A condo association in beautiful Victoria, British Colombia has a brand new problem. After years of allowing residents to make changes to their units, often times disregarding specific bylaw rules regarding documentation, a resident has asked to replace his carpeted floors with hard wood.
The condo association said NO.
The unit owner is revolting, claiming that the association can’t pick and choose which alterations it will allow. The condo association claims that hardwood floors will cause noise - a factor that didn’t come into consideration with any of the other changes.
So is the decision fair? Not really. We think the association should allow him to make the change but force him to install soundproofing materials as the floor goes down. Problem solved.
Don’t hold your breath in anticipation of this new car showing up in US markets. The new 2011 Toyota Auris HSD was designed exclusively for European drivers and - yes - we think it’s something to be jealous about.
This particular vehicle is the first hybrid to be offered in Europe after being manufactured 100% on home soil. With low CO2 emissions, high fuel efficiency, and a sleek new design, this vehicle promises to become one of the most successful in a long time.
We, of course, love the fact that the manufacturers remembered to add some extra soundproofing to the interior for an even quieter ride. We can’t wait to see these cars hit the road!
The Tannery Recording Studio, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recently reopened after having been closed for major renovations. The renovations included extensive remodeling, making it easier for those using the recording studio to make music.
One of the biggest complaints about the old studio was the fact that the control room didn’t have a window, making it difficult for those in the control room to communicate with musicians. The old studio used to have a lot of lead in the construction, most of which was removed. Now, the building has better soundproofing and better insulation, making it the perfect place to record your next album!
Earlier this week, hundreds of peopel gathered at the site of what was once The Station nightclub - the place where a hundred people perished in a blaze that could have been avoided.
On that fateful night, pryotechnics used by the band Great White ignited soundproofing materials (made of foam) on fire. A hundred people died and dozens of others were injured, some seriously, as they attempted to get out of the rapidly spreading blaze.
Lawsuits are just wrapping up, although trustees are now faced with the task of determining how to fairly split the judgement amongst victims and the families of the deceased.
Are your soundproofing problems driving you up a wall? If so, you probably aren’t in the right psychological mindset to address them without grasping for the first solution you encounter. The truth is that if you’re having a tough time dealing with your issues you need to find a way to get away from your problems so that you can rest and then calmly assess the situation.
So how can you accomplish this? Here are a few suggestions:
Take a mini-vacation over the weekend. Stay in a hotel or in one of your favorite spots and relax. Get away from the noise altogether so that you can look at it objectively.
Get a couple of nights of good sleep, whether away from your home (as above) or by using ear plugs or a white noise CD to help you fall asleep. A well-rested person is better able to address any kind of soundproofing problem.
Deal with negativity or aggression. Don’t blame anyone for your sound problems, even if there is clearly someone to blame. If you’re positive about the situation it’ll be easier to approach them for help later.
The Williamtown RAAF base outside of Port Stephens may be in trouble. A family in Medowie wants to build their home, located near the base, without using any type of soundproofing material.
If they are approved to do so, the base may need to change its flight paths to ensure they don’t affect the neighborhood in question.
Why is this even a question? When the couple first bought the property it was not classified as being in a noise zone. It was reclassified after they made the purchase but before they started construction, forcing them to add soundproofing materials to their plans at great cost.
Perhaps the base should just cought up the $25,000 they need for soundproofing instead…
Are you headed towards Vancouver for the Olympic Games? If so, you’re in for a real treat at what is quite possibly the warmest set of Olympic Games ever. It’s so warm, in fact, they can’t even make snow. They’re trying to truck it in from nearby mountains and it’s quickly turning to slush.
While you are in Vancouver, try to get a hotel room away from the main buildings and events. The city is transformed into a party town as visitors from around the world revel in the sites and get to know each other. The hotels near the bars and center of the city don’t have nearly enough soundproofing to handle the crowds - something you’ll quickly realize if you’re not careful!
Are you ready to soundproof a room to use as a recording studio? If so, you may want to create some specialized bass trap acoustical panels. The following videos will show you how to create your own, home-made panels. They make effective soundproofing panels and will save you a bit of money in the long run as well!
An article in The Baltimore Sun gave rise to a very interesting question. They asked if noisy restaurants were becoming trendy.
The answer begs consideration. Restaurant owners suddenly think that noise represents vibrancy and energy. Open kitchen, moderate music, and fast paced service supposedly give restaurants a busy yet energetic feel and, as such, create a good vibe for patrons.
Is it true? These restaurant owners are spending a lot of money on upgrades - including soundproofing to ensure their noisy establishments won’t distrub their neighbors. But will the noisy trend last a while or will it suddenly and abruptly end?
When it comes to soundproofing, we usually think of small coupes or sports cars. Rarely do our readers ask about trucks and SUV’s. The truth, however, is that SUV’s can be incredibly classy and the 2010 GMC Terrain SLE-2 is nothing short of amazing.
Why? It’s a mid-sized SUV - large enough to do what you need but small enough not to stick out like a sore thumb on the road. The vehicle has an incredible adjustable seat system, a USB audio system, and a myriad of safety features. And don’t forget the most important feature - an incredibly soundproof cabin!
If you’re looking for a hot, trendy vehicle in 2010, this is one you might want to consider. Why would you buy a vehicle that doesn’t have any soundproofing?!