Soundproofing a House

Study of Techniques used for Soundproofing a House.

Sound propagation and noise • Sound is made up of low frequency waves, which

are similar to radio waves. When something makes a sound, it emits these waves which will travel in all directions from the source.

• These waves will keep travelling until they meet some form of resistance, such as a wall or sofa. But they can also bounce off these items, and that can cause an effect known as reverberation, which actually strengthens the sound.

• Unwanted sound is called noise.

Basic Techniques of Soundproofing

There are two basic ways of stopping sound either to reduce it or absorb it, so we have two basic Techniques of sound proofing

• Noise Reduction: Noise reduction works by blocking the passage of sound waves through either the use of distance or the placing of intervening objects in the sound path.

• Noise Absorpation: Noise absorption operates by