Living in close proximity to others is often accompanied by the challenge of struggling with unwelcomed noise from surrounding homes or apartments.
Noisy neighbors can severely disrupt your peace and quiet, affecting both your home life and work-life balance – especially if you work or study from home.
Virtually everyone craves a quiet and serene living environment.
Therefore, it is imperative to find effective solutions to manage and potentially eliminate this persistent issue.
Soundproofing is a viable, long-term solution that can drastically increase your comfort levels at home.
This article will provide practical hacks to soundproof your home and create a tranquil, noise-free environment.
Contents
- Hacks To Soundproof Your Home From Noisy Neighbors
- 1. Install Soundproof Curtains or Blinds
- 2. Use Rug Pads to Minimize Floor Noise
- 3. Install window film for sound insulation
- 4. Use Acoustic Panels in Common Walls
- 5. Fill gaps in walls with expanding foam
- 6. Install a White Noise Machine
- 7. Cover your floor with thick rugs or carpets
- 8. Install a bookcase against a noisy wall
- 9. Use noise-cancelling headphones
- 10. Install Double Glazed Windows
- 11. Use soundproofing sealant on doors and windows
- 12. Replace Old Doors with Solid Core Doors
- 13. Rearrange furniture to help block noise
- 14. Plant trees or high shrubs outside windows
- 15. Use noise blocking weatherstripping on doors/windows
- The Bottom Line
Hacks To Soundproof Your Home From Noisy Neighbors
1. Install Soundproof Curtains or Blinds
Living in a densely populated area often means having to deal with the annoying noise from neighbors.
Be it the sound of loud music, loud conversation, or simply the noise from a working appliance, these everyday sounds can be quite disturbing.
Fortunately, there is a simple, cost-effective solution to this problem- installing soundproof curtains or blinds.
Before we dive into the benefits of soundproof curtains, here’s a useful video that may further help your understanding.
In the video above, you’ll learn about the efficiency of soundproof curtains and different alternatives you can use.
You will also gain insight into the science of sound absorption.
Now, back to our topic – soundproof curtains.
Soundproof curtains or blinds work by absorbing the sounds that would otherwise travel through the window or door, reducing the volume before it reaches your ears.
This is primarily because these curtains and blinds are made up of sound-absorbent materials which are designed to soak up and dissipate sound energy.
Thus, they act as a barrier, preventing the noise from reaching inside your home.
The beauty of these soundproof curtains or blinds is that they don’t just serve a practical function, they also add aesthetic value to homes.
You can choose from various designs and colors available to match your interior decor.
Furthermore, these curtains and blinds are not hard to install.
You don’t need to hire a professional for the job because they are as simple to hang as any regular curtain or blind.
Using regular household tools such as a drill and a screwdriver, you can easily hang the curtains on your own.
Moreover, they are also affordable, constituting a cost-effective solution to your noise problem.
It’s a win-win situation, you get peace and tranquility without breaking the bank!
Now that you know about soundproof curtains and their usefulness, you can consider installing them in your home to reduce the noise from noisy neighbors.
Remember, the key to achieving the best result lies in the quality of the curtains you buy and how well you hang them.
2. Use Rug Pads to Minimize Floor Noise
One effective way to soundproof your home and minimize noise from neighbors is the usage of rug pads.
Rug pads are thick, cushiony materials placed under rugs and carpets, aimed to dampen sound transmission.
The installation of rug pads can be a do-it-yourself project that significantly reduces noise levels.
Padding can absorb the vibrations that cause noise, and prevent them from being transmitted through your floors.
While thick rugs or carpets can absorb lots of noise, adding a rug pad beneath enhances their effectiveness to a great degree.
Not only do rug pads function as a sound barrier, but they also provide additional comfort and extend the life of your rugs by reducing wear and tear.
It’s important to note that not all rug pads are created equal in terms of soundproofing capabilities. Some types are better suited for sound absorption more than others.
