Having neighbors that play basketball at night can be a bit frustrating but, how can you deal with this matter without sounding rude or controlling? Below we look at various methods you can use in order to stop your neighbor from playing basketball.
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How To Stop Neighbor Playing Basketball
Talk To Your Neighbor
If your neighbor keeps playing basketball after odd hours the best thing that you can do is to talk to your neighbor about it. You can organize a date with them and use the opportunity to explain to them how their actions are affecting you. Make sure you do this politely so that it doesn’t sound like a confrontation. Talking to your neighbors is a good way to build and maintain relationships.
Write A Little Note To Your Neighbor
If talking directly to neighbors is not your thing, its best that you write a little note to your neighbor. Make sure, the note is as polite as possible. You can leave the note on their door step or windshield. Although, this method is highly recommended it has many risks associated with it. For starters, the note might get blown away by wind and as a result your neighbor will never receive the message. Another risk is, the kids might get the letter first and hide it. Therefore, if you are going to be using this method just keep your fingers crossed do that your neighbors receive the letter.
Contact Homeowners Association (HOA)
If you neighbor continues with their behavior after you have talked to them or written little notes, the best thing you can do to stop your neighbor from playing basketball is to contact the HOA. There is a good chance that they will be willing to talk to your neighbor on your behalf. They might also issue out a written warning to your neighbor if the problem persists.
Contact The Police
If there is no HOA in your neighborhood, its best that you contact your local police station and report a noise complaint. In some neighborhoods, they have polices that restrict noise after certain hours and if you stay in one of those neighborhoods, your neighbors might get fined for their actions. You should only use this option as your last resort as it tends to build tension between neighbors.
Ignore The Situation
Whilst this option might sound very silly and irrational, it’s actually one of the best ways to get rid of the problem. Sometimes picking fights with neighbors is just not worth it and there are certain things you can do to mitigate the situation without even having to talk to your neighbors. Below we look at some of the things you can do to block basketball noise.
How To Block Neighbors Basketball Noise
Reduce Sound Transmission Through Your Window
One of the best ways to ignore and block your neighbor’s basketball noises is to reduce sound transmission by installing soundproof curtains. These curtains are much heavier than normal curtains and they help to muffle up basketball sounds that come in through the window. Another option is to fit in plexiglass on your window it will also help to muffle up the noise.
Reinforce Fence
Another option of blocking basketball noise is to reinforce your fence so that you won’t be able to hear basketball noises from your neighbor’s house. If you have a chain link fence or a wooden fence you have to replace it with brick or stone wall. This is because it is thicker and more solid and as a result, it limits vibrations and sound from passing through.
Use White Noise Machine
If there is nothing you can do to reinforce your fence or reduce sound transmission on your window the best option is to buy a white noise machine that will help to mask out the sound of your neighbors basketball. White noise machines mask all distracting background noises and cover all frequencies. Furthermore, they are audible to the human ear.
Use Noise Cancelation Headphones
This is also another cheaper method of dealing with noises from your neighbor’s basketball. You can purchase the noise cancelation headphones and use them when you are about to go to bed. They do a good job in masking off any background noises.
How Do You Play Basketball At Night?
Suppose you are a basketball fanatic to the extent that you like playing it at night but, you are limited because your neighborhood has a no noise policy after certain hours. Here is what you can do to play basketball at night without disturbing your neighbors.
Add Mass On The Wall That The Basketball Is Bounced Off
If you are going to be bouncing your basketball off a wall its best that you add mass to that structure. This helps to reduce transmission of the impact and sound to your neighbor’s house. You can either choose mass loaded vinyl or sound deadening mats.
Dampen The Floor
Another method you can use if you want to play basketball at night is to dampen the floor or area in which the basketball is going to be thrown. This helps to muffle up noises. You can also use EVA foam mats as they will also muffle up basketball noises making it harder for neighbors to hear anything.
How Do You Deal With Nagging Neighbors?
The best way to deal with nagging neighbors is to talk to them politely and explain to them how their behavior affects you. If this does not work you can contact your HOA and ask them to talk directly to your neighbors on your behalf. If the problem persists you might have to report your neighbors to the police.
Conclusion
It’s possible to stop neighbors from playing basketball if you follow the guidelines provided above. However, it’s worth noting that sometimes confronting neighbors about their actions might not be worth it especially if they seem rude. Therefore, you might be better off ignoring the situation and finding alternative ways of masking the basketball noises.