ᐅ Soundproofing in Apartments – Normal Speaking Volume

Hello,

I am not sure if this is the right place, but I think construction or material experts can probably help me best, even without deep knowledge of acoustics.

Here is the situation: I have the opportunity to move into an apartment that is almost perfect. However, based on the experience of a friend who currently lives there, I know that the apartment has very poor sound insulation, especially towards the apartment above.

This shows itself in the fact that the neighbor upstairs already feels disturbed by conversations at normal speaking volume; he says he can hear every word. Surprisingly, he can hardly notice music, even when it is played louder than normal speaking volume.

The building was constructed around 1960, the ceiling is a wooden floor, and is reportedly insulated/filled with straw (attached is a picture). Additionally, heating pipes run across the apartment behind a molding, but I believe they do not extend into the apartment above.

Do you have any ideas on where it would be most effective to start in order to reduce sound transmission upwards and make the living situation comfortable again for both parties?

Thank you very much
Peter

Lower the ceiling and use soundproofing panels instead of regular drywall... the exact construction method can be found in the information sheets provided by the manufacturers of the panels.

Hello Mycraft,

thank you for your feedback. I had suspected as much and would do it as well if it really makes a difference.

Are there any systems that are already proven and particularly recommended? Especially regarding installation, handling, and of course costs.

Thanks and best regards

Addendum: Ideally, I would prefer a system like the Stosilent Direct system, where the insulation boards are glued directly to the ceiling. Does anyone have experience with this (or a similar) system? Am I correct in understanding that the STO system is the only one that actually provides sound insulation, while other systems only improve acoustics (using acoustic panels) within the room, or do these aspects always go hand in hand?

Best regards
Peter

Hello,

I can’t comment on the insulation systems themselves, but I have a different suggestion:

Before you install any boards on the ceiling, you should definitely obtain a written permission from the property owner or landlord. Keyword: structural alteration.

Especially in older buildings, such an insulation system can sometimes lead to unintended consequences (e.g., mold growth due to poor ventilation), which can become costly for the tenant and, if installed without approval, may also result in other legal issues.

Regards,

Dirk

Hello Dirk,

That goes without saying! However, I wanted to first gather some information about the usefulness before approaching the landlord.

Best regards