Reducing noise levels from street noise and neighbors!
As summer approaches, pool owners tend to extend the number of hours that their pool equipment runs, often increasing the daily settings from 2-4 hours to 10-12 hours. This change in routine may make it more difficult to find peace and quiet in your backyard. In particular, if your neighbor’s pool pump is loud and located in close proximity to your home or bedroom, it could become an even greater source of nuisance.
There are many things we can do to manage the noise level in our homes. But first we need to understand how noise travels.
Understanding Noise
Noise travels through the air in sound waves. It reflects or absorbs through different materials and obstacles. Understanding how noise travels, helps us identify where soundproofing may be needed.
When sound waves encounter obstacles like walls or a window, they can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted through them. If the obstacle is hard and flat, like a wall, the sound waves will bounce off of it and reflect back into the environment. This can cause echoes or reverberation, which can increase the overall noise level in a room.
Soft obstacles like carpet or curtains absorb the sound waves. They reduce the amount of sound that is reflected back into the environment.
Obstacles like windows, transmit sound waves through the glass. This can allow noise to enter or exit a room, which is why soundproofing windows can be an effective way to reduce noise levels in a home or office.
Sound waves are like water. Flowing and penetrating through holes and cracks looking for a place to get absorbed. The main difference is they can vibrate as well.
So What Can We Do?
Windows are one of the primary areas where noise can enter or exit a room, so soundproofing your windows can be an effective way to reduce noise levels in your home. Here are some tips for soundproofing your windows:
- Install double-pane windows: Double-pane windows consist of two panes of glass separated by a layer of air or gas. This construction helps to reduce the amount of noise that can enter or exit your home.
- Install soundproof windows with laminated glass. You can increase the window score from a standard STC of 27 to a 45 with specialty windows.
- Use soundproof curtains designed to absorb sound and reduce noise levels. You can hang them on your windows to help reduce outside noise. You can buy 3 or 4 layer curtains on Amazon that will help a lot with soundproofing.
- Apply window film: a thin, transparent material applied to your windows to reduce noise. Plus, it’s easy to install with a few basic tools!
- Seal gaps and cracks: Gaps and cracks around your windows can allow noise to enter or escape your home. You can use caulk or sealant to fill these gaps and reduce noise levels.
- Add weatherstripping to the edges of your windows to create a tight seal that will keep out noise. You can purchase weatherstripping at most hardware stores.
- Consider installing exterior storm windows over your existing windows to provide an additional layer of insulation and reduce noise levels.
By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the amount of noise that enters or exits your home through your windows. Keep in mind that no soundproofing method is 100% effective, but by combining these methods, you can create a more comfortable and peaceful living environment.
Don’t want to do it yourself?
At Response Crew Handyman we can help you install soundproof curtains, weather striping, seal cracks and stucco around your windows. If you are looking for help with window installation we have a great referral list, contact our office for a recommendation.
