It doesn’t matter if you’re trying to soundproof your entire home, a playroom, your bedroom, or some other area. While the job should be relatively simple to complete, not doing the work properly can cause a lot of headaches – in terms of both noise and the cost. Before you get started, you’ll need to identify the true source of the noise that is bothering you. After that, the work is all uphill. Take the following tips into consideration as you work.
1. Move the Entertainment Center
Make sure all of the speakers attached to your home’s entertainment center are raised off of the floor. Loud speakers vibrate and the vibrations will carry along the floors and walls, creating noise in other rooms of the home. Buy a couple of speaker stands that match your room’s decor and put them on display instead.
2. Create White Noise
Do you have just a little bit of outside noise that is bothering you at night? Use a small fountain or noise machine to create a little bit of white noise. Fountains are multi-functional because they add to your home’s decor as well.
3. Check Your Home’s Seals
Sometimes noise problems are as simple to solve as replacing some of the seals around your home. Check the weatherstripping around your doors and the seals around your windows. Replace any old caulk or material that is worn away or leaving gaps. You’ll not only solve some of your noise problems but will find your energy consumption changes as well.
4. Hang Some Acoustic Panels
If you really don’t want to take on a minor remodeling project, you could consider hanging some acoustic panels, like the ones you can find here – http://www.tmsoundproofing.com/Owens-Corning.html – in the room where you are having noise problems. These work great in offices or areas where complete silence isn’t paramount, but reducing noise levels and vibration is.
5. Check Your Insulation
Does it seem like no matter what you do, you can’t find the source of the noise? Make sure you are checking the common walls with your electrical outlets. Remove the covers and take a look inside. Is there insulation around the outlets or were they just installed inside empty holes? You may want to get some acoustical caulk or safe insulation to seal up the holes before putting the cover back on.
6. Upgrade Your Landscaping
Are you suffering from a little bit of traffic noise outside? Consider landscaping the area around your home a little more. Planting trees and shrubs, especially evergreens, will help to create a natural sound barrier.
7. Don’t Forget Your Appliances
Don’t forget to check the areas around your appliances as well. Your washing machine and dishwasher, for example, can make a ton of noise. You’l want to make sure there is some insulated padding or mass loaded vinyl around the machines to avoid some of the noise and vibration.
Everyday noise isn’t usually harmful, but it can be bothersome. Incorporate a couple of these tips into your next project and you’ll be pleased with the end results.