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How To Control Street Noise

Posted February 4, 2010 by Matthew Denton

Wise ways to sound-proof your home

Isn’t it a let down when you’ve finally found your dream home yet there’s too much noise coming from the cars and trucks that pass by the highway? Wouldn’t it be much better to have your home reduce the sound it takes from outside?

Here are some ways that can give you quiet moments every time you sleep or simply watch your favorite movie in your living room.

House Design
Careful designing can also keep you from spending on costly renovations. Utility rooms and kitchen can add more noise aside from the ones that you can hear outside. Design a good layout by adding hallways or cupboards to prevent sound absorption.

Seal Those Doors
If you want to save on costs, try installing a Medium Density Fireboard door. It’s one of the cheapest alternatives in the market today. You should also consider adding an acoustical mat to complete the sealing.

Build a solid wall
If you’re constructing your house, ask your builder if he can use heavier materials for your solid wall. Adding up to two layers of gypsum board to your wall construction can significantly lessen the sound transmission. Be sure that you’re also ready to shoulder a much higher cost for this solution.

Change your windows
There are plenty of options for sound-reducing windows. If you’re on a tight budget, you can install non-rated hardware store windows. They may not be as effective as those with acoustical ratings but they can still provide a seminal difference. If you have the extra bucks, why not ask a noise control professional to install interior windows instead?

Hang those special curtains
Not many are familiar with noise-blocking draperies. They can effectively control sound layer by layer. In some houses, double-sided tapes are used to seal the edges of the curtain perfectly. And the best part? They come in cheap.

Install a decorative water system
An indoor waterfall system can mimic the real sounds of a true one. This can not only reduce the noise outside, it can also provide a soothing Zen atmosphere in your home. Have a professional installer put in the system to avoid flooding your house.

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