Topic: Sound Proofing the Garage Gym

[Bruce Darley]

The rubber mats that Dave described with the holes in them work really well. Those were the only thing I could find when I built my platform and they are really good. The other thing I did is put a piece of carpet under the platform which cut the impact noise another 50 percent at least..

[Alexander Poptodorov]

My garage is a standard 3-car garage.   The walls are block concrete.  Distance from neighbor is 15 feet.
I have a rubber 1/2 inch mats on floor and on top I have rubber 2" tiles. My weight are by Kreigberg rubber bumpers.
Budget around $1000

Thanks,Alex

[Roger Crazy Wolf]

I had the same problem with a neighbor, they called the cops on me three times but I wasn't violating any ordinances. I was just very friendly with police when they showed up and told them I wrap everything up before 8 pm. After that, I never heard from them again.

Now, if you're looking to decrease the amount of sound generated by the dropping of weights you have to understand that the sound is just one form of energy dissipation; if the energy isn't dissipated in sound then it has to go somewhere else. I have some bumpers made by Club USA (has anyone heard of this type of bumpers before?) and they are very bouncy, but relatively quiet. My Kraiburgs aren't nearly as bouncy but they are much louder. The bottom line is if you give the energy of the drop outlets other than sound then it will be quieter ... motion is a popular alternative. My favorite answer is using the same type of technology that Bose uses in their sound canceling headphones, but that would get very expensive ... it would be very cool but very very expensive.

I think the cheapest thing to do would be to add insulation to your garage walls. I live in South Carolina and when homes are constructed here they never put insulation in the exterior walls of the garage. If I had cellulose blown into the walls it would save on energy and also make a difference in the sound factor. I usually always lift with my garage doors open, which is why the neighbor complained.

[Alexander Poptodorov]

Roger, thanks for the input.   Do you have a website about the quiet bumpers?

Also, Troy Barbell made some brand new bumpers that supposed to be very quiet as well.  I will call and find out the price and the specifics.   http://www.g2fitnessproducts.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=8303

You are right acoustic insulations will take care of the problem.   I had a company come out and give me an estimate and requirements after they saw what I was doing.   Basically, it would be a dream come true.  The material not only eliminates the sound about 80%, but also decouples the vibration close to %95.
Unfortunately,  it is around 8000$ for the project.
Not an option at this time!!

My neighbor actually threatened to sue my landlord and hired an attorney supposedly. 
Police could do nothing about it because there was no actual decibel and or time ordinance being violated.

[Jesse Gibson]

 
Police could do nothing about it because there was no actual decibel and or time ordinance being violated.

Clearly you are a FAR nicer fellow than I.

[Roger Crazy Wolf]

Alexander;

I purchased these Club USA bumpers from some guy who had decided to move away from O Lifting and become a marathon runner ... I had never heard of Club USA bumpers before and I have not heard of them since. The only advice I can give you on this is to try and find some O lifter who wants to be a marathon runner.

[Alexander Poptodorov]

Ha, I don't get that often:)   Not really though, I had no choice because I know the landlord and he is a good guy.
I did not want to trouble him.  Eventhough, I told him that I will take care of the attorney and everything.  My best friend is a local attorney here and here reviewed the HOA and he said they is nothing he can really do.  Just time, money and headaches.  Although, the neighbor did claim that his pictures were falling from his wall and his garage foundation was cracking. 
Wonder how when the concrete slabs are not connected???

Anyway, I just have to go around it and build a Quiet Platform

[Jesse Gibson]

His garage foundation was cracking????? What is it made of, cardboard?

Alexander, the guy is completely insane. I guarantee nothing would satisfy this guy. I wish you luck. Perhaps some cheaper insulation and drywall (sheetrock) would help... but as I typed, I suspect nothing will satisfy this guy's chronic complaining.

I make noise but I don't really care whether the neighbors like it or not. Geez, I'm kind of a jerk that way