Soundproofing for Rental Apartment

I looked into this about a year ago for a friend of mine. I found pretty much the same thing that you’ve found: not much. As far as I can tell, nobody has invented a thin, cheap, stylish wall covering that significantly absorbs sound. Short of gutting your apartment down to the studs in the wall, and rebuilding it following soundproofing design concepts and using expensive soundproofing materials, you’re not going to achieve an overall noise reduction level that could be described as ”soundproofing”. If you can lower your expectations a bit, some combination of Sound Cancelling Machines, White Noise Machines, and Noise Cancelling Headphones might give you enough peace to keep your sanity.

Street noise: I have a friend who taped 2 layers of clear bubble-wrap and a layer of clear plastic sheeting to his windows for the winter, to save on his heating bill. It still let plenty of light in, and was unobtrusive because the window was covered by sheer curtains. He left them there when spring came, because they made his living room a bit quieter. Not a LOT quieter, but enough that he didn’t want to give it up.

You don’t need to spend a fortune ripping your apartment down to the studs to help sound proof your apartment. If it’s neighbor nose you’re worried about you can simply sister (attach) a 2×2 to each stud (right onto the drywall/plaster), install 1 1/2” rigid foam insulation (or another type of insulation as long as it’s no thicker than your 2×2’s and then cover that up with wall panels or drywall board, paint and add trim and your shared walls are at the very least sound suppressing if not sound proof.

This could work in the ceiling and the floors as well, obviously those applications would be far more expensive considering the flooring and electrical work that might be involved. 

This is what my neighbor did ever since I started working from home because I choose to work in my spare bedroom/home office late at night

You may be able to build panels using 2×2’s and soundproofing material as above. But instead of permanently attaching to the studs you may be able to use some sort of adjusters or maybe even Pool Noodles stuffed along the tops to hold them up. Not particularly attractive and you might not be able to hang stuff (or people (wicked grin)) on the walls but you could build freestanding racks for that. The main thing is how attractive you want it to be.

You may want to check out some industrial websites. Or possible look for something like a portable hearing testing booth. I’m guessing that there is a need for portable applications of soundproofing. Portable would mean light weight.

Check out Green Glue.  I was told when I bought it that it is a soundproofing technology used in Trident submarines.   I haven’t seen any confirmation of this but I used it in my rental and got good feedback from my renter.  You apply the product to the affected wall and install a second layer of drywall over the top.  According to the Amazon description you don’t even have to finish the drywall.

You’re not going to be able to get ”soundproofing” without either some major renovations (insulation) or ugly egg crates glued to the wall.

But you can significantly reduce noise levels by hanging carpets or heavy blankets from the walls.  Shag carpet would be the most effective, though probably not that attractive, and there are some ”Persian” rugs that would make nice looking wall hangings.

I installed a full height bookshelf on an internal wall in my studio and found that the books absorbed a lot of sound. The books, due to their varying depths really help deaden the room tone as well. Note: You have to really commit when soundproofing. Many folks leave power outlets uncovered and wonder whey their soundproofing isn’t working very well.

I suggest you that whenever you go for buy a new apartment or home first check all the documents of house. All affidavits, transfer paper and attorney papers. After that check all documents of previous maintenance work and their bills. Because you are going to give rent of that apartment where you live with family members. So you should take care of all that things in future too. back office outsourcing companies

Earplugs.  If you can stand to wear them it is a cheap and effective way to block out sound.  I use them every night to guarantee a quiet night’s sleep.  My favorites are HEAROS, like their ’Ultimate Softness Series’.

Truly a great informative blog. I have never thought about this idea but now I would be required to have sound proof on my rental apartment because to keep some privacy.

Many Thanks
Debbie Otto
Online Networking Support Services