from their flat's front door - not ideal because people could trip over it.


Given that your neighbours won't even sort out small squeaks, I can't imagine they'd agree to any of this. If you had intended to live there in the future, unfortunately, you're going to have to think about selling it or learn to live with the noise. Even if they move, you'll always be at the mercy of who is above you.
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Old Nov 10th 2017, 11:14 am
  #17  
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Default Re: Take action against noisy neighbours before we rent flat out?

Guess the best way would be to buy a new build and get an architect to oversee it ,could be fun in Spain
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Old Nov 10th 2017, 6:10 pm
  #18  
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Default Re: Take action against noisy neighbours before we rent flat out?

Would it not be simpler to find some equally noisy tenants?
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