Reading time: 10 min
Contents:
- Infobox acoustic noise
- Quiet up there!
- What‘s considered a normal level?
- Silence noise from outside
- Avoid noise itself
- Quiet appliances in kitchen, living room and bedroom
- Ventilation systems and smooth running
- Summary
Infobox acoustic noise
The human ear can only hear sound between 16 and 20Hz. This seemingly small range leaves plenty of room for pleasant melodies and painful buzzing, though. From their point of origin they spread in a wavelike fashion using different mediums.
| Airborne noise is transmitted through the air from the source to the receiving organ, the ear. We experience this mode of transmission from conversations, singing or the radio. Structure-borne noise does not spread in gas, but only in solid matter and is generated when hammering on a wall or by ground shaking, to name some examples. This type of noise is not only perceived as sound, but can also be felt as motion, earthquakes are extreme cases. ⮩ The transmitting medium of sound is able to transform: Loud music for example spreads as acoustic wave through air and bodies (walls) and is transported through air again in the adjecent room. Footfall sound is caused by stepping on the floor and jerking devices like washing machines and dryers. In the room on the storey underneath this signal is perceived accoustically, high-heeled shoes are particularly audible. Walking noise is already noticeable in the same room, e.g. as shuffle or dragging feet. ⮩ Make sure to use soundproofing flooring when planning a room. That way footfall sound insulation helps calm down your neighbours below, walking noise insulation preserves quiet in your room. Both effects are not necessarily ensured by the same floor panel. |
Irrespective of its spreading sound of the exact same volume can be perceived both as useful sound (pleasant sound, music) or disturbing sound (noise). Sound waves bounce off smooth hard surfaces, they are reflected and stay relatively “loud“ inside the room. Open-pored insulation material absorbs sound, “swallows“ it up. The acoustic energy does not vanish though, but is simply scattered across a bigger, interlaced surface. It is partially transformed into warmth as well.
Quiet up there!
Nowadays, we are living in the same apartment complex or street as people that play music or produce other sound. Whether or not we enjoy what we hear is left open. Nevertheless the noise may unintentionally exceed the acceptable level.
Breach of the peace for some, right of self-fulfilment for others… many lawsuits have been made throughout the years. Most courts allow two to three hours of practicing an instrument per working day even if the musician is still at the beginning of his or her career. In single cases the decision takes the instrument and housing situation into account as well, drummers should expect less sympathy. Many leases and house rules outline the particular situation on-site, however it is not allowed to completely prohibit making music.
Regardless of permits, loud activities should always be avoided. Why? The body reacts to noise with stress, constant exposure can even lead to serious diseases
What‘s considered a normal level?
Watching TV and having conversations at low volume is always allowed because they are part of our everyday lives. Even occasional barking of a dog has to be tolerated as long as the maximum volume level 55 dB is not exceeded. This value equals a normal conversation in 1 metre distance. Only 40 dB(A) should reach the adjacent room as this is the threshold to problems with concentration. However one should keep in mind that it is not only the decibel value that counts, but whether the sound is actually audible in adjacent apartments.Even if you are at work all day you should still try to use the washing machine outside rest periods.
Showering and taking a bath is tolerated at any time including the cleaning process of the shower/bathtub since a minimum of hygiene is required. During nighttime however it should not take more than 30 minutes in total.
If you feel harassed frequently, simply go talk to your neightbours in person. Some biscuits or snacks as a little something loosen up the atmosphere tremendously. Instead of threatinging to alert the landlord describe in detail what you hear and present an idea to soften the volume. For instance, suggest felt pads for chairs that are pushed around the floor. Grumpy fellows are easier to handle if you offer to get the needed items or contribute financially. If people are familiar with their neighbours they are more willing to be considerate. In return you can let them know when you are on vacation and they can be as loud as they wish.
Silence noise from outside
The football hymn is booming out of the adjacent apartment again? Perhaps you have walked over and tried to talk about the situation, however once there the volume seemed to be at a perfectly normal level? In that case the brickwork may have leaks that are responsible for letting noise into your home. Over the course of time humidity and material fatigue cause porous spots and tiny holes. The Blower-Door-Test determines the air tightness of the entire building as well as single apartments. If leaks are located they can usually be touched up without too much of a hassle. There is not always need for extensive reconstruction work, simple silicone paste or new sealing help as well. Definitely consult your landlord before taking any action yourself.Is your brickwork sealed but simply too thin? Soundproofing plates or insulating suspended ceilings might require more work and effort, however they pay off so much, especially since they drastically reduce the noise level for apartments above and underneath.
Street noise can be softened by newly developed windows with triple insulation. If that exceeds your budget, opt for simple windows with acrylic glass instead. Consult a professional craftsman if this option is for you: There is a possibility that heat builds up and causes mould in the space between. As the case may be, simple rubber gaskets around the windows, hinges and other leaky spots contribute to the reduction of noise, too. Low-priced and self-adhesive options are available in DIY markets and work quite efficiently.
| International Noise Awareness Day Awareness of diseases caused by noise is rising – not by chance along with an increase in traffic. The international noise awareness day is celebrated once a year, the date for 2017 is set for 26 April. For instance, on this day schools offer activities for children, statistics about the specific location are released, etc. Find out more on http://chchearing.org/noise/day/ |
Avoid noise itself
There are a couple of things you can do by yourself to reduce noise at home. The first step would be to move away the TV or stereo system from partition walls or to use headphones while listening to music – nowadays wireless models are available, meaning you do not have to stay in the same room as the stereo system or carry around a music player when dancing around the house. The same goes for gaming consoles that let us lose track of time.Your furnishings have a big influence on the noise that reaches the adjoining room. Smooth wall without furniture in front of it and unprotected parquet floor reflect sound. Open wardrobes, bookshelves and other small pieces of furniture break it up. All textiles act as dampeners, felt and woolen carpets in particular, but also wall hanging, heavy curtains, cushions, decorative fabric and tablecloth.
