The Easiest Way to Soundproof a Room
If you live in an apartment or condominium that shares walls with other residents, or if you just really like quiet sleep, noisy neighbors or loud traffic noise can be annoying. In today’s work world with hybrid situations and work from home, having a quiet workspace can also be challenging, especially with children and pets. Here are a few steps you can take to make your space more peaceful.
Find the source of the noise
To manage sound well, you first need to find the source. Windows, doors, walls, and even floors and ceilings can be the culprits for unwanted sounds, so take some time to try to determine the direction the noise is coming from. Look for any vibrations that may increase irritation, such as loose hardware on doors or windows, or furniture leaning against walls.
Soundproofing your windows
To solve problems with your windows, you can add sound-absorbing curtains . They are relatively inexpensive, starting at around $17 per panel, and can be added to existing curtain rods for a quick fix. If the noise levels are above the norm, for example if you live along a firetruck fireway, you can also purchase storm window inserts that will not only help seal out drafts but also reduce noise. They may be more expensive, but they’re worth it if you’re a light sleeper or need a noise-controlled environment to work with. Because they are inserts, you can add them to an apartment or flat as well as a home.
Soundproofing your door
Make sure your door is securely locked – a doorknob that rattles every time someone passes by can cause a lot of extra noise. Tightening the hardware and adding door soundproofing can reduce the noise coming through the door. You may also have problems if you have a hollow core door as they have a drum effect on the noise. In this case, you may need to replace the door with a more durable alternative. If replacing the door is not an option, you can also try a soundproof door panel to increase the insulation.
Soundproofing your walls
If sound is coming through the walls, short of opening them up and installing soundproofing , there are plenty of temporary surface solutions to help muffle the sound on a shared wall. Soundproofing panels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors and can be installed on an existing wall to help absorb sound and make the room quieter. There are also self-adhesive materials made from extruded foam that can also help isolate your room from sound and can be used to cover an entire common wall. For a different look, you can also find sound absorbing wall panels to reduce noise.
Soundproof floors and ceilings
Ceilings can be a tricky place to soundproof, but you can use the sound absorbing panels mentioned earlier. You can also use more durable sound absorbing tiles that will last longer once installed, such as foam insulated tiles . For sound coming from under the floor, floor mats with sound-absorbing mats underneath can help a lot. If you have the opportunity to upgrade your flooring, an insulating underlay will work well to help dampen the sound.