Residential soundproofing for a flat

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scs3jb
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Residential soundproofing for a flat

Postby scs3jb » Thu Aug 31, 2017 5:08 pm

Hi,

I have a flat in the centre of Malaga but I would like to upgrade the soundproofing and see if I can drown out the sound of the noisy locals that congregate on the streets for a chat in the early mornings.

With an architect, I replaced my windows to some extremely high grade glass but I am not happy with the results and believe there is sound leakage from the frames and walls but I am hesitant to sink more money into the project without it being examined by an expert that can clearly identify the solution.

I have tried contacting several outfits but they all say they do not do residential projects.

Thanks in advance!

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Flexo
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Re: Residential soundproofing for a flat

Postby Flexo » Thu Aug 31, 2017 6:57 pm

Unless you are willing to spend a fortune for a small reduction of dB(SPL) you can forget making any big changes. Just add several layers of heavy drapes that covers the entire wall from top to bottom, that is the easiest and cheapest option you have. Adding extra layers to the walls and floors will not do as much as you think.

El Cid
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Re: Residential soundproofing for a flat

Postby El Cid » Thu Aug 31, 2017 8:07 pm

Were you not aware of that before you bought the property - it's one of the penalties of living in a city. Assuming the windows were double glazed, it's going to be difficult to improve on that without moving somewhere quieter.

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costakid
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Re: Residential soundproofing for a flat

Postby costakid » Thu Aug 31, 2017 10:20 pm

The only other option is another layer of glass. You obviously need a void between the main window. We stayed at a hotel in fuengirola a few years ago and they had bay windows. They basically had 2 windows and air con so the noise level was really low when the windows were closed. We had to sleep with the air con on.

scs3jb
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Re: Residential soundproofing for a flat

Postby scs3jb » Fri Sep 01, 2017 12:12 am

Wow, fast replies!

I knew it was going to be loud in the centre and love the flat. I actually sleep with a fan going, and sleep like a log. My aircon is silent unfortunately, hence the fan. I am thinking in the future that I will potentially need to rent the place and am worried that for a light sleeper they can't hack it.

I reduced the sound a lot and doubt I can do much with the glass or Windows themselves. That's already double glazed with the maximum gap and is argon filled, and a high ISO standard for sound proofing. Heavy and high quality. I think the frames are the source of leaking and are lacking proper sealing and beading unfortunately. I'd like someone to bead the inside and outside of the frames properly, closing any gaps, then finally I planned to buy some very heavy cinema/theatre style drapes for all sets which I think should shave over some more dB.

I would have the windows for the bedrooms enclosed, but 'preserving history' beats resident's rights in this case. Which is odd as there are tacky bars littered down adjacent streets, you'd have thought the urban planning and historical wings of the council work together.

What I was looking for is a specialist that can confirm the fixes that would get the maximum savings, ideally who can seal and bead the frames, and might have the best quality materials for threaded drapes.

I have several other projects (replacing some stairways, two rear facing windows that are not historically protected, and renovating a terrace), so just a reliable builder/carpenter/electrician outfit might work.

Anyone know any tradesman / building firm that could help with an endeavour? Location is the historical centre of Malaga.

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Wicksey
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Re: Residential soundproofing for a flat

Postby Wicksey » Fri Sep 01, 2017 11:43 am

We simply don't usually rent city centre places as we don't sleep well and living somewhere very quiet, we are just not used to hearing other people's noise. That's why we rent a campo house and then drive into a city if we want to visit, on most occasions (otherwise we have to take our earplugs and hope for the best!)

Anyone who's stayed in a busy area before should be aware that there will be noise at night. I would write the description saying something like 'you can enjoy the buzz of the city nightlife from our apartment' and so potential renters can perhaps get the hint that there may be noise. There's only so much you can do to blot out city sounds.

northandsouth
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Re: Residential soundproofing for a flat

Postby northandsouth » Fri Sep 01, 2017 3:32 pm

scs3jb wrote: I have several other projects (replacing some stairways, two rear facing windows that are not historically protected, and renovating a terrace), so just a reliable builder/carpenter/electrician outfit might work.

Anyone know any tradesman / building firm that could help with an endeavour? Location is the historical centre of Malaga.
pm sent for Spanish Malaga based trademen


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