What to Do About Noise in Prefabricated Houses

Noise in prefabricated houses can be addressed through identifying the type and source of the noise, soundproofing renovations, daily buffering measures, and communication or complaints.

1. Identifying the Type and Source of Noise
   First, determine whether the noise is low-frequency, which often originates from equipment operation (such as water pumps, elevators, fans), structural transmission, or pipe vibrations. Sound travels through both air and solids. Prefabricated floors, due to their seams, have weaker sound insulation compared to cast-in-place floors. Low-frequency vibrations travel quickly through concrete and easily spread through solid media.

2. Soundproofing Renovations

   • Ceiling Soundproofing: Use a combination of "5mm soundproofing felt + 12mm gypsum board" with a 2cm air gap in between, which can reduce noise by over 20 decibels and is suitable for already renovated houses. Alternatively, opt for a professional soundproofing ceiling system (such as Jason Soundproofing Ceiling), which uses clip-in keels to cover the entire ceiling and control ceiling thickness.
   • Wall Sound Absorption: Install polyester fiber sound-absorbing panels with a density of 24kg/m³ and a thickness of 2cm, which can reduce echo by 60% and effectively absorb impact sounds like children running or dragging chairs.
   • Floor Soundproofing: Lay a 3mm rubber soundproofing pad + 5cm sound-absorbing cotton to block 80% of solid-borne sound. During construction, clean the floor, fix the soundproofing pad with special adhesive, cover it with sound-absorbing cotton, and then install flooring or tiles. This can reduce perceived noise by 18 decibels for those downstairs.
   • Ceiling Vibration Reduction: Install a composite system of spring vibration dampers (spaced 60-80cm apart) and corrugated sound-absorbing cotton (thickness ≥5cm) to cut off solid-borne sound paths. Footstep noise from upstairs can be reduced from 52 decibels to 35 decibels.

3. Daily Buffering Measures
   Place rubber pads or feet under heavy objects (such as chairs) to reduce impact sounds by 60%. Lay short-pile carpets with a thickness of ≥8mm and a density of ≥2000g/m² on the floor to absorb 20% of airborne sound and improve sound insulation.

4. Communication and Complaints

   • Rational Negotiation: Communicate with the owner of the noise source, explain the impact, and negotiate a solution while maintaining mutual respect.
   • Property or Urban Construction Complaints: If noise from upstairs renovations exceeds standards, file a complaint with the property management or contact the urban construction department for inspection and rectification orders.
   • Police Mediation: As a last resort, if other methods fail, file a report with the police for mediation.