I have recently received several questions about noise in Toronto condos from condominium owners, or potential condo buyers. Here are some of the questions that I am quoting verbatim:
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Questions about noise in Toronto condos
We have complaints from the neighbours re. our children making noise at night or running along the hallway. One of our kids is autistic. We either must soundproof or move out. Can you help us?
I live in a condo in Toronto and the walls that are shared between my unit and my neighbors seem to be paper-thin. Especially the wall that joins their kitchen with my den. I can hear all the cupboards and drawers opening and closing. It almost seems to be amplified in my unit and I can hear it all the way into my bedroom. Can you let me know some options for walls that are already built and a rough estimate of cost?
My condo is attached via ~6 feet of concrete to a nearby garage door and I hear it constantly.
I realize it’ll never be soundproofed away but hoping to find noise reduction solutions. I can hear it seemingly from the exposed concrete roof of the unit.
I'm potentially building a karaoke lounge in one of the bedrooms of a residential apartment and I'd like to protect the neighbours on all sides and need some advice and a quote to ensure the noise won't bother anyone. Something of good quality but perhaps easily transferable if I were to move? I'm extremely uneducated in this field and would really appreciate the guidance.
I live in a lower unit of a stacked condo building. My bedroom is right below the living area of the upper unit and has been experiencing noise of squeaking floor coming from a specific area when the upper unit residents walk on it. My bedroom is 12' x 13'5" and I want to know what the options are for soundproofing the ceiling and the potential range of costs involved.
Condo noise is unavoidable
Living in a condo often includes noise problems, it is unavoidable, as illustrated in this Globe & Mail article. One client expressed a desire to eliminate all condo noise in his apartment. This expectation is unrealistic—perfect soundproofing does not exist.
While complete silence is impossible, noise from neighbours and the building can be minimized or significantly reduced with properly designed soundproofing measures. Setting realistic expectations is critical to achieving satisfaction with any soundproofing project.
Advice for Toronto condo buyers
Before placing an offer to purchase an apartment consider the following issues related to noise in Toronto condos:
Another common source of complaints in Toronto condominiums is noise through apartment doors. Improving the sound attenuation of existing doors is virtually impossible, particularly when condo rules prohibit the installation of door seals.
If occasional hallway noise is likely to bother you, it is advisable not to purchase an apartment near common facilities, such as gyms, party rooms, or other areas where people gather frequently.
Acoustical specifications for condo construction
Inquire about acoustical specifications for the construction for the building where you are considering a purchase. If you cannot obtain acoustical specifications available, or if they state the minimum STC required by building code, STC 50 between residencies, many people will not be satisfied with this level of acoustical privacy. Reasonably good sound attenuation is STC 55 and the desirable sound attenuation is STC 60. Few condominium buildings meet this level.
Soundproofing options
If you wish to improve acoustic privacy or reduce noise in your existing Toronto condo, there is no quick or inexpensive solution. Effective soundproofing typically requires substantial renovations and professional guidance.
If the noise originates from the building’s mechanical equipment, such as HVAC systems, elevators, or pumps. In that case, you should formally request that property management address the issue, as this is their responsibility.
If noise from neighbours is problematic, effective soundproofing often requires rebuilding walls, ceilings, and sometimes floors. This is best undertaken during a major renovation aimed at improving or upgrading your apartment.
It is crucial to hire a qualified acoustical engineer before renovations to determine the appropriate soundproofing measures. Relying solely on your renovation contractor’s promises usually leads to disappointment and inadequate results.
Key soundproofing strategies include:
Party walls: Constructing a secondary wall or installing resiliently attached drywall on the existing wall.
Ceilings: Adding resiliently attached drywall to reduce noise transmission from above.
Floors: Installing a high-quality floating floor to prevent your own noise from disturbing residents below.
In conclusion, to request a quote from our acoustical consultant, please click the button below. There is no obligation, and your personal information is safe and not stored online.
