Question for builders - re: low rise unit construction specs

Hi

This one is a bit left field and not exactly renovating but hopefully there are some "well experienced" :wink: builders who can answer a question on construction methods and requirements over the last 40 years and if there has been any main changes which would prevent noise transfer through slab and general resonation throughout building.

I live in a low rise block of units built 1974, 3 stories high above basement, full brick and slab construction - slab not visible at external wall. I have never been in a unit where so much noise transfers through floors, ie something dropped or dragged (nozzle of vacuum cleaner) on tiled wet areas of unit above, dragging furniture on balcony above, resident upstairs having a piddle :(, and now a noisy floating floor above which is just as noisy as being in an old block of flats with a timber floor rather than slab (but floating floor issue is getting off the point). Other than hammering/drilling from renovation/maintenance noise, other noises transfer through block from units nearby when noise made on slab - even sweeping when the brush/broom bumps the slab/wall.

I have stayed in other blocks of units where I have never heard any noise from above, especially toilet usage, including older blocks built in the 60's. Could this be due to the thickness of the slab, ours being minimal at the time and possibly other blocks built stronger. I have also noticed in the last few years that there is a lot more noise resonating through the building from unit next door and those units 1 or 2 stories above ours when even a small child starts la-la-ing around - you would swear someone is relocating a pile of cement bags from one spot to another. The same goes for people walking up/down carpeted stairs within building. I am guessing the block is getting a bit old and "loose" at junctions of walls and slabs allowing vibration to occur when someone walks a bit heavy or jumping around. There are no more visible cracks in any walls within my unit than there was 20 years ago and movement in building seems to be only minor - after long periods of no rain.

Due to the noise transfer I am wondering if newer units have thicker slabs or constructed stronger (I am talking about full brick) and if so when did these changes occur so that I can avoid units prior to this when I sell here and buy elsewhere.

Thanks for any light which can be shone on these issues, and I realise other people do have noise issues in their units as well, not just me.


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