Trying to figure out the problem-Need Help

Not sure if anyone has ever experienced this or what it is. Because on one hand it sounds crazy, but on the other hand I’ve seen it happen for years but don’t know how this is possible or what’s it called or anyone else living in condos experienced this.

I have an upstairs neighbor with whom I’ve had noise problems for years. I had my drywall ceiling cut open at once and noticed that the subfloor is of cement(I banged on it to check). I also know that the carpet and padding in her apartment is at least 25-30 years old. Our Decs and bylaws mandate adequate soundproofing between two floors for peace and quiet. But, the owner just doesn’t care and our HOA is very laid back and is into selective enforcement of rules and on some owners, not all.

Here are the problems I’ve noticed for years:

1. After a period of silence, when this person steps on her floor and walks, my entire ceiling crackles so loud and crackling sound travels with her. She seems to be aware of it/ can hear it too because I’ve complained about it in the past. And at times, when crackling starts, I can literally hear her pause sometimes before she walks any further. And this crackling of my ceiling is quite loud that I wake up from my sleep every time this happens.

2. It’s strange that even with her cemented subfloor, I can hear her walk even when she makes no sound. Sorry it sounds crazy, but, it sounds like tippy toe walking but one can still tell someone above is walking quietly.

3. This one will sound even more crazy. Wherever this person is in her apartment, and if I happen to be in the same area but in my apartment: I literally notice objects move. For example, when I am in my bed at night and this person may be in her bedroom too( all apartments are alike), suddenly, my bed would get a gravitational move/shake and at the same time I hear the person above me move and walk.

I request no jokes or disrespectful comments if anyone replies to my inquiry. I am seriously concerned and trying to figure out why these problems are happening. Our building was made in the sixties and is six stories tall. I want to point out that I’ve spoken with other owners here, while, some did mention about noise from their upstairs neighbors but no one experienced crackling of their ceiling nor shaking of their furniture because of someone in the above apartment moving and walking.

I’ve been considering stuffing insulation between my ceiling(her subfloor and my drywall) to address all of the problems mentioned above. But I am not sure if it’ll be waste of money. The subfloor is of cement so I am of the understanding that her carpet padding is worn out so whatever floor material she has over her cement subfloor, may be causing these heavy crackling sound which I may be hearing as my ceiling crackling. But I am still unable to understand how to prevent her gravitational “pull” from shaking/moving my bed. I’ve got the most unique building, and problems. Sigh.

The only flooring I can think that upstairs may have that could cause noise like that is a pergo like material without padding. Glue down wood stripping?

Several inches of concrete usual buffers pretty well.

Are you certain upstairs has carpet?

There is no gravitational pull.

There are sound proofing options you can utilize.

Not many are very effective for sounds that travel through the framing (footsteps for example).

I soundproofed my basement.
I do not hear any tv, music or talking sounds. I don't even hear the dog bark.
However, I hear many footsteps and things rolling on the floor.

When I have more time, I'll try and find the links I found when this topic was brought up earlier.

Thank you for your reply GeorgeS21.

Yes, I know for a fact that upstairs unit has an old carpet and padding at least 25+ years old. I know it’s that old because when i first moved in 27 years ago as a kid, I had a chance to see the apartment above and back then it was the same blue carpet. Owner above moved in 23 years ago and made no changes, no improvements to the unit and even today same carpet exists in the unit.

I never thought about it until you mentioned pergo floors. Thank you! As this may have something to do with the weird type of crackling sound that I hear. Our building is a condo conversion from a rental building and conversion took place sometime in the 70s. But the building was built in the 60s. All apartments have same layout, same materials were used during conversion. With that said, underneath the carpet pads are original pergo tiles(hard material). I had them too. That may very well explain this weird crackling noise, as her carpet padding is long worn out by now so practically there is no barrier between her carpet. and the pergo tiles underneath, hence, with every movement the crackling sound occurs. This does sound logical to me. If I am mistaken in my assessment, please kindly correct me.

Thank you for your reply TimB4!

Living in a condo, I expect some noise. I have considered before and might actually attempt some level of soundproofing from my end. Learning about different soundproofing materials out there and would move forward with something cost effective. Wouldn’t hurt to try some tricks to gain some peace and quiet until the owner in above unit gets the sense to rid of old carpet and put in new padding and carpet. I also believe that pigs will fly before upstairs neighbor does anything floor wise in her unit.

Thank you TimB4!🙏😊