Soundproofing Blog
The soundproofing blog by Hush NYC:
Acoustic engineering that performs in the real world.
A Soundproofing Blog for New York
Soundproofing in New York is not one product. It is a full assembly working together.
Welcome to the Hush soundproofing blog. First, we identify the dominant noise path. Then, we pick assemblies that control air leaks, resonance and vibration. Here, Hush shares field-tested methods for walls, ceilings, floors, doors and mechanical noise. We use plain language, but we keep the science.
Expect terms like STC, IIC, NRC and RT60, plus flanking and decoupling. Finally, we show what works in real NYC buildings, not just in the lab.
Popular Guides from the Soundproofing Blog
- How to soundproof a room in New York
- Soundproofing insulation compared
- Soundproofing material that actually works
- Sound absorbing material and NRC
- Floor soundproofing in mid-century apartments
- City soundproofing for subway noise
- Studio soundproofing
- STC and IIC ratings explained
- Upstairs neighbor noise
- Soundproofing cost in NYC
How should you use the soundproofing blog? Start with the noise you actually hear at home. For example, footsteps from above point to the ceiling and floor guides. Voices and TV through a shared wall, on the other hand, point to the wall guides. Similarly, low rumble from trains, elevators or rooftop equipment calls for the subway and mechanical noise articles. Also, if you are buying an apartment, read the pre-purchase acoustic inspection article before you sign. Then use the STC and IIC guide to make sense of the numbers. In short, match the guide to the sound, not to a product.
Each guide links to primary sources, such as the NYC DEP noise guidance. We add new articles on city noise, building rules and quiet living to the soundproofing blog often, so check back soon.
Helicopter Noise in NYC: Why It Is Rising and How to Block It
Helicopter noise NYC complaints rose from 811 a month in 2020 to 7,461 in 2023. Why it is hard to block and which windows work.
Alteration Agreement Soundproofing: Co-op and Condo Rules in NYC
How alteration agreement soundproofing rules work in NYC co-ops and condos: the 80% carpet rule, IIC targets and board tips.
Bar Noise Below Your Apartment: NYC Rules and Real Fixes
Bar noise below your apartment? NYC commercial music limits, why bass matters, free MEND NYC mediation and fixes that work.
HVAC Noise Complaint in NYC: What the Noise Code Allows
Filing an HVAC noise complaint in NYC? The 42 dB(A) limit for AC and rooftop units, how to document it and how it gets fixed.
Construction Noise NYC: Hours, Variances and What You Can Do
Construction noise NYC rules: allowed hours, noise mitigation plans, after-hours variances, reporting and protecting your home.
Structure-Borne Noise: How Vibration Travels Through NYC Buildings
Structure-borne noise travels through slabs, pipes and framing. Common NYC sources, how vibration is measured and how to stop it.
Elevated Train Noise in NYC: How to Quiet an Apartment by the El
Live by the 7, J or 2 train? Why elevated train noise is so intrusive and how window inserts, seals and wall upgrades help.
Subway Noise in NYC Apartments: Airborne vs. Structure-Borne
Why you hear subway noise with the windows shut: NYC transit levels, airborne vs. ground-borne noise, federal limits and real fixes.
Apartment Noise Checklist: What to Check Before You Sign in NYC
Use this apartment noise checklist before you sign a NYC lease or contract: 311 data, visit times, red flags and questions to ask.
Pre-Purchase Acoustic Inspection: Why NYC Buyers Hire an Acoustic Consultant
A pre-purchase acoustic inspection finds neighbor, mechanical and train noise before you buy in NYC. Costs, what is checked and how to negotiate.