If you’ve ever lived close to a noise source, you know the negative effect noise disturbances can have on your life. Removing the noise source is usually impossible, and hiring a soundproofing expert is expensive, leaving most victims of noise problems feeling hopeless.
However, many noise problems are the result of common weak spots that can be easily fixed. Keep reading to learn about three unexpected ways noise is getting into your home and what you can do to stop it.
Common Problems leading to Unwanted Home Noise
The Problem: Cracked Walls
Believe it or not, minor cracks and gaps in walls are one of the most common culprits of a noise problem. They make walls susceptible to sound waves, which will easily slip through weak spots and find their way into your home. Even the most elaborate soundproofing solutions will fail if cracks are not addressed first.
Most common gaps are around wall penetrations, such as outlets and pipes that go through a wall. If gaps around penetrations are left, significant sound leaks (or flanking paths) will result.
The Fix: Acoustic Caulk or Soundproofing Membranes
Surprisingly, this common sound problem has one of the simplest solutions. Start by examining your walls, paying special attention to areas surrounding doors and windows, where cracks are most likely to occur. Mark any weak spots that you find and then seal them up. Any basic caulk will work, but if you want some extra reinforcement, consider using green glue, a sealant designed specifically to remedy sound problems.
If all cracks and gaps are filled, then you may also need additional soundproofing materials on the wall. Consider installing Mass Loaded Vinyl or other limp mass barriers on the wall to reduce sound passing through your partition.
The Problem: Noise Sneaking Through Gaps Below Doors
As we’ve noted, any gaps increase susceptibility to noise problems. Larger gaps, like the space between a doorway and the floor, are bigger problems than small cracks in the walls. If you are able to slide a piece of paper underneath your front door, the gap is too big and sound is definitely coming in through the open space.
The Fix: Soundproofing Door Sweeps
Installing an entirely new door is unnecessary to fix this problem. All you need to fill in the open space is a door sweep. Sweeps are designed to fill any space left between a door and the floor beneath it, creating a tight seal and blocking sound waves from entering.
The Problem: Weak Windows Letting in Traffic Noise
Windows are another spot targeted by sound waves. Most window glass is relatively thin, allowing sound to sneak through. Additionally, the space around windows is extra susceptible to cracks, making windows the perfect spot for sound waves to hit.
The Fix: Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains are an affordable solution to reinforce your windows. They are made from a highly engineered, soundproof material designed to block sound waves as they hit. They also create a tight seal around the window, strengthening the space against noise. These ones can be customized to fit any window and are offered in a variety of fabrics for an inconspicuous solution.
Noise can be a sneaky culprit, but with these tips, you can easily protect your home from outside noise. Did one of these solutions work for you? Let us know in the comments below!
