When you come home after a hard day working all you want to do is relax and unwind. Being able to hear your teenage neighbour on their Xbox or their music through the walls can ruin that relaxing feeling.
New builds aren’t always the best when it comes to soundproofing. There are ways you can further soundproof your home to prevent your noise from travelling through the walls.
Materials
However you choose to add soundproofing to your home, there are better materials than others. Plasterboard, for example, will add to the density of a wall or ceiling which will help to dampen any noise passing through it.
Once your plasterboard is attached, you could top it with soundproof wallpaper. Again, you would be adding to the density of the wall, albeit minimally, thus making it harder for the soundwaves to penetrate through the walls. Plus, the wallpaper can have an added impact in terms of design. It can be a great way to show off your personality a little.
Windows
The amount and size of your windows will impact on your home’s ability to dampen noise. Newly built homes tend to have more windows which is great for letting natural light and air in but also for letting noise in or out.
Double-glazing is better than single-paned windows in terms of blocking out noise as well as keeping warmth in for the winter. If there are any gaps around your windows, fill them with acoustic caulk or sealant.
Acoustic curtains are also worth an investment as when they are drawn they will dampen any noises. They also make great blackout curtains, so you can sleep well in the dark and quiet.
Carpets
When it comes to flooring, carpets are better at reducing noise than wooden floors or lino. Impact noise, such as footsteps, pipe noises and electrical noises can all be lessened by carpets. Carpets have been shown to reduce the sound of footsteps between 25 and 34 decibels.
If you add in some underlay as well as a thick carpet, you are going to further reduce the noise absorption. There are different types of underlay on the market, but PU (polyurethane) is a popular choice. It has the bonus of being recycled and can be recycled if you are finished with it.
Open floorplan
Open floorplans are super functional, as they allow your family to live and move freely in your home. However, it is not great when it comes to noise reduction. Carpeting throughout would help to counteract the openness, however in kitchens or bathrooms, this isn’t always practical.
You could opt for soundproofing panels which can be a feature in the same way a piece of art can. They come in a range of colours, styles and shapes, and are easily fixed to a wall.