The Best Ways to Soundproof Your Home on a Budget
Whether it’s inconsiderate neighbors , roommates, or just your bedroom window facing a busy street, it only takes a few sleepless nights for you to Google the word “soundproofing.” However, it is notoriously difficult (and expensive ) to soundproof a room that has not been designed and built for that purpose. If you’re renting and can’t afford to renovate (or simply don’t want to spend the money and time tearing down walls), the situation may seem hopeless, but there are actually many products you can buy. this can significantly reduce noise pollution in your bedroom or other areas of the house. Here are the best options for a no-renovation soundproofing plan.
Temporary panels
One of the main means of sound insulation is a foam acoustic panel. While they are used to suppress echoes and sound inside a room, they can also be very effective at suppressing sound coming from outside sources. If you have a particular wall or window that transmits noise (such as a shared wall with a roommate or a window facing a noisy street), installing several acoustic panels on the wall or window can help greatly.
They sell self-adhesive acoustic panels that are easy to install, but can cause problems if you try to remove them because the adhesive can strip paint or other finishes from the walls and leave marks on the window glass. An alternative solution is to buy several non-adhesive panels and use Command strips to install them. This way, when it comes time to return your deposit, you won’t have to worry about damage to your walls and windows.
Window inserts
For windows, a more expensive but more effective option is a custom window insert, such as one from Acoustical Solutions or Indow . These companies take the dimensions of your window and create a panel that fits snugly against the inside of the window jamb, improving the soundproofing of the window without blocking light. They sometimes require a little drilling to install, but they are 100% removable and can be very effective at reducing noise coming into a room through windows, but they are also much more expensive than foam panels; For example, Indow inserts average around $372.
Acoustic curtains and blankets
Another option for soundproofing a window or door is an acoustic curtain or blanket covering them. They are essentially heavy acoustic materials sewn inside a fabric casing that can usually be installed over a window or door and rolled up or down. When rolled up, they usually have Velcro or a magnetic seal around the edge to keep noise out.
Ikea makes Gunnlaug sound-absorbing curtains , which are attractive and relatively affordable, for example, and you can also buy insulated door curtains , which fit over your doors to block out noise and drafts (you’ll get better soundproofing than slightly more expensive curtains) . Door Buddy or similar products from soundproofing supply companies). You can also make custom acoustic curtains for windows and doors , which are a little easier to live with because they roll up easily when you’re not using them.
You can also try adding weatherstripping to interior doors; These are self-adhesive strips that help seal the door tightly when closed, which can significantly reduce noise levels. As with all adhesives, removal can be a challenge when moving out, although if installed correctly it may not be noticeable.
Rugs
The final strategy to calm your living space without destroying things is to install flooring. A thick rug can help block sound in both directions, and adding a rug with acoustic properties like this one from RugPadUSA can enhance this effect. Rugs and thick rugs won’t eliminate the sound coming from below, but they can definitely muffle it, especially if you cover most or all of the floor area.
Noise is no joke: it can have a serious negative impact on your health and happiness. Spending a little money to make your living space as quiet as possible without risking your deposit will be some of the best money you’ll ever spend.