Let’s face it: your home is your escape from the world and is a comforting sanctuary in an otherwise busy and chaotic world. It’s the one safe place you can always go, and it’s somewhere that you can reliably experience blissful peace.
The trouble is, some people’s homes aren’t quite the fortresses of solitude they expect. That’s because some properties experience high levels of traffic noise from adjacent roads, along with the sounds caused by people and even animals outdoors.
You’re likely reading this article today because you would like to soundproof your home so that, when you step inside, you don’t hear any noise from the outside world. Thankfully, it’s not as challenging as you might think to soundproof your property. Here’s what to do:
Plug Any Holes
The first thing you need to do is survey the exterior of your home and any exterior walls from inside. Take a look around and see if you can spot any holes or gaps in the brickwork or around windows and doors.
If you do identify any gaps or holes, you need to ensure they get filled. Gaps or cracks between your bricks will require a new application of mortar. For windows and doors, one solution is to replace them with new UPVC items.
Of course, the cost to get new doors and windows can be pretty high, especially if you’ve got plenty to replace. One idea you could consider is using a self-adhesive rubber strip to provide a sound barrier in places with gaps.
There are many different types of rubber strips on the market; it’s worth review a rubber strip guide before making any buying decisions.
Replace Broken Windows
Do you have any damaged windows? Panes of glass with cracks or even holes in them will let in plenty of exterior sounds into your home, and it can even make your property cold during the winter months.
With that in mind, it makes sense to have those broken windows replaced. If you have UPVC windows, it’s possible to get the glass panes replaced without needing to buy complete new window replacements.
If you’ve got building insurance for your home, you might be able to claim off your policy if the cost for replacement is expensive. Simply covering any broken windows with products like Duct Tape won’t cure the problem. You need to get the repair done correctly.
Insulate Your Walls and Ceilings
You probably know that insulating your walls and ceilings can help you to lower your heating costs throughout winter by stopping warm air from escaping. But, what you may not know is that insulation material can also provide an effective sound barrier for your home.
There are various insulation products on the market that you can use, and you can install them yourself or have a professional do the work for you. In either case, the end result will mean you’ll hear less noise from outside.
Soundproof Your Party Walls
If you have noisy neighbours, the last thing you want to do is move home to resolve the problem as it can be a costly and stressful solution. Instead, it makes sense to soundproof your interior party walls.
People who live in detached homes can skip this step, but if you live in a terraced or semi-detached house or live in an apartment, soundproofing your party walls can make a world of difference.
You can easily buy and fit acoustic soundproofing insulation, and when combined with “sound breaker bars,” you’ll end up with a practical solution to your noisy neighbour problems.
Soundproof Your Floors
Walls aren’t the only things you can soundproof if you have problems with noisy neighbours. It’s worth bearing in mind that sound can travel through any cavities it can find, such as through floor joists and floorboards.
Again, acoustic insulation material will significantly dampen any external sounds entering your home. It’s worth combining this with party wall insulation for the best results.
Become a Bookworm
Did you know that books are excellent at absorbing noise, whether from the road outside your home or from sound originating from your neighbours? If you enjoy reading, consider getting some bookcases to put against “noisy” walls and filling them up with plenty of books.
Another advantage of doing that is you’ll have plenty of reading material at your disposal if you’d prefer not to watch TV or go online to stimulate your mind!
Final Thoughts
Listening to unwanted noise from outside your home isn’t something that should stress anyone. The above tips and tricks will help you tackle the problem and nip it in the bud permanently.