The effectiveness of a rug pad sometimes directly corresponds to its thickness. Thicker pads tend to absorb more noise than thinner ones.
Materials used in the construction of the rug pad also play a large part in their ability to absorb noise.
Rug pads made from felt, rubber, or memory foam tend to be the most effective in noise reduction.
Many rug pads are affordable and widely available, providing a cost-effective noise reduction solution.
The installation process is typically simple, with pad sizes corresponding to common rug sizes, and can be further trimmed to perfectly fit your rug.
Rug pads can add a layer of sound insulation even to rooms without carpets, making them a versatile choice in your soundproofing project.
Rug pads in addition to offering noise reduction, also give added perks like thermal insulation and improved rug grip for safety.
However, before deciding on rug pads, consider your overall noise level and mix it with other soundproofing methods for maximum efficiency.
With all the benefits of rug pads, they can be a great addition to your noise reduction strategy in dealing with noisy neighbors.
3. Install window film for sound insulation
One of the challenges of living in close quarters is dealing with the incessant noise from your neighbors. This can be a particular issue if you work or study from home, requiring a quiet environment.
When figuring out how to soundproof your home, it is essential to consider the windows, as they can be a significant source of unnecessary noise.
Fortunately, one quite effective method of sound insulation is to install window film.
Window film is a thin laminate film which can be installed to the interior of glass surfaces in homes and buildings. It is made of Polyester due to its clarity, tensile strength, dimensional stability, and ability to accept a variety of surface-applied or embedded treatments.
It works by reducing the amount of sound that can penetrate through the glass, thus helping to create a quieter living environment.
Not only that, window films are a cost-effective solution for unwanted noise, while also improving the energy efficiency of your home.
By reflecting and absorbing heat energy, it helps keep the room warm during winters and cool during summers.
Professional installation is recommended for best results, but do-it-yourself kits are also available if you’re comfortable with tackling the project on your own.
Watching this video would give you a practical demonstration of how window film is installed. You would get to see how the film is cut to size, the process of applying it to the glass and the tools you will need to ensure it is installed correctly.
Also, you will learn some useful tips and tricks to ensure your soundproofing project is a success.
Overall, installing window film can be an excellent option for people who need to soundproof their homes but don’t want to undertake extensive renovations.
It’s a simple way to reduce noise levels and improve your quality of life when dealing with noisy neighbors or living in a busy urban environment.
Soundproofing your home will make it more comfortable and cozy, promoting tranquility and harmony. Embrace the silence with window film for sound insulation!
4. Use Acoustic Panels in Common Walls
Acoustic panels are a crucial and effective way to soundproof your home from noisy neighbors.
They are designed to absorb sound waves of different frequencies and reduce reflection within a room, hence decreasing the overall sound energy.
These panels come in various sizes, shapes, and materials, offering a range of soundproofing options to meet diverse needs.
Common materials are foam, fiberglass, and fabric wrapped panels that offer different levels of sound absorption.
Typically, installing acoustic panels involves mounting them on walls most prone to noise penetration, such as shared walls with your neighbors.
This process is not overly complicated and with basic DIY skills, you can accomplish this task efficiently.
Additionally, these acoustic panels can be installed permanently or temporarily.
Temporary installation is ideal if you are renting or do not want to commit to a permanent solution.
In such cases, you can choose to hang the panels like picture frames, using adhesive strips that can be removed without damaging the wall.
For a permanent solution, you might need to use a bit of construction adhesive and mount the panels more securely on the wall.
It’s important to note that these acoustic panels also add a layer of insulation that can help regulate temperature.
This dual function makes them a cost-effective solution to soundproofing your home.
Also, they add aesthetic value to your room by serving as a modern way to decorate your space.
Remember to choose panels that match your home decor to maintain your interior design theme.
However, for the best results, it is advisable to consult a professional who can carry out a comprehensive soundproofing project.
This is especially important for complex projects that may require a combination of soundproofing techniques.
No matter the level of noise from your neighbors, installing acoustic panels on the common walls can be a significant step towards reclaiming tranquil sanctuary in your home.
