Your home is your sanctuary; however, if outside noises prevent you from getting the rest and relaxation you need, your health and productivity could suffer. Soundproofing your home doesn’t need to be a huge, expensive hassle. There are some easy ways to dampen the sound of your neighbor’s barking dog or reduce the noise of trucks roaring down the freeway.
Fill cracks and holes. The first step in any soundproofing plan should be addressing cracks, gaps and holes. Regardless of how tiny they look, be sure to seal openings around siding, windows and doors with latex or flexible polyurethane caulk. Fill gaps around piping or utility wires with putty or expanding foam. For especially noisy conditions, such as homes near airports or on very busy streets, consider sealing mail slots and replacing pet doors with interior drywall and a matching exterior material.
Replace your doors. As the largest single opening in your home’s walls, doors are a gateway for noise to enter your home. Instead of foam-core or glass-paneled doors, install solid-core doors, which will block more sound. You should also install good-quality storm doors on the exterior to add a layer of sound protection between your house and the outside environment. If sound is really a problem in your home, replace interior doors, which are usually hollow, with solid wooden doors.
Install window inserts. Windows are especially problematic. Inserts offer effective ways to soundproof your windows. Plus, depending on the type of window you have, they can reduce up to 70 percent of outside noise. Easy-to-install inserts fit snugly into the interior window jamb and require no hardware. Inserts not only reduce noise; they also make your home more energy efficient. Plus, they’re great for renters who can’t make permanent changes to their spaces.
Get high-quality storm windows. Storm windows add a layer of insulation against noise pollution. Look for those with thick glass, sturdy frames and adequate weather stripping. Remember, the more space between the storm window and the interior window, the better it’ll provide sound masking. Ideally, the airspace would be 3 – 4 inches wide.
Hang heavy draperies. Curtains or drapes can help absorb any sounds that make it through your window. You can purchase specially made noise-blocking curtains, but curtains made from a heavy, thick fabric will work just as well.
Fill your rooms. Empty rooms are like echo chambers. Adding furnishings to a room absorbs sound instead of allowing vibrations to bounce off hard surfaces. Incorporate plush rugs and carpet, cushy sofas, wall hangings and textiles to reduce noise.
Grow a green thumb. While it may not offer the most soundproofing, planting some trees or shrubs along the sides of your home where noise originates may help. When grown, the hedges will absorb and redirect noise away from your home.
If your house is inundated with sounds, you won’t want to spend much time there. Further, you certainly won’t find your time at home relaxing. These tips will help soundproof your home to get the peace and quiet you deserve.
Source: Indow Windows
