When moving into a new apartment it's common to worry about the noise pollution. Especially since there is nothing more frustrating than settling in to your new place and being instantly greeted by your neighbours tv, phone conversations, or footsteps. The good news is that there are ways to prevent excessive noise pollution. The bad news is that not all developers consider these tactics when planning. 

When it comes to noise pollution it’s important to consider the sources of the sound for tenants. You must understand if the noise is coming from within the apartment and caused by household items such as the fridge, the laundry machines, or fans. Or if it is coming from external sources such as the hallway, the shared wall with neighbours or ceiling? Once you discover the source of the sound then you can easily determine what steps need to be taken to reduce the noise pollution.

If the noise is predominantly coming from inside the unit, then it’s best to use sound absorbers. These are products that are soft, lighter in composition and are fluffy. Their purpose is to reduce the echo that occurs within the unit and while some sound absorption techniques can be implemented prior to construction, they are predominately added after construction.  Sound absorption products include wall hangings, carpets, and fabric which can be attached to the back of bookcases or shelving against the wall. 

Unfortunately, when the sound is caused externally by neighbours, the same techniques cannot be applied. Unlike sound absorbers that can be added post construction, when dealing with external noises you must use soundproofing.

Soundproofing techniques are typically built into the walls, floors and ceilings of units. Installation of this material traditionally consists of a membrane or fabric that must me cut to fit the space. It's essential that the installer accurately cuts the fabric or membrane to ensure that there are no gaps that can allow the sound to travel through. 

Since reducing noise pollution has two very different approaches, it is important that the contractor plans ahead for sound issues. Otherwise tenants will be subjected to irritation and landlords will experience high turnover rates.

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Sources: The Balance  / Cover photo: Flickr