Soundproofing an Apartment?

Blue says on May 9, 2006, 12:47:

tlop I agree with the previous poster it's probably going to cost a bundle. Do you have the landlord's permission? Could be a big problem if you do something without the landlord's permission. I had a similar situation many years ago but changes were impractical and very expensive. I would guess new technology now makes it more practical but still expensive. We were in a very small(4 unit) apt. complex and finally simply bought the other two tenants who were bothered by noise a 3 speed fan they could run when noise became a nuisance. This "white noise" works wonders. A fan can drown out a lot of unwanted noise. You can place them in a corner up against the wall and even cover them so you get the hum of the fan but no wind. If you only have a few in the building that you bother buying fans would be much cheaper than soundproofing your place. Maybe even offer a little for electric. Something to think about.

Blue

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juanalejo says on May 9, 2006, 19:29:

Acustec www.acustec.com or call 2360058 - 5300273. Mauricio Gaitan speaks english.

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Rubiazo says on May 10, 2006, 07:52:

Isolating an apartment If you REALLY wanna isolate you had better be prepared to build a room within every other room, that's really how they do it. It also means you will lose at least 6" off of the dimensions of every room you soundproof.

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poco says on May 10, 2006, 11:21:

Get accustomed to the noise or move Colombia in general is much, much noisier then the U.S. This is compounded by normally open nature of the homes. Open windows makes the noise seem even louder. A well designed house will ALWAYS have a window in each room open to the outside or internal patio.

Noise is common and individuals need to learn how to cope with it. My theory is that this is NOT cultural, it is mostly CLASS. The poorer an individual the more noise they generate. The economy is better and thus small cheap stereos with big speakers can be easily acquired by even the poorest of folks. There are many stores offering these devices for small monthly payments. High amp car stereos with boosted bass are becoming more popular If you can’t hear and FEEL the bass from 200 feet you need to get it upgraded.

Add parties and festivals to the racket made by barking dogs, copulating cats and pet roosters and you might be quite miserable during the first year or so.

All of December and January where I am located is a two month long festival. People only work during the day because they need to eat. I make it a point to be in Colombia during this time. I don’t work so it doesn’t bother me to stay up all night. I actually prefer the hours of 2:00 pm to 6:00 am. Plus, I’ve become more or less immune to everything except the roosters.

Roosters are extremely aggravating. If you think roosters crow early in the morning ONLY,, you are mistaken. Roosters can and do crow at any time of the day or night. Three years ago I bought my neighbors pet rooster and promptly gifted it to a relative. I was hesitant to do this because he might decide start of a new rooster sales business.

You need to experience a girls 15th birthday party. Especially if she is popular and good looking. The parties can continue to 3 or 4 O’clock in the morning with blasting stereos and those with car stereo’s who are attending, some own and bring their busses.

I’ve seen HUGE stereos mounted on trailers, towed by motorcycles and “setup” at a street “hangout”. Your best bet is to try and get an invitation because you won’t be sleeping anyway.

However, even the most noisy Colombians can become annoyed by the continual blasting of music past 10:00 pm on a work night (the normal shutdown time) or a bar, church starting next door. I can attest to the fact that having a “Holly Roller” church nearby will devalue your property value.

Lets say you bought a nice place in an estrato 5 or 6 area and a “rich drug lord” moves in. Think he will have parties,, you bet. Are you going to knock on the door,, call the police, complain to the building management,, Ha, Ha,, there are some here who still fail to understand how “problems” are solved in Colombia and they seem to feel they can become a problem with impunity.

What do the poor do if there is a problem,, THEY MOVE. Just another reason why owning real estate in Colombia can become a nightmare. The advise continuously repeated on this site about living in Colombia for a while (I'd suggest a year) before you decide where to buy tops the list.

If you are staying for a while I’d be sure to pack about 10 pairs of these.



PS: Try out this phone ring clip I made. MP3 format. Using it will help you become acclimated to Colombia.

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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