5. Fill gaps in walls with expanding foam
Filling gaps in the walls with expanding foam is an effective method of soundproofing home from noisy neighbors. Expanding foam is a type of insulation material that expands to fill and seal spaces.
As an insulator, it doesn’t only prevent heat loss or gain, but it’s also an efficient way of reducing sound transmission. The foam is sprayed into wall cavities, gaps, or openings, where it expands to fill the space, sealing and insulating it.
You can easily find cans of expanding foam in home improvement stores, and it’s straightforward to use. You will need to wear proper safety equipment, including gloves and goggles, to protect yourself from direct contact.
One practical magnet of using expanding foam is its ability to reach difficult-to-access areas since it can be effortlessly sprayed into the crevices and gaps. This ensures every tiny gap gets filled, leaving no room for sound to creep through.
It’s important not to overfill the gap, as the foam will continue to expand. Too much foam can distort the wall or cause the can to burst.
In support of the above statement, remember that when using expanding foam, less is always more. Once the foam is applied, it will keep expanding to fill the void, so a little goes a long way. Also, be ready to trim any excess foam after it has dried, to maintain a neat appearance.
The effectiveness of expanding foam in soundproofing is predicated by its ability to decouple structural elements, reducing transmission of vibratory sound energy. This is ideal if you share walls with noisy neighbors, as you’re tackling noise at its source.
In addition to using expanding foam, the effectiveness of your soundproofing could be enhanced by combining it with other methods such as installing soundproof curtains, using rug pads, and rearranging furniture to block noise as outlined in the previous sections of this article.
Watching this video will provide you with a hands-on demonstration on how to properly use expanding foam. You will also get to understand how the foam works to insulate and soundproof a room by watching it expand to fill gaps in real-time.
As a final word of advice, when using expanding foam, ensure to work in a well-ventilated area, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. This process can be messy, so having some tissues, wet wipes, or a cleanup solvent on hand will ensure that the foam doesn’t stick to unexpected areas.
With the right tools and materials at hand, and with a bit of patience, you can successfully soundproof your home by filling gaps in the walls with expanding foam.
6. Install a White Noise Machine
One effective hack to soundproof your home from noisy neighbours is to install a white noise machine.
White noise machines produce a consistent background noise that helps mask unwanted sounds, creating a peaceful and quiet environment in your home.
White noise is a special kind of sound signal that is utilized to mask background noises and is proved to be very useful for soundproofing purposes.
The working of these machines is quite simple; they produce sounds across a wide range of frequencies, effectively drowning out intermittent disturbances caused by noisy neighbors.
These machines can be especially useful in bedrooms, ensuring a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep.
One of the many benefits of white noise machines is that they can maintain a steady and soothing ambience, masking a broad range of extraneous noises.
This is particularly beneficial during the night when you need an interference-free environment to ensure a good night’s sleep.
White noise machines come in a variety of types and models. Some machines produce nature-based sounds like waves, while others produce the hissing sound of static, similar to a fan.
You can choose from a range of options depending on your preference and the specific noise issue you are trying to tackle.
These machines are usually portable, hence you can move them around your home depending on where you need them the most.
Moreover, some of these machines come with adjustable volume levels, allowing you to control the level of white noise according to your preference or specific needs.
Installing a white noise machine is generally very easy and straightforward. You simply plug it into the power socket, switch it on and set your desired volume level.
You also have the option of using a room-fan or an air purifier as a source of white noise if you do not wish to invest in a separate machine.
There are also many smartphone apps available that generate white noise sounds, therefore, a white noise machine is not always necessary.
Regardless of the source, the introduction of a consistent background noise can effectively mask sounds from noisy neighbors, thereby soundproofing your home.
Again, a white noise machine creates a consistent sound environment that not only masks disturbances but also contributes to a feeling of calm and relaxation in your home.
7. Cover your floor with thick rugs or carpets
When it comes to dealing with noisy neighbors, one approach that often gets overlooked is the simple act of using thick rugs or carpets to soundproof your floors.
