New research has shown that millions of us are looking to invest in expensive insulation to block out the sound of neighbours getting up to no good at full volume
Britain’s builders are making a killing banging up soundproofing to block out the racket of randy neighbours’ ear-splitting bedroom antics.
The research comes ahead of Valentine’s Day, however it might not matter for some Brits who get it wrong in the early stages of dating. Meanwhile, others appear to prefer to use toys – even if it ruins their pleasure.
Research shows millions of us are set to invest in pricey extra insulation as we’re so fed up hearing couples romancing each other at full volume. A survey also revealed noisy romp sessions reach a high on Valentine’s Day – with noise complaints hitting a peak across the UK on February 14.
The boisterous romps have caused searches for “soundproofing” to soar by a giant 148% on the romantic date, according to data from Checkatrade. Its soundproofing specialist Ryan Young from Soundproofing R Us said: “Living somewhere peaceful is a priority for lots of people but many homes, particularly flats or terraced homes, are often plagued by sound carrying between properties.”
The handyman hiring site’s survey also found more than two-thirds of Brits have been affected by noisy neighbours. It said one-in-eight of those moaning about dirty dins next door said it was down to loud bedroom action.
In London, where millions of neighbours are crammed together between paper-thin walls, the figure for “intimate noise complaints” shoots up to almost a fifth.
Loud music, arguments and late-night parties were among the other most common noise problems plaguing Brits. Of those who reported hearing their neighbours getting it on, the noisy antics typically went on for 33 minutes.
More than half of those surveyed added the disturbance was at least a weekly occurrence. But more than one-in-10 said they could hear their neighbours at it on a daily basis.
The most popular time for noisy sessions was found to be between midnight and 2am.
Of those who unwillingly got an ear-bashing thanks to their neighbours’ amorous antics, a massive 60% said it stopped them sleeping. Another 53% admitted it left them feeling uncomfortable or stressed.
As a result, almost a quarter said they felt forced to confront their neighbours about the issue. And 15% of respondents said the issue had led to them moving house.
The survey also found 69% of Brits believing it’s important to live somewhere you cannot hear your neighbour.
A spokeswoman for Checkatrade said: “While amorous neighbours may seem like a minor inconvenience and a reason to avoid eye contact when taking the bins out, the impact can actually be serious.”
The firm has now produced a guide to DIY soundproofing. Tips include “filling your space with soft furnishings” as they can “help reduce the noise from neighbours by absorbing sound waves and minimising the transition”.
It said placing large furniture including bookshelves or wardrobes against the wall can dampen sound.
Shrubs and hedges can also break up soundwaves, while acoustic sealant is recommended to stuff tiny cracks in walls, ceilings, doors and windows to stop sound leakage. The company stressed “nothing is as effective as getting an expert to professionally soundproof your living space”.
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