Professional musicians and DJs should board their practice room in sound absorbing panels. Styropore and rubber foam with a pyramid structure are specifically designed for this application, oftentimes they come with an adhesive backside to facilitate installation. They are also great in subdivided office rooms and call centres. Prefoamed wallpapers can help at home, however they are insufficient in professional environments. Products with integrated glass fibre fleece are supplied for restaurants and other meeting places.
Another option are sound absorbing surfaces on walls and the ceiling that act both as a silencer and a decorative addition in the room. It is not necessary to cover the entire wall though, you are given a big scope of design. Acoustic panels are made of different materials like rubber foam or with a textile surface – the overall design looks and sounds good. Those special surfaces must only be painted with a special absorbing wall/acoustic paint, otherwise the perforation will get clogged up.
Soundproof mats are ideal for small floorspace, e.g. underneath the washing machine or the exercise machine. An underlay made of rubber or a tightly woven carpet are a cheaper alternative.
Quiet appliances in kitchen, living room and bedroom
White goods that were purchased before the year 2000 are part of a generation that is emits a rather loud buzzing, is squirming and jerking. Hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, refrigerators and other everyday appliances have been designed to develop less noise starting around 2014. Most of the goods are rated with a much better energy efficiency class, therefore it is a good idea to replace old device with new ones.Tip for your bedroom: The sound pressure level changes depending on the distance to the source of sound. That is why manufacturers often state a distance when describing the sound level, for instance “42 db(A) in one metre distance“. In case of domestic appliances the sound pressure level is usually measured in one metre distance as well because this value corresponds the most to real conditions in an everyday situation. After all, the device is rarely positioned directly next to your ear.
The dB(A) value indicates that the perception of the human ear has been imitated by a measuring device (A-rating). Hearing ranges from zero dB(A) to as much as the pain threshold 130 db(A).
Before purchasing an electronic device please take into consideration that a difference of 10 dB is perceived subjectively as twice or half as loud as the original sound. That means a refrigerator with 50 dB sounds twice as loud as a unit with 40 dB. Always pay attention to this data, particularly if your kitchen is part of the living room or if you are getting a new appliance in your bedroom.
Ventilation systems and smooth running
In the summer ceiling fans are always much sought-after. In case of an initial purchase we recommend eco models that come with a direct current motor. There is no noise, they operate on a whisper-quiet level. However, modern alternate current fans (not energy-saving fans) offer at least three low-noise speed settings as well. On the lower speed settings their operational noise is barely audible, meaning they can also be applied in bedrooms.You want to lower the volume even further? The CasaFan slow motion unit reduces the speed of AC motor fans to just about 45 revolutions per minute.
Obtrusive noise despite top-notch technology? Not necessarily an indication for manufacturing errors, wobbling and resonance sounds on the ceiling fan are easily rectified.
Ventilation in bathrooms and WCs:
If you are sensitive to noise and the extractor fan annoys you when brushing your teeth, use a light relay with automated shut-off. The CasaFan DR 230 delay timer signals the fan that it is okay to start operating once the light switch has been flipped, meaning the ventilator only runs when you are not in the room anymore. The ventilation period can be adjusted to run between 3 and 25 minutes.
Rubber gaskets and other extras with flexible surface dampens sound in ventilation systems. Make sure there are no unplanned openings (windows, building envelope) when integrating inlets and valves in walls.
Summary
| If smooth, reflective surfaces are interrupted, reverbation in adjacent rooms decreases. |
All materials that prevent reflection of smooth surfaces are suitable for noise dampening. That includes e.g. fluffy carpets, wool and textiles. Professional insulation does not necessarily require structural alterations, silencing items with insulating plates already improve the situation.
Coarse flooring, such as cork or linoleum are great for dampening noise. Supermarkets and DIY markets offer low-priced felt pads that are placed under furniture that is moved around the room frequently (chairs, coffee table, etc.). On top of protecting your wooden floor from scratches the tenant below you is not bothered by dragging or squeaking noise. Slippers have the same effect, they look homely, keep your feet warm and absorb impact noise.
To rule out the possibility of any leaks or openings in the building envelope and windows, a professional blower door test will help. More information about this topic is available in our guide section.
First aid:
- Ear protection from the pharmacy
- Having an amicable chat with the neighbour/landlord
- Slippers instead of stilettos
- High-quality headphones
- Drapes, optimising furnishings
- Noise-breaking cushions, textiles
- Felt underneath chair legs
- Renew rubber insulation
- Seal doors
- Insulating plates for walls, floor
- Double-glazed windows, acrylic glass if applicable
- Insulation of window frames, doors, roller blinds
- Pay attention to dB(A) data before purchasing
- Increase distance between devices
- Check for resonance sounds, possibly insulate
- Electric dimmer
- Operation on low setting
- Eco models (DC motor) are generally quieter
- Dampen emitted noise: underlays, covers, drapes
Image sources:
Blog banner headphones © PourquoiPas - pixabay.com, CC0 Public Domain
Neighbour © gradt - fotolia.com
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