Noise Sensitive? Make Your Home More Soundproof!

It's estimated that between 20% and 40% of people are "noise sensitive." People with noise sensitivity feel increased irritability when they hear their neighbours playing basketball outside. They can't concentrate when the kid next door (who isn't to blame, of course) is practicing the piano. And they find it difficult to sleep through a car alarm or fire truck siren.

Noise is a fact of life, but for nearly half of all people, it can be incredibly disrupting to their work, daily routines and sleep habits. Even those without noise sensitivity may still get aggravated occasionally when they break focus because of a ruckus outside their windows.

So how can noise-sensitive homeowners help themselves? Aside from wearing earplugs 24/7 (which would start to hurt pretty quickly,) what steps can you take to reduce or mitigate noise?

In general, there are two main ways to go about it: noise reduction and noise absorption. In this list, let's look at a few ways to make your home more soundproof using both these methods.

Replace Your Windows and Doors

Any area in the home that potentially allows drafts will also allow sound (more on this below.) Old or inefficient windows and doors are notorious for drafts, which means they aren't doing your ears any favours.

To make your house more soundproof, it may be time to replace those old windows and doors. When choosing new windows and doors, shop for efficiency. Not only are efficient windows better at preserving your home's energy by keeping heat or cold out, but they're also better at keeping sound out.

To go the extra mile, choose triple-glazed windows: visit Goldenwindows.com/windows/triple-glaze.html to find products that reduce sound transmission, increase security and improve insulation.

Add Sound Absorbing Furnishings

Noise absorption occurs when objects in a space absorb sound echoes. Think about yelling into a spacious cave versus yelling into a packed supermarket.

To increase sound absorption in your home, choose natural furnishings like upholstered chairs and couches, and select rugs or carpets over bare hardwood. To further promote sound absorption, you can apply acoustic panels and tiles.

You may have seen these tiles in sound recording spaces, but they aren't just for musicians and podcasters. Installing them on the wall, ceiling, or floor can significantly reduce noise.

Plug Any Noise Leaks

As mentioned in the first section, any crack, crevice or hole that lets air in will also invite sound—seal holes in the wall with fibreglass batt insulation. Ensure your door sweeps are intact and apply a sealing strip if they are cracked. Consider installing "quiet pads" overtop of your outlets (yes, even outlets let in sound). And if your window caulking is cracked, apply new caulking.

You are looking to create an airtight fortress. Any and all points of entry into the home should be sealed as well as possible to prevent noise leakage.

If you're one of the estimated 40% of people suffering through noisy distractions and annoyances at home, it's time to raise your voice. Follow the easy tips above to turn your home into a soundproof sanctuary.