Your next door neighbor’s dog likes to howl at the moon. Your backyard neighbor’s teenager measures his love of music in decibels. The local airport seems to have a flight path through your bedroom. Noise pollution not only lowers the value of your property, but can substantially lower your quality of life. Before putting up a for-sale sign and moving to the hinterland, try these soundproofing tips in your home; a few sound investments can really help you to can achieve peace of mind.

Roman Shades

Soundproofing with Windows The first, and most significant, step in soundproofing your home should be a close inspection of your windows. Replacing single glass panes with double panes can dramatically reduce sound levels. Many double-paned windows are designed for noise reduction. Look for windows that come with an acrylic frame, as they are recognized to reduce noise levels by up to 50%. For an extra level of soundproofing protection, you can purchase sound deadening drapes, made for commercial offices, hotels and restaurants. For a more fashionable and less expensive alternative, use any window treatment that provides substantial coverage. Keep this in mind: Without soundproofing windows first, other soundproofing techniques like foam materials for walls, are rendered almost useless. Sound will continue to travel through unprotected windows.

Quieting the Noise with Walls and Ceilings
Unfortunately, most North American homes are made from a thin layer of drywall, which allows sound to easily penetrate and travel through the length of your home. Adding extra layers of drywall (the thicker the better) to your present walls will provide huge soundproofing benefits. You can further eliminate noise by adding a layer of specially designed soundproofing paint to walls and ceilings. This paint usually comes in the form of a latex based, slightly textured paint and can reduce sound by 30% or more.

Perhaps the most traditional form of wall and ceiling soundproofing is insulation in the form of fiberglass or foam. There are a number of excellent products available, including acoustical, convoluted and non-convoluted, melamine and polyimide foams. Turn to a soundproofing professional for the best choice in wall insulation for your particular space.

If breaking open your walls seems too big a venture, then tack on wall covering material (look for the fire-retardant variety) with soundproofing abilities to the top of the wall and along baseboards. You can also add tiles to ceilings made from cork and other materials. Cork has become a popular choice, as it is easy to apply. Look for do-it-yourself kits at your local hardware store.

Cotton Prairie Rug

Using Doors and Floors to Eliminate Noise Invest in a sturdy, well-fitted solid wood door for any room that emits the most noise. Heavy items, such as solid wood doors, help to absorb sound and stop sound vibration. Floor rugs also act as proficient sound barriers by dampening or absorbing sound such as foot and pet traffic. You can also purchase professional soundproof matting to upper floors to reduce sound below.

Your home is supposed to be your haven. If it’s turned into a nightmare instead, it’s time to take action so that you can enjoy your surroundings. With these soundproofing ideas in mind, here’s wishing you a quieter and more peaceful home.