Living in an apartment complex or building allows you to experience the vibrant energy of city life and build connections. But it also comes with a unique challenge – noise disturbance. Since an apartment complex has shared walls and multiple tenants, such problems are likely to arise.
Luckily, there are some steps you can take to reduce noise and enjoy peace as an apartment dweller. Let’s take a closer look.
The Impact of Noise on Quality of Life
There are two distinct noise sources you will come across: Impact noise and airborne noise. Impact noise occurs when objects physically hit each other. For instance, a neighbor banging on an adjoining wall will create impact noise. Whereas, cranked-up televisions and blaring sound systems are examples of airborne noise.
Constant noise can have negative effects on your physical and mental well-being. It can disturb your sleep, leading to stress and low productivity. This is why addressing noise sources is extremely important for apartment dwellers.
Register Noise Complaints
The best way to reduce noise is to communicate with your neighbors. Speak politely and emphasize the importance of creating a quiet living environment. If your neighbors are continuously creating excess noise, you have the right to file a complaint.
Under strata community guidelines, you can complain about numerous noise sources, including:
- Loud parties
- Pet-related noise
- Appliance-related home activities
- Renovation and construction work
Strata noise complaints are handled depending on noise levels, activity times, and standard guidelines.
Add Rugs and Carpets
In addition to filing a noise reduction complaint, you can take numerous steps to reduce noise on your own. Carpets and rugs provide a high degree of impact insulation. They absorb sound waves instead of allowing them to bounce off hard surfaces like tile or wood floors.
Carpeted floors cushion the impact of footsteps, dropped objects, and furniture movement. Wool carpets made with natural fibers are especially good at absorbing sound waves.
Use Curtains to Block Noise
Windows allow external noise sources, primarily traffic, to enter indoors. Installing noise-blocking curtains is one of the best ways to ensure a quiet living environment. They are made from heavy-duty, dense fabrics that help reduce sound transmission.
Make sure your curtains extend beyond the length and width of your window. This will help seal gaps through which sound can enter.
Install Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels can help dampen noise within a room. Both adhesive and freestanding panels are incredibly affordable and can reduce sound transmission in smaller spaces. The best part? Acoustic panels don’t cause permanent marks on your walls.
That said, always double-check the rules laid down by your body corporate. This will help you avoid any legal complications down the road.
Rearrange Your Furniture
Rearranging your furniture can also reduce noise in apartments. For instance, you can place bookshelves against thin walls to act as barriers. Creating some space between your furniture and the walls can also create air pockets, reducing sound transmission.
Fabric wall hangings, tapestries, and wall art can also absorb sound and vibrations.
