If you live in an inner-city area, you are probably plagued by traffic noise, which can be particularly bothersome in the early morning or late at night, especially if you have children. Here are some improvements you can make that can cut down on the exterior noise coming into your home.
Double Glazing
Your windows and doors let in the most noise from outside, so it’s important to ensure they’re properly insulated. Installing uPVC double glazing throughout your home can reduce the level of noise pollution by up to 70 percent. This means your home will become a much more enjoyable environment where you can relax without having to put up with the din of traffic or noisy neighbors. As well as soundproofing your home, double glazing will also improve your house’s energy efficiency and save you money on your power bills. Find out about double glazed pricing here.
Add Materials
Another way you can reduce the noise level in your home is to add noise-deadening materials. For example, if you have hardwood floors, put down area rugs, hang drapes at your windows, and have soft furnishings throughout your home. These all help to absorb sound. You can also install acoustical ceiling tiles. There are a number of different ones on the market. They each have a noise reduction coefficient (NRC) and a ceiling attenuation class (CAC). The NRC refers to the absorption ability of the tile, which is measured by degrees from 0 to 1, with 1 being completely absorptive. The CRC refers to how much sound can pass through the material and into another room. The higher the number, the less sound will pass through it.
Add More Drywall
Adding a layer of drywall to your rooms can significantly reduce the amount of sound that enters from outside and between rooms. You don’t have to add it everywhere, just a boisterous room. Of course, you will need to extend your electrical outlets and switches and finish and repaint it, but it will be worth it in the end. You can make this solution even more effective by separating the two layers of drywall with 3/8-inch-thick beads of acoustical caulk. This will deaden any sound traveling between the two layers.
Install Mass Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is designed specifically for noise reduction in a room. It is a flexible material available in 4-foot-wide rolls. You can hang it on walls or install it on ceilings or floors to deaden sounds. You can also but it between layers of drywall to absorb sound transmitted between rooms.
Noise pollution can be irritating, and if it’s persistent, it can cause headaches, stress, and anxiety. It can also lead to hypertension, sleep loss, and even heart disease. If you live in an area with a high level of noise pollution, you don’t need to suffer from it. You can eliminate it without moving house. Use these tips and transform your home into a peaceful haven.
