5 Ways to Soundproof Your Home

These days it seems like we can’t escape noise. There’s plenty of it no matter where you live. In the city, it’s the sirens and honks of stressed out commuters. In the suburbs, it’s mowers, trimmers and blowers, along with next-door neighbors at work or play. Inside your home, you’ll find that laundry machines, dishwashers, hair dryers and even showers can make your home a noisy place. So what is the best way to address the constant bombardment of noise in and around our homes? The answer, soundproof your home!

In order to soundproof your home, you must reduc
e the noise transmission from outside the home as well as reduce the noise your household generates. Here are 5 simple ways to soundproof your home.

1. Use Sound Absorbing Furniture, Flooring, and Decor  

Materials used in decorating your home can help reduce noise. The basic idea is to eliminate some of the hard surfaces that tend to bounce noise in all directions. Heavy drapes absorb a great deal of sound as well as stop noise transmission from outside. Upholstered furniture and area rugs also absorb sound instead of bouncing it throughout the home. Lastly, when you consider flooring, opt for products such as carpeting or cork flooring that will also absorb sound.

2. Weatherstrip your Windows and Doors

Windows and doors are often the weakest link in your sound defense because noise can easily infiltrate through the slightest opening. In order to keep noise out, weatherstrip your windows and doors. Weatherstrips are easy to install and quite cheap. Use caulk sealant to fill the tiny gaps around moldings. No only will this help block out noise, it will also save you on heating and cooling costs!

3. Add Insulation and Drywall 

Adding insulation to walls and/or ceilings is a great way to soundproof your home and reduce the noises of daily living. The best areas to install additional insulation include the walls of bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms and guest rooms. You’ll want bedrooms to be as quiet as possible for optimal sleeping. Family rooms and kitchens are highly trafficked areas that produce a lot of sound, so additional insulation will help cut down the on the noise you and your family generate. Adding a layer or two of drywall will also significantly reduce sound transmission.

4. Install Solid-Core Doors 

A great step to take to soundproof your home is to replace hollow-core doors with solid-core doors. The thicker and more solid the door, the higher its ability to reduce sound transmission. Don’t forget to seal around door jambs, headers, and sills with gasketing to ensure no sound slips in through the cracks.

5. Insulate Plumbing Pipes and Use Duct Wrap for Air Ducts 

Water running through pipes and air shooting through ducts contribute to a lot of noise inside your home.  By insulating water pipes you can cut the noise in half. The same is true for air ducts. Duct wrap will suppress the whoosh of air rushing through ducts, and also save you money on your energy bills. It is always recommended to have a professional provide these services, because mistakes can be costly.

 

Cesi Pagano

(949) 370-0819

www.cesipagano.com