Loud Walking Upstairs Neighbor What to Do?
Well, I will be showing you different ways on how you can deal with this mess.
In my previous article on how to annoy noisy upstairs neighbors, we saw different legal methods you could implement and not get in trouble.
And as I’ve always mentioned, structure-borne noise from the floor above happens due to vibrations through the ceiling when an object makes an impact on the floor above.
Therefore, soundproofing against impact noise/structure-borne noise can’t be achieved using simple household items.
You will need materials designed to absorb impact noise and not airborne noise.
A good example of such materials is acoustic foam panels- here’s a detailed guide on hanging acoustic foam panels.
Loud Walking Upstairs Neighbor What to Do Hacks
The hacks shared in this article are similar to those I shared in my previous article on soundproofing a basement ceiling.
In this case, the only difference is that you could be dealing with strangers (upstairs neighbors), and therefore may be forced to incorporate different hacks.
1. Polite Chat with Your Neighbors
The first and the most important step that I would advise you to undertake is to chat with your neighbors.
While this might not be the best approach, especially if your neighbors aren’t friendly folks, it’s still worth a shot.
In most cases, your neighbors aren’t aware that they’re being noisy.
Simply monitor the time they’re at home and in good moods and then knock at their door.
Be polite even when they try to be rude to avoid invoking anger, leading to some serious consequences.
It might sound scary at first, but trust me, 99% of the time, this trick works magic.
It’s important to note that some neighbors won’t tolerate the idea of you informing them that they’re being noisy.
In such a case, don’t dare argue with them- just back up and probably try other hacks I’ve shared in this article.
2. Talk to Your Property Manager/ Landlord
If being polite and talking to your neighbor didn’t work, then why not involve the landlord?
This is a hit or miss method as most landlords will do nothing unless they’ve received several other tenants’ complaints about the particular neighbor.
Additionally, it’s also difficult to prove that your upstairs neighbor is being noisy.
Your neighbor might argue that they’ve added extra pounds of body weight, and that could be the reason for you hearing the footfalls as they walk around their apartment house.
3. Thick Carpet/ Rugs
If your neighbors are polite and understanding folks, you can suggest that they invest in a thick and fluffy carpet or rugs.
Thick carpets are quite helpful when it comes to dealing with impact noise.
If you’re generous enough, you can suggest to pay for the thick carpeting- and who doesn’t love free things anyway?
They get to keep the carpet, and you get to keep your quiet home living.
4. Unleash Your Revenge
If nothing else seems to work, then why not unleash your revenge?
There are several ways you can unleash revenge on your noisy neighbor– either legally or illegally.
If you can’t get anywhere by talking to your neighbors or your landlord, doing little things to revenge can make you feel better.
First off, you can turn the hot wall off and on as they shower.
The fluctuation between cold and hot water will actually drive them nuts.
I know doing this sounds rude and might land you in trouble if you get caught, and so is their frequent stomping.
You can buy a tennis ball and smash it against your ceiling during late night hours as your neighbors are asleep.
This will definitely wake them up, allowing you to get even.
5. Ceiling Vibrator/ Mobile Phone
Another popular method that will allow you to get even with loud walking upstairs neighbors would be to invest in a ceiling vibrator.
A ceiling vibrator is a revolutionary gadget that will send a series of vibrations and beating to the floor above.
You simply attach the gadget to the ceiling and use the remote controller that comes with it to control how frequently and the intervals for the beating/vibrations.
Another hack similar to the ceiling vibrator is using a sellotape to attach your phone to the ceiling.
Set the phone in vibration mode.
The vibrations will therefore be transmitted to the room above you, reigning havoc/chaos.
6. Ear Plugs and A White Noise Machine
If you spend all your day at work and evenings at your apartment, why not invest in earmuffs or earplugs.
These are readily available and an easy way to deal with the noise problem without much hassle.
On the other hand, a white noise machine will produce soothing sounds that will mask the noise from neighbors above and improve your overall well-being. (Source)
7. Soundproof the Ceiling
Soundproofing the ceiling can be undertaken as a simple DIY activity, or alternatively, you can consult a professional to do it for you.
You can use materials such as acoustic foam panels or mass-loaded vinyl to get the job done.
You can read this detailed guide on how to soundproof a ceiling.
On Loud Walking Upstairs Neighbor What to Do
Loud walking upstairs neighbor can be truly a nuisance.
However, in most cases, some neighbors are never aware that they are being noisy.
You’d also be surprised that your neighbors could also be unleashing revenge on you simply for something you do that annoys them.
Probably you have a car with a noisy exhaust system that reigns havoc on everyone in the apartment when you’re leaving for work.
You never know- try talking to them and probably implement one or two of the hacks recommended in this guide.
What DIY method have you implemented? Let me know down below.