It’s the 21st century, and there are more people than ever before on the planet. But a side effect of this is that we face more noise than ever before in our daily lives. Traffic, construction works and other intrusive sounds are accepted by most as a reality of modern living, but there are actually some simple noise reduction solutions you can use to create a more peaceful, soundproof home. Here are some top suggestions.
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1. Seal Air Gaps and Cracks
One of the easiest ways to stop outside noise from invading your home is to make sure it’s not creeping in through gaps and cracks. Anywhere air can pass through, sound can too, so check the seals around doors, windows and vents to make sure they are solid. If there are holes, fill them in with acoustic sealant or high-quality caulk. This will also help insulate your home better and reduce draughts.
2. Install Solid-Core Doors
A more expensive, but effective, method of noise control for buildings is installing solid-core doors. Their density makes them much better at stopping sound waves from passing through, resulting in less noise reaching you inside. Most doors these days are hollow-core, as these tend to cost less than their heftier counterparts. Making the switch can make a big difference to the levels of sound inside your home or workspace.
3. Install Thicker Windows
Another more costly change to make, but one that can make a significant difference, is upgrading your windows. Sound can pass through thin single panes of glass with hardly any problem, so if you seriously want to stop noise, you should have double or triple-glazed windows instead. Replacing your existing windows isn’t always necessary, however. Having a secondary glazing added can also have a profound effect on interior noise levels.
4. Consider Noise Reduction Curtains
Noise reduction curtains are a nice complement to additional glazing on your windows, or they can be a more affordable alternative to replacement or secondary glazing. These tend to dampen and muffle sound rather than block it out entirely, but they still make a noticeable difference. Some curtains are specifically marketed for noise reduction, but thick, well-fitted curtains often do the trick just as well. They’ll help insulate your home, too.
5. Invest in Soft Furnishings
Sound travels in waves that bounce strongly off hard surfaces, but which are significantly weakened when they come into contact with soft ones. Because of this, simply adding more soft surfaces to interiors can make a large difference to the noise levels. Sofas, rugs, cushions, throws, and even soft wallpaper can all help. They’ll stop soundwaves from bouncing around inside your home as strongly, resulting in a much quieter environment.
Conclusion
Noise control isn’t just important for creating a calmer, more comfortable environment. Noise pollution is a source of stress, which has a negative impact on your health. Creating a quieter home is something that can benefit everyone and is a necessity for those living in busy urban environments. Simple tips like these will help you get started.