While it might seem like a minor change, covering your floor with plush materials can greatly help reduce the transmission of sound waves from below or adjacent spaces.
This can be particularly beneficial if you live in an apartment building where noises from the flat underneath or the one next door can be an annoyance.
By watching this video, you’ll witness firsthand the efficacy of using carpet underlays for soundproofing. See how such a simple addition to your flooring can profoundly enhance the quietness of your space.
It’s not just about laying down any type of rug or carpet, though. The thickness and density of the material will significantly influence its sound-absorbing ability.
The denser and thicker the rug or carpet, the better it will be at absorbing and dampening sound.
These types of floor coverings work by absorbing the sound waves and converting them into heat energy. So, the more material there is for the sound to pass through, the more sound gets absorbed.
That’s why materials like wool, shag, and high-pile carpets and rugs are excellent for soundproofing. Their thickness aids in trapping and absorbing sound better than their thinner counterparts.
From another perspective, a high-quality rug or carpet doesn’t just work on its own. It works best when paired with an underlay specifically designed for soundproofing.
The underlay is placed beneath the carpet or rug and adds an extra layer of sound absorption. This is especially effective at dealing with impact noise, such as footsteps or dropped objects.
Installing a carpet or rug with a soundproof underlay doesn’t have to be a complex task. It can be easily done as a DIY project, saving you the expense of hiring professionals.
Lastly, using rugs or carpets for soundproofing your home doesn’t mean you need to compromise on aesthetics. With a variety of colors, styles, and textures available, you can enhance the beauty of your home while reducing noise.
Again, remember to choose the right thickness and density, consider adding a soundproof underlay, and prioritize aesthetics as well as functionality to achieve the best result for soundproofing your home using carpets and rugs.
8. Install a bookcase against a noisy wall
Living in proximity to others, especially in treeless urban areas, often leads to unwanted noise emanating through shared walls.
The noise can make your living space lacking in peace and solitude, thereby affecting the quality of your life.
The best solution to combat such an issue is to install a bookcase against a noisy wall.
A bookcase not only enhances the aesthetics of your room but also serves as an effective sound barrier between you and your noisy neighbors.
The trick of using a bookcase for soundproofing lies in its capacity to absorb and diffuse sound waves.
Since sound is essentially a wave that travels through the air, causing vibrations, it can be significantly reduced when it hits an object that is capable of absorbing these vibrations. In this case, a bookcase.
This is particularly effective because, unlike walls, bookcases contain different materials and shapes.
The varied shapes and materials in a bookcase disrupt and absorb sound waves effectively, converting the sound energy into heat energy which is far less intrusive.
Moreover, the objects that you place on your bookcase can also serve as additional sound absorbing materials.
Books, photo frames, ornaments and even the odd knick-knack can all contribute to the diffusion and absorption of sound.
Another crucial factor to consider when using a bookcase for soundproofing is its placement.
It’s essential to ensure that the bookcase is placed flush against the wall.
This will prevent the noise from seeping in through the gaps and ensure that the bookcase effectively blocks out the sound.
It’s also recommended to fit the bookcase with doors, ideally ones made of glass.
Glass doors add an extra layer of soundproofing and are effective in reducing echoes and reverberations.
So, in sum, installing a bookcase against a noisy wall is a creative and effective method to soundproof your home.
9. Use noise-cancelling headphones
The problem of dealing with noisy neighbors can be pretty challenging, but one effective hack you can rely on is the use of noise-cancelling headphones.
These are not your regular headphones; they are designed with technology that blocks out ambient noise allowing for a quite personal space.
This makes them ideal for situations where you need to mute the noise from your surroundings and focus on your tasks or simply enjoy some peace.
There’s a broad spectrum of noise-cancellation headphones available on the market, which come in different styles, features, and price ranges.
Investing in high-quality noise-cancelling headphones can significantly enhance your home’s soundproofing, serving as a direct counter to the nuisance of noisy neighbors.
This noteworthy advice highlights the important role that noise-cancelling headphones play in the fight against unwanted noise.
While there are numerous soundproofing techniques which are structural and can take time and resources to implement, the immediate usability and effectiveness of these headphones presents a convenient solution.
Noise-cancelling headphones are also portable, which means you can have your quiet space on-the-go, irrespective of your environment.
By watching the video above, you will be guided on selecting the best noise-cancelling headphones based on your needs and budget.
You’ll be able to understand the functionalities and features which make noise-cancelling headphones standout in terms of noise reduction capability.
When choosing noise-cancelling headphones, it’s important to consider the quality of the noise cancelling feature, and not only the sound quality or design of the headphones.
Look for headphones that can effectively block out different types of noise – both high and low frequencies.
Bear in mind that you get what you pay for; high-quality noise-cancelling headphones may cost you more, but they’re totally worth the investment.
Remember, it’s not just about blocking out neighbor’s noise, you can benefit from noise-cancellers when doing tasks that require concentration or while resting.
It’s without a doubt that using noise-cancelling headphones is a game-changer in turning down unwanted noise and enhancing your personal comfort in your home.
10. Install Double Glazed Windows
One of the most effective measures to combat noise from outside is to install double glazed windows in your home.
The concept of double-glazing revolves around the notion that two layers of glass, with an air gap in between, can provide an excellent barrier against outdoor noise.
This system works as a buffer, absorbing the energy of the sound waves, and reducing their strength drastically as they pass through the windows.
This soundproofing hack is especially useful if your home is located in a busy urban area or your neighborhood is particularly noisy.
Whether the noise is from the street, the neighbors, or even the weather, double glazed windows can drastically reduce the impact noise has on your home environment.
They can create a sound barrier that can reduce noise levels by up to 70%, vastly improving your quality of life inside your home.
Further, double glazed windows are not just about minimizing noise.
They add value to your home, they provide excellent insulation against heat and cold, and also have the ability to reduce your monthly energy bills.
Deciding to install double glazed windows is a significant investment and not a decision to be taken lightly.
Therefore, you should consult with a professional to help you choose the best windows for your specific needs.
Also make sure that the installation job is done by professionals to ensure the fit and sealing of the windows are perfect.
Because even the slightest gap in the window seal could render your new soundproofing addition useless.
With an investment of this magnitude, quality and effective installation are absolutely paramount.
Remember that noise reduction is directly proportional to the cavity thickness between the two panes of glass.
So, when choosing the right double glazed window for your home, choose one with a large cavity space for maximum noise reduction.
Lastly, keep in mind that although installation may require some disruption, the long-term benefits of living in a quiet and peaceful home far outweigh the initial inconvenience.
By installing double glazed windows, you’re not only improving your home’s noise control but also its energy efficiency and value.
11. Use soundproofing sealant on doors and windows
Living next to noisy neighbors can severely impact your peace, especially at home, prompting you to seek worthwhile soundproofing hacks.
One of these ingenious strategies involves the use of soundproofing sealant applied to your doors and windows.
This non-expanding foam or caulking fundamentally helps by plugging the gaps and cracks that permit undesirable sound to trickle through.
Notably, soundproofing sealant has an impressive noise reduction ability because it effectively minimizes the areas through which sound waves can pass.
Their ability to impede sound is based on their design and properties, which are purposed to absorb and dissipate sound energy, thereby curbing the sound intrusion into your space.
Favorably, it’s a do-it-yourself solution that doesn’t demand any professional expertise or power tools to apply.
One can easily control the application of this sealant with an ordinary caulking gun, emphasizing over the areas around the window pane and the exterior perimeter of your door.
This option is not only highly effective, but it’s incredibly affordable, which means that you can achieve good soundproofing without overspending.
Remember, even when you have installed solid core doors or double glazed windows, there is a chance that sound leakage may still occur.
This stands true even if your doors and windows are in excellent condition given that sound has a knack for finding it’s way through the minutest openings.
With soundproofing sealant, you stand an excellent chance of containing this noise, by smartly managing these tiny apertures.
Now that your doors and windows have been dealt with, you can also apply this sealant to areas around electrical outlets, light fixtures, and anywhere else that a potential sound gateway might exist.
So, in your quest for silence from your noisy neighbors, remember soundproofing sealant is a notable weapon in your arsenal.
12. Replace Old Doors with Solid Core Doors
One of the most effective ways to soundproof your home is to replace old hollow doors with new solid core doors.
Most homes come installed with hollow core doors that often do a poor job of blocking any kind of noise.
Switching to solid core doors can offer significant noise reduction and provide an effective barrier between your personal space and any unwanted sounds.
Additionally, these types of doors are also excellent insulators, both in terms of temperature and noise, compared to their hollow counterparts.
Therefore, replacing your doors not only helps with soundproofing but also with energy efficiency.
Apart from offering improved sound insulation, solid core doors are also more durable and long lasting than hollow core doors.
This is because they are constructed with solid materials all the way through, hence the term ‘solid’ core.
The materials used in these doors can range from solid wood to a blend of wood and synthetic materials, all designed to block noise effectively.
Moreover, these types of doors come in a variety of design options to choose from which can easily match the aesthetics of your home interior.
However, it’s crucial to note that although solid core doors are very effective in preventing noise, their effectiveness largely depends on proper installation.
Any gaps or spaces left during the installation can reduce their performance significantly.
It is therefore recommended to have a professional installer replace your doors to ensure the most effective soundproofing results.
A proper installation should involve the door fitting snugly into the door frame, with no gaps, cracks, or spaces that sound can seep through.
You should also seal the area around the door frame with a soundproofing sealant for additional noise reduction.
Another important addition after installing solid core doors are door sweeps.
These are simple devices which prevent sound from entering underneath the door – a spot often overlooked during soundproofing procedures.
Replacing your old doors with solid core doors can thus be a game-changer in your quest for a quieter home, free from noisy neighbors.
13. Rearrange furniture to help block noise
When dealing with a cacophony of unwanted noises from your neighbors, one of the quickest and most cost-effective hacks to try is simply rearranging your furniture.
Believe it or not, the strategic placement of sofas, bookcases, wardrobes, and beds against shared walls can significantly reduce the level of noise filtering into your home.
For instance, placing a large sofa or bookcase against the shared wall with your noisy neighbor can act as a sound barrier.
These pieces absorb and deflect sound waves, making it less likely for you to be disturbed by loud conversations, high-volume audio systems, or other noisy activities.
Often, the simplest solutions are the most effective, and strategically rearranging your furniture could be all you need to get some peace and quiet.
For instance, placing a large sofa or bookcase against the shared wall with your noisy neighbor can act as a sound barrier.
The efficacy of this method can be directly attributed to the science behind soundproofing.
By placing large furniture items against noisy shared walls, you are effectively increasing the amount of material and space that sound waves must travel through before reaching your ears.
This lessens their strength and volume, resulting in a quieter environment for you and your family.
Incorporating plenty of upholstered pieces and other large items of furniture in your room not only enhances your home’s aesthetic appeal but also doubles as practical soundproofing tools.
However, remember that excessive furniture in a room might make it feel a bit crowded, so you need to find a good balance.
To further enhance the sound blocking effect, consider using throw blankets, cushions, and rugs on and around furniture, which can help absorb more sound.
Maximizing this effect will take some experimentation and adjustment, but the results can be well worth the effort.
Looking for more in-depth guides on how to soundproof your home? This actionable video tutorial can help you.
From different materials to soundproofing techniques, it provides plenty of practical tips and tricks to make your home a quiet and peaceful sanctuary.
14. Plant trees or high shrubs outside windows
One may not immediately think of landscaping as a hack to soundproof a home from noisy neighbours, yet it can be quite effective.
Planting trees and high shrubs outside windows can indeed be an all-natural, aesthetically-pleasing way of reducing unwanted noise from the surroundings.
The density of trees and shrubs can absorb and scatter sounds, making them a natural, living sound barrier.
This scattering and absorption effect is said to be especially effective against low-frequency noises, like those from traffic or certain types of machinery.
It’s important to be aware that this is a more long-term solution, as it will take time for the trees and shrubs to grow to an effective size.
One of the benefits of this solution, aside from its soundproofing capabilities, is its capacity to enhance the appeal and value of your property.
Another positive aspect of this strategy is that trees and shrubs not only provide a sound barrier but also offer additional privacy from prying eyes and increase biodiversity.
While there are numerous species that can be used for this purpose, the best choices would be evergreen species, as they provide year-round noise reduction.
Trees like the holly, spruce, or pine and shrubs such as boxwood or arborvitae would be an excellent choice for year-round coverage.
Planting them closely together in strategic areas can dramatically reduce the amount of noise penetrating your home.
There is even an idea of creating a ‘tree belt’, which is a compact row of trees and shrubs, to maximise sound absorption and deflection.
Furthermore, combining the planting of trees and shrubs with other soundproofing methods from this list will certainly enhance the overall noise reduction outcome.
It’s quite fascinating how nature can provide a solution to a problem as modern as noisy neighbours.
So, while this technique requires significant time and effort compared to other solutions, the returns are just as significant, providing both soundproofing and environmental benefits.
Ultimately, incorporating nature into our soundproofing efforts is a truly sustainable approach to dealing with noise pollution, enhancing not just our homes but our neighbourhoods and communities as well.
15. Use noise blocking weatherstripping on doors/windows
The hustle and bustle of daily life can sometimes feel intrusive, especially when noisy neighbors or street noise are involved.
One impactful soundproofing technique is using noise blocking weatherstripping on your doors and windows.
This method is effective, affordable, and can be done by yourself without the need of a professional.
Primarily, weatherstripping is designed to keep out drafts and insulate your home, but it also has fantastic soundproofing properties.
Weatherstripping works by filling any gaps between the door or window and its frame, which not only insulates your home from cold but also prevents sound from coming in or leaving.
Following this strategy, soundwaves are interrupted, which reduces the amount of noise you would otherwise be subject to.
There are various types of weatherstripping available in the market today, so you can choose based on your needs and the size of the gaps you need to fill.
These include self-adhesive foam tape, door sweeps, V strips, felt, and door gaskets, among others.
But the aim remains the same: to create a seal that will block noise.
This comprehensive video tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on the process of installing weatherstripping on your doors and windows.
Watch it and you’ll learn how to measure correctly, apply the right amount, and repeat the process for every door and window in your home for optimal results.
While weatherstripping won’t completely soundproof your home on its own, it will go a long way in reducing noise pollution and creating a calmer living environment.
It will complement other soundproofing hacks mentioned in this guide, enhancing their effectiveness and ensuring you get the best from your soundproofing efforts.
So, for an additional layer of sound insulation, coupled with benefits to your home’s energy efficiency, give noise blocking weatherstripping a try.
This is yet another simple yet powerful hack to soundproof your home from noisy neighbours, letting you enjoy your indoor space with less distraction.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, there are a multitude of practical and effective options to reduce unwanted noise in your home.
Regardless of whether you choose to install soundproof curtains, or use rug pads to limit floor noise, each strategy brings you a step closer to a quieter and more peaceful living space.
The implementation of noise-cancelling solutions such as acoustic panels, white noise machines or even simple rearrangement of furniture can immensely contribute to the quality of your living or working environment.
Upgrading your home with double glazed windows or replacing old doors with solid core ones demonstrates a commitment to long term noise-reduction.
The aesthetic element of planting trees or high shrubs further proves that noise blocking tactics can indeed enhance rather than detract from your home’s appearance.
The path to creating a quiet, serene environment is paved with a variety of options that cater to any budget, aesthetic or personal preference.