How To Soundproof A Room From Outside Noise : 7 Simple Way

A home is a place where we relax and enjoy blissful peace. We all want to stay in comfortable and distraction-free spaces where we can focus on our work or rest comfortably. 

But the outside noise like traffic, barking dogs, or your neighbor’s noise can disturb your peace. You may fail to concentrate n your office work. Babies or older adults in your home cannot sleep comfortably because of a lot of outside noise.

The best solution is to soundproof your room to block outside noise. So, how to soundproof a room from outside noise? Fortunately, you can soundproof your room and muffle sound waves in numerous ways. It includes insulating the walls and ceiling, sealing gaps and cracks in doors and windows, and many more.

The article discusses how to soundproof a room from outside noise. So, you can keep reading this article to learn various tips by which you can soundproof a room.

How Does Noise Enter Your House?

You need to block the outside noise. But before diving deep into the topic, you must know about sound waves and how they reach inside your house. It will help you to block the outside noise effectively.

The sound which travels through the air is known as airborne sound. Most of the outdoor noise you hear is an example of airborne sound. 

For instance, you listen to loud music playing outside your house. The sound waves of the music travel through the air and reach your ears; thus, you listen to the sound. Similarly, if a dog is barking at your neighbor’s house, then that barking sound travels in the air and reaches your ears, and hence you listen to the barking sound.

As the sound wave travels through the air, you can block something on the path of the soundwave to muffle it.

 Consider an example. The soundwaves get muffled when you keep your hands on your mouth and start talking. Here, the hand blocks the sound waves, so your speech is muffled.

The same technique you need to apply in your room. You need to increase the ceiling or wall mass to minimize the outdoor noise levels.

How To Soundproof A Room From Outside Noise?

Consistent hearing of car honks, traffic, music blasts, and barking dogs distract our sleep and comfort. It’s not wise to put off with this outside for an extended period as it can create mental and physical health problems.

We have discussed below a few ways by which you can soundproof a room from outside noise.

1. Check Your Windows

Windows are usually the biggest culprit for entering the outside noise. Well, you can soundproof your windows in various ways listed below.

Caulk Seallant Or Weatherstripping Tape

If there are tiny gaps or cracks in your windows, it will allow outside noise to enter your room. You can use either caulk sealant or weatherstripping tape to seal all the tiny gaps or cracks.

Acoustic caulk is quite simple to use.

 You need first to clean the window frame and then apply acoustical caulk on cracks and gaps in the windows. Smooth it with the help of a knife and allow it to dry thoroughly. Remember, if you have applied acoustic caulk earlier, scrape off the old one and then apply the new one.

Weatherstripping tape is also quite effective in sealing cracks and gaps. They are made from either foam or rubber. You can cut the weatherstripping tape as required and then install it on the windows to seal the gaps and cracks on your window.

Double Pane Glass 

Most homes have single-pane windows, allowing outside noise to enter quickly. Well, you can change it to double-pane glass to block outside noise.

Using Thick Curtains

Thin curtains or windows with no curtain can allow outside to enter easily inside your house. You must hang sound-absorbing curtains on windows to muffle outside sound waves. 

They are thick and heavy and are pretty effective in blocking sound waves. Soundproof blankets are also another option that can be used to minimize noise levels.

Install Window inserts

Installing window inserts is another solution to block outside noise coming from the windows. You must measure the window correctly and install the window inserts accordingly.

2. Modify Your Wall

Walls can easily transmit outside sound waves and disturb your peace. So you must modify your wall to muffle sound waves.

The best and most effective way is to tear down your wall and insert sound isolation clips, hat channels, and a layer of drywall. But it is pretty expensive and not possible for everyone. 

Again if you are staying in an apartment, your house owner may not permit you to tear the wall.

Well, there are various other ways to soundproof your wall. 

Use Acoustic caulk

A lot of cracks and gaps develop on the walls with time. These gaps and cracks can permit the outside sound waves to enter your house. So, you can seal them using acoustic caulk, just like in windows.

Increase Mass Of Wall By Drywall Sheets

Drywall sheets consist of sound-absorbing materials, usually installed on walls and ceilings. So install one or two drywall sheets to increase the wall’s mass. 

It will help to block sound waves. Using a sound-dampening compound called green glue between two drywall sheets is best.

But installing drywall sheets may be a bit expensive for some people. In such cases, you can install heavy quilts or wall decorations on the wall to minimize noise.

Move Furniture To The Affected Wall

Most people do not want to spend much money on blocking outside noise. They search for less budget options by which they can soundproof their room. 

One of the best ways is to move heavy furniture like a couch or bookshelf towards the wall. Placing large and heavy objects near the wall can help to minimize the outside noise levels.

Install Acoustic Foam Panels

Installing acoustic foam panels is quite effective in absorbing sound waves. They are mainly used in recording studios or anywhere a clean sound is required.

Most experts suggest installing acoustic panels on the wall opposite the noise source so that it will enter and get absorbed rather than reflected.

Also Read : How To Reduce Walking Noise From Upstairs Floors

3. Work On The Door

Most of the doors used in houses are hollow, which can easily permit sound waves to enter if a lot of outdoor noise is coming inside your house, then it’s best to replace the door with a solid core one.

But this can be a bit expensive. Well, you don’t need to worry about it. There are other affordable options too to soundproof the door. We are listing them below.

Soundproof Blankets

You can hang soundproof blankets on the door. They are heavy and effective in blocking outside noise. You can use tacks or adhesive to keep the soundproof blankets in the proper position. 

But it has one limitation. Soundproof blankets hanging on the door don’t match your room style. They are not visually appealing. So we recommend you use such a room where hardly your guests visit.

Door Sweep

A small gap is usually between the floor and the door when you close any house door. This small gap is enough to allow sound waves to enter the room. You can prevent soundwaves from entering by keeping a door sweep in the gap left between the floor and the door. You can even weather stripping tape instead of door sweep.

Acoustic caulk

Do you find any cracks in the door? If yes, then you need to seal them with acoustic caulk. It will help to block outdoor noise.

4. Soundproof Airvents

Airvent is the next source through which outdoor noise can quickly enter your room. They are large holes in your room that will allow air and sound waves to enter and distract your mind. Well, you can use drywall sheets to close the air vents entirely.

Some people want fresh air inside the house and don’t want to cover air vents completely. In such cases, you can install a sound maze or honeycomb. They will block outdoor noise and allow fresh air to enter the house.

5. Plan Something Outside

Try to put barriers between noise and your room to muffle outdoor noise as much as possible. For instance, you can plant tall trees just outside your room. The outdoor noise will find hard to get inside your room.

 Another great option is to build a waterfall out of your room. The water sound can help to minimize the noise levels.

The last option is to build a fence around your house to minimize outdoor noise levels. Remember, the fence must be at least 8 feet tall or more to reduce sound waves effectively. But buildings a fence is quite costly, and that may not be possible for everyone.

6. Insulate ceiling 

Are you living in an apartment and are extremely worried about the impact noise coming from your upstairs neighbor? If yes, then you must consider insulating or increasing the thickness of the ceiling to reduce noise levels. There are various options that you can try, and they are listed below.

Install Drywall Sheets

 You can install two drywall sheets on your ceiling to reduce noise levels. You can even use green glue between two drywall sheets to dampen the noise level effectively.

Use Drop Ceiling

Another option is to install a drop ceiling made from wood or composite. The gap created between the primary and drop ceiling is quite effective in reducing noise levels. Drop the ceiling, and even add insulation to the room.

Acoustic Panels

You can even use an acoustic panel to insulate your room and reduce noise levels.

7. Work On The Floor

Most people usually neglect the floor when it comes to soundproofing their rooms. You can dampen the noise by laying heavy carpets or rugs. It will even help to insulate your room.

Conclusion

Outside noise is quite annoying. You need to minimize noise as much as possible to sleep comfortably or concentrate on your work properly. We have discussed various methods on how to soundproof a room from outside noise and hope the information is helpful.

FAQ : How to soundproof a room from outside noise