I'm looking for as much information as possible about soundproofing.

I've recently moved into a new flat, and unfortunately I'm having some
problems with noise. I've tried  sound masking with CDs, headphones,
etc. but the noise can sometimes be quite loud and I can still hear
it.

When the noise is particularly bad (from doors being slammed, etc),
there is also a lot of vibration, so I can still feel all of the sound
even if the music covers part of the noise.

I was wondering if there were a 100% reliable way to block out
unwanted noise and vibration? (E.g. a Daredevil-style sarcophagus? :-)

So far I've tried earplugs, earmuffs and sound masking with
headphones. Even with all of those, I can still hear the loudest
noises (and they don't really affect the vibration from the noise).

Thanking you in anticipation.

Rgrds

Hello, thank you for the question. Honestly, reducing heavy vibration
and loud noises is difficult. The most inexpensive ways to reduce
noise and vibration are to insulate your doors and windows (or replace
them) and use rugs, mats, curtains or carpeting to absorb noise Some
of these may not be viable options for you, but I have listed the most
feasible ones below. I hope this helps. Please request clarification
if necessary.

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General

Wikipedia Entry
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soundproofing

Soundproofing in the Home
http://www.diydoctor.org.uk/projects/sound_proofing_in_the_home.htm

Soundproofing Tips
http://www.care2.com/channels/solutions/home/2682

Soundproofing Made Simple
http://www.soundproofing101.com/

How to Soundproof a Room
http://www.ehow.com/how_15992_soundproof-room.html

Soundproofing Walls
http://alsnetbiz.com/homeimprovement/faq10b.html

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Absorbtion

Accoustical Curtains
http://soundproofing.org/infopages/curtains.htm

Pyramids and Wedges
http://www.soundproofing.org/sales/prices.html

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Soundproof Windows
http://www.soundproofwindows.com/?s=gawc2g1

"A Soundproof Window will reduce noise levels by 75-95%. Much better
than any replacement windows, SOUNDPROOF WINDOWS will act as a sound
barrier and eliminate your noise problem. More than 90% of all the
exterior noise comes in through your doors and windows - your walls
are almost never the problem.

Don't Replace Your Windows 
A Soundproof Window is a second window placed behind your existing
window that opens and closes just like your current one - there is no
need to remove or replace your window to eliminate noise problems!
Acoustically engineered to act as a sound barrier, Soundproof Windows
offer most of the benefits of dual paned replacement windows and
several benefits not available with replacement windows. Click here to
learn more about how Soundproof Windows work"

Interior Windows
http://soundproofing.org/infopages/interiorwindows.htm
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Soundproof Sliding Glass Doors

http://www.soundproofwindows.com/faq4.html
"Use a Soundproof sliding glass door! We offer a door that does an
excellent job of stopping sound.

It is also a great solution to the typical cold and draftiness you
experience with regular sliding glass doors. We have a superb sliding
glass door solution - ask us for more details or see our page on
Soundproof Sliding Glass Doors for more information"

and
http://soundproofwindows.com/doors.html

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Soundproofing Doors
http://www.acousticalsource.com/door-soundproofing.html

and
http://soundproofing.org/infopages/soundproofing_doors.htm

and
http://www.boscoitalia.it/english/porte.html

and
http://www.imedco-shielding.com/englisch/products/2noise_supp_doors.html

Forum
http://www.avforums.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-48918.html

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Vibration

Accoustical Mats
http://soundproofing.org/sales/prices.html

Damping Material
http://www.soundservice.co.uk/vibrationdampingmaterial.htm
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Soundproofing Walls on a budget
http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infxtra/infsoundproofingapts.shtm

"There are situations where you might not want to use furring strips
or add additional drywall.  For example, apartment dwellers might want
the benefits of sound reduction but may not want to invest too much of
their own money.  In that case, use vinyl barrier foam composite which
will provide the separation necessary for adequately blocking sound.
The treatment above for walls may also be used for ceilings to keep
sound out from the dear lady upstairs that stomps around her
apartment.  This can be attached to the walls with nails or staples...
which means you can even take it with you when you go!"

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Expert Recommendations 

How to Soundproof an Apartment
Step-by-step guide to soundproofing your apartment, including the
walls, ceiling and floor.
By Jesse Barron, 6/5/2004
http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/6-4-2004-55087.asp

Condos Break Sound Barrier
By MOTOKO RICH 
Published: February 17, 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/17/garden/17turf.html?ex=1113364800&en=ffe4a7ce89ee98e8&ei=5070&pagewanted=all&position=

"In San Francisco, Charles Salter, an acoustical engineer, said his
firm was handling about four times as many projects involving sound
problems in residential developments as it did five years ago. He
regularly recommends that developers install laminated glass and extra
layers of gypsum board in the walls to insulate condos from outside
noise"

Ventilation without opening windows
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/17/garden/17turf.html?ex=1113364800&en=ffe4a7ce89ee98e8&ei=5070&pagewanted=all&position=

"On noisy sites, one of the biggest challenges is figuring out how to
get fresh air into apartments without opening the windows. At 301
Mission Street in San Francisco, a 60-story condo tower rising next to
a bus terminal, a window wall will have two panes, one slightly
thicker than the conventional quarter-inch, with half an inch between
them to block the sound of buses. Special vents will bring in air
through tiny holes in the mullions that anchor the windows to the
building, said Glenn Rescalvo, one of its architects."

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Additional Resources:

Lots of soundproofing options
http://www.soundproofing.org/sales/prices.html

Soundproofing.org
http://soundproofing.org/

Soundproofing Forum
http://supersoundproofing.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi

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Google Search Terms:
"soundproofing apartment"
soundproofing vibration
"soundproofing windows"
"soundproofing doors"
"how to soundproof"
"inexpensive soundproofing"

Thanks again for the question. If you need any clarification of my
response, please request it and I will be happy to further assist you.

Regards,
adiloren-ga