If your next door or downstairs neighbour likes to turning their stereo up to 11, 'spirited discussions' at 3am or re-enacting 'that' scene from When Harry Met Sally, then you may need to think about additional noise insulation.
For the most part unreasonable noise can be sorted out by calm and productive discussions between the affected and affecting parties, but occasionally even the most considerate neighbours can accidentally intrude on a peaceful night in.
Most common culprit at the moment is the stripped floor board which while looking sensational provides another hard squeaky, porous surface through which annoying noise can travel. Carpets may be dust hoarding, but they do dampen migrating sound.
One solution is to install a floating floor - essentially another floor added to the existing one with a gap left in between. This however is expensive and will, unlike the cheaper acoustic mat option, reduce the height of your room.
Cracks in connecting walls will allow sound to permeate and should be sealed with filler. In extreme cases you could erect a stud wall lined with mineral wool quilt, but again you will loose a little of your room space.
Prolonged conversion or renovation work can be a major headache for neighbours with sound travelling laterally along floorboards, bridging loft space, and vibrating through walls. Make peace with your neighbours and warn them what you're doing and how long it will take to avoid a dispute - this may eventually harm your chances of selling the property.
External noise in some cases is more preventable. Before you buy a house locate the areas of potential noise such as busy pubs, airport approaches, busy roads, train tracks. Visit the property at all times of day to check how much sound leaks through from the neighbours - summer is a good time as gardens are used much more, and windows left open to cool interiors. If a neighbour's noise is a nuisance in winter it will become unbearable in summer.
Where planning permits, fences and hedges can absorb noise from roads efficiently. If you're planning to plant a hedge, however, ensure it is one that you can control and maintain so as not to become a nuisance to others. Raised earth banks will also absorb noise well. The main point of entry for noise will be your windows. Curtains and shutters can help, double and triple glazing will work better. Ensure however that your home is still receiving the correct amount of ventilation that you need.
Once again prevention is better than cure, research a property thoroughly before taking it and its potential noise problems on.
Association of Noise Consultants
www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk
British Research Establishment
www.bre.co.uk
Domestic Soundproofing
www.domesticsoundproofing.co.uk/products.htm
