What should I do about noise outside my apartment?

[gear02]

So I just moved into my new apartment and I've discovered that it's sorta noisy outside. My apartment faces a road that has some decent traffic and you can hear each car pass by. During the day this is no problem, but at night it's sort of annoying.

Is there anything I can do (seriously) to dampen the noise?

Changing apartments really isn't an option anymore and I'm not sure management will do anything. I'll try to ask them if they can maybe install some more sound isolating windows, but I doubt it'll fly.

Is there something I can do myself, like maybe put some sound dampening material or something? Something inexpensive?

[chadlnc]

You can get blackout material from a fabric store. It is the white fabric sewn on one side of curtains in hotels. It is made to blackout light and reduce sound.

[BigJon]

Are you on a ground floor I assume? Can they put in a low fence along the road? I was watching This Old House and they said that most road noise comes from wheel and road contact. They were building a low stone wall to damper the sound from the road.

Just ask of the possibility of them putting up a low fence along the road, maybe the other neighbors would pitch in to help support the idea.

I dunno.

[Markel]

You might consider one of those "noise makers" to generate a neutral sound (such as white noise) to help cover the traffic noises.

[bachviet]

Dynamat your windows & doors. :P

[johnnymk]

Google Window Quilts. They are used for insulating windows but are expensive.

[InfiniteNothing]

Drink vodka

[ufcrusher]

White noise generator will work for some noise...but not everything. Typically if you put up dense fabrics on the wall they will absorb some sound. You can use heavy drapes over the windows to help as well.

You can also go to a higher end home theater specialist to find sound proofing material....but do you really want to spend all that money when you might not be able to keep it when you move?

[Butch]

I know it's not really a help, but you'll get used to it eventually.

My Senior year of college, my dorm window opened right onto a pretty major street in the town - right at a stop light. The first few nights, I could barely sleep from the sound of people's brakes screeching to a stop and then the engine revving again to get going. However, after not too long, I could sleep like a baby there.

[Gothic Girl]

I know it's not really a help, but you'll get used to it eventually.

My Senior year of college, my dorm window opened right onto a pretty major street in the town - right at a stop light. The first few nights, I could barely sleep from the sound of people's brakes screeching to a stop and then the engine revving again to get going. However, after not too long, I could sleep like a baby there.
:stupid: I live on a very busy street with cars peeling out at all hours of the night. There's also a bowling alley across the street where people do donuts. It sucks, but eventually I got used to it.

[brainsmile]

ask the neighbors to have more frequent sex ...

[MikeD]

ask the neighbors to have more frequent sex ...

Or maybe Gear could have more frequent sex... :naughty:

[gear02]

Or maybe Gear could have more frequent sex... :naughty:

I'm all for that...

[Sweetpear]

I sleep with a fan on every night (white noise)
I actually got into the habit of doing that when i lived in california, and now that im back in Canada, i still do it, can't sleep with out it now, even in winter because little noises will wake me up...but with the fan on, i dont hear a thing :)

[jstreet]

I know it's not really a help, but you'll get used to it eventually.

My Senior year of college, my dorm window opened right onto a pretty major street in the town - right at a stop light. The first few nights, I could barely sleep from the sound of people's brakes screeching to a stop and then the engine revving again to get going. However, after not too long, I could sleep like a baby there.:stupid:

And now whenever I visit my parents I stare at the ceiling forever until I fall asleep because it is absolutely silent.

[attgig]

noise cancelling headphones? =P

[raimin]

use a bb gun, ala britney spears

[brainsmile]

Or maybe Gear could have more frequent sex... :naughty:
question is... which is more likely?

[shaggyucla]

Drink vodka

I would have said Jack, but vodka would do the trick too.. a little night cap or three would def. do the trick :cheers:

[Gedare]

Can always go to a construction site and pick up some um...extra signs and detour traffic aways from your apartment building. :cheers:

[Yossarian]

Drink vodka
:stupid:

[Grimm]

So, looks like the best thing to do is put up heavy sound deadening curtains, run a fan near your bed and drink lots of vodka.