12+ Ways On How To Block Out Low Frequency Noise : 100% Working

Muffling low-frequency noise is the most challenging task while soundproofing your house. Low-frequency sound waves can travel longer distances and easily enter your house through corridors, walls, or ceilings. 

Some examples of low-frequency noise include the sound coming from traffic or industrial sites. These sound waves are difficult to avoid and can cause problems concentrating on your work. If you have babies or older adults at home, then consistent hearing of loud noise can make them difficult to sleep. 

It can even lead to various physical and mental health problems. So you need to block the low-frequency sound waves by adding mass and soundproofing materials.

The article discusses how to block Out low frequency noise. So, keep reading this article to learn about some excellent ways to reduce low-frequency noise.

What Are Low-Frequency Sound Waves?

Sound travels in the form of waves. It can travel in air, water as well as in air. It causes vibration in air particles or solid medium and thus travels from one place to another. Sound is usually measured in the unit of frequency. So the frequency of sound will indicate how many times it has repeated and reached your ears.

Low-frequency sound waves usually have a pitch between 10 to 200 HZ, while humans can perceive sound from 20 to 20,000 HZ. That’s why it is hard to hear low-frequency noise.

You may not hear the noise clearly, but you can feel these annoying waves. 

Boilers, fans, traffic, or generators usually produce these sound waves. So, if you cannot sleep peacefully because of low-frequency noise, there is a higher chance that the sound can come from your neighbors or nearby site.

 Sound waves generally use energy while traveling. But when they vibrate the air particles while traveling, the energy is usually lost and thus cannot travel greater distances. It is mainly true in high-frequency sound waves.

But low-frequency sound waves don’t use much energy during traveling. Hence they travel greater distances. 

The low-frequency noise can readily travel through walls, floors, ceilings, and corridors. So, you must know various ways of blocking low-frequency noise to live in a peaceful atmosphere.

We recommend you identify the source from where the low-frequency sound is coming and then address it instantly before you feel its adverse effect.

Effects Of Low-Frequency Noise

Low-frequency noise is frustrating and irritating when you want to concentrate on your office work or have a sound sleep after a tiring day. You need to address this noise immediately; otherwise, it will create several mental and physical health issues.

An article published in the National Library of Medicine states that ran University did an experiment with 90 individuals, of whom 54 were male and 36 females. These individuals were allowed to do various tasks under a sound frequency of 50-70 HZ.

The results concluded that the individuals could not focus on work because of the low-frequency noise. They were getting weak mentally because of this noise frequency.

Remember, consistent hearing of low-frequency noise can cause health problems like cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, insomnia, and many more. So, address the problem immediately and block the low-frequency noise.

How Can I Find The Source Of Low Frequency Noise?

The first step to block the low-frequency noise is to find the source from where the noise is coming. It will be difficult but not impossible.

Finding the source of low-frequency sound is like finding a needle in a haystack. Well, you can utilize the below points to find the noise source.

• Various apps are available on Android and Apple devices to detect the noise source. You can download apps like Decibel X and install them on your smartphone. Use these apps to find the noise source.
• You can take the help of a sound level detector to measure the low-frequency sound.
• You need to listen to noise at various locations in your house. Listen carefully at doors and windows if the low-frequency noise comes from outside. If you hear the noise there, seal the crack and gaps of the windows with weather stripping material.
• You can ask neighbors about the source of low-frequency noise. They may have a better idea regarding the noise source.
• You can even take the help of local authorities to find the noise source.

How To Block Out Low Frequency Noise : 12 Working Tips

1. Seal All The Gaps And Cracks

The low-frequency noise can quickly enter your room through gaps and cracks in the doors and windows. So you need to seal them first to avoid use.

You can fill the gaps using acoustic sealant or acoustic caulk to reduce noise. We recommend using good quality acoustic caulk or sealant to block the low-frequency noise effectively. 

Sealing costs depend on factors like room size and the number of gaps or cracks in doors and windows.

You can even Try to install weather strips to fill the gaps in doors and windows. If you used a weather strip earlier, remove it and install the new one.

We recommend using acoustic caulk and weather sealant to fill the gaps and cracks on doors and windows, as it will effectively block the low-frequency noise.

2. Sound Proof Blankets

You can install soundproof blankets on the ceilings and walls of your house. It will increase the mass and prevent outside low-frequency noise from entering your house. We have listed a step-by-step process for quickly installing soundproof blankets.

• Measure the surface area of the wall and ceiling.
• Buy soundproof blankets according to the measured surface area.
• Install them on the wall and ceiling of your room with the help of screws and nuts.

3. Use Window Plugs

The window is the primary source for entering the low-frequency noise inside the room. Well, you can use window plugs to reduce the noise. They are affordable and can be installed easily.

But always leave a one-inch space in between the plug and window panes. The clearance will create dead air space and helps to trap the sound waves.

We are listing below a step-by-step procedure for installing window plugs.

• Measure the window size correctly, i.e., height, width, and depth.
• Purchase window plugs according to the measurements you have taken for the window.
• You can make window plugs easily at home. Take a thin board and attach an acoustic mat and acoustic board to it. Make handles so you can easily install the window plug on your window.
• Install the window plugs with the help of screws.
• Ensure it is correctly fitted to your window.

4. Construct A Room Inside Another Room

Do you wish to make your room completely soundproof? If yes, then construct one room inside another room.

It is the best way to eliminate low-frequency noise from entering your room. But there are a few limitations. Building one room inside the other is time-consuming and costly. The estimated cost is approximately $1000 to $5000, depending on the room size and construction materials used for building the room.

5. Use Soundproof Curtains Or Blinds

Windows has a large opening that can allow low-frequency sound waves to enter your room quickly. Well, you can prevent this by using soundproof curtains or blinds. The curtains are thick enough to block the low-frequency noise.

Here is a step-by-step guide on hanging soundproof curtains over the windows.

• Measure the window size so you can hang the soundproof curtains properly.
• Buy soundproof curtains according to the size of the window. You can prefer to purchase a thick material like velvet curtains as they can better absorb the sound. 
• Hang the soundproof curtains with the help of curtain rods, screws, and rings.
• Place a thick mat or rug just below the window to absorb the low-frequency noise that has entered your room despite using soundproof curtains.

6. Add Drywall

Adding dry walls on the ceiling, walls, and floor can help significantly reduce low-frequency noise. Drywall is a heavy material and is pretty cheap compared to other soundproofing options.

So if you detect that noise from your wall, you can install one or two drywall panels on that wall. It will increase the mass and surface thickness, and finally, it can better block low-frequency noise.

You can use green glue between two dry walls to absorb the outside low-frequency sound more effectively.

7. Install Acoustic Foam Panels

 If you visit recording studios, then there will be acoustic foam panels installed on the walls. The panels absorb the sound in the recording studio and prevent low-frequency noise from entering the room.

You can install acoustic foam panels on your room wall to reduce low-frequency noise. The panels are available in various shapes and colors, enhancing your room’s beauty.

Here is a step-by-step guide on quickly installing acoustic foam panels.

• Measure the wall and ceiling of your house.
• Determine how many acoustic panels you need for installation.
• You need to consider the room issue and any other obstructions in the wall or ceiling during installation time.
• Now buy acoustic panels of the proper shape and size. Choose the size according to your requirements
• Clean the wall or ceiling surface on which you wish to install the acoustic panels.
• You can then install the panels either by adhesive strips or nails.
• Ensure that the acoustic panel covers the entire ceiling or wall.
• Test Your Room

8. Buy Rugs Or Thick Carpets

If the low frequency constantly troubles you, you can invest in a rug or thick carpets. They not only provide insulation to your home but also helps to block low-frequency noise.

Here is a step-by-step guide on installing rugs or thick carpets on your floor.

• Always choose the rugs or carpets that are heavy. It is because thin carpets or rugs can effectively absorb low-frequency noise.
• Measure the area where you wish to put the rugs or heavy carpets so you can purchase the correct amount of material needed for laying.
• Remove any carpets or rugs that are laid on your floor before.
• Now put the heavy carpet or rugs on your floor according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
• Use adhesive so that the carpet or rug will stay in the proper position.
• Test your room by playing music.

9. Fiber Glass Insulation

Is the noise pollution becoming a pain for you? If yes, then you need to think of reconstructing your walls to reduce low-frequency noise.

Fiberglass insulation is one of the excellent choices. It is of various types like loosefill, boards, or blankets. The fiberglass insulation will not only help to block low-frequency noise but also help to help to maintain the temperature inside your room.

Also Read : 11+ Effective Ways On How To Soundproof Windows

10. Choose Mass Loaded Vinyl

Do you wish to soundproof your house but have little budget to reconstruct your wall? If yes, you can purchase mass-loaded vinyl and install it on your ceilings or walls. It will increase the mass of the ceiling and reduce the low-frequency noise coming from outside.

Remember mass loaded vinyl will not wholly block the low-frequency noise, but it can reduce it to some extent so that you don’t have to worry about physical and mental health problems.

11. Install Bass Traps

Do you find that low-frequency noise comes from your house because of various appliances? If yes, then invest in bass traps. They are mainly made from acoustic foam and can help reduce the low-frequency noise generated in your house. 

Remember, the bass traps will not be an effective choice if you wish to block noise that comes from outside. The best location to install bass traps is usually on the corners of your home.

12. Think Of Moving Your Furniture

Are you tired of low-frequency noise coming from any outside source? If yes, then you must move your heavy furniture like a sofa or bookshelf near the windows of your house. It will help in reducing the noise to some extent.

Conclusion

It is low-frequency if your sound level detector detects noise within 10 to 200 HZ. You cannot hear the noise clearly, but it can disturb you during work or sleep. Constantly hearing can cause mental and physical health issues.

We have discussed some of the ways how to block out low frequency noise. It includes using soundproof curtains, sealing cracks and gaps on windows, acoustic panels, and many more. Remember, some low-frequency noise sources will be hard to block entirely. 

You can combine two to three techniques to reduce low-frequency noise in such cases.

FAQ : How To Block Out Low Frequency Noise