Archive for the ‘Acoustics’ Category
Back in rural New Hampshire, the poet Robert Frost once said “Good fences make good neighbors.” Obviously, if you live in an apartment building or a condominium that doesn’t quite apply, but the basic sentiment that no one wants their neighbors intruding on their space does apply. In shared buildings, however, any intrusion is most likely to come in the form of unwanted noise. An updated version of Robert Frost’s maxim, then, might read good acoustic insulation makes good neighbors.
Today’s neighbors are much less concerned with escaped livestock tramping across their property than they are with the sound Jurassic Park’s dinosaurs coming from the neighbor’s home theater system to shake their pictures off the apartment walls. Instead of banging on the wall and hoping that they turn their audio system down, a cordial visit might be in order.
Neighbors may be living next to each other for a long, long time, so it behooves both parties to maintain good relations. One way to achieve this is to agree to cooperate on reducing noise between the two dwelling units. By splitting the cost of some basic acoustic insulation or other acoustically absorbent room treatments, noise problems can be virtually eliminated, reducing potential causes of friction between the two households. Acoustic insulation and basic room acoustic treatments are relatively inexpensive to start with, splitting the cost makes them very affordable. Despite the low price, the peace and quiet that comes with good acoustic insulation applied between two neighboring apartments can bring priceless benefits.
Whether the noise problem is caused loud music, a home theater system, children at play, or just loud conversations, acoustic insulation will dramatically reduce the amount of noise that leaks through to the neighboring apartment. If you are tired of hearing your neighbors arguments, or don’t want them to hear yours, it is easy to add acoustic insulation to existing structures without performing major remodeling.
If the apartments are rented rather than owned, then you’ll want to apply acoustic panels on the surface of the walls that can be easily taken down and moved if you move. Since they do not become a permanent part of the structure, there should be no issue with the landlord. If you own the apartment or condominium, then it may be better to install in-wall acoustic insulation. In wall insulation can be thicker and therefore, more effective. However, be sure to check with the tenants association or other authority before making any permanent alterations. In either case, you’ll want to make sure your acoustic insulation carries the proper flame ratings to comply with local zoning laws.
Out on the farm, good fences may make good neighbors, but acoustic barriers keep the peace between city neighbors.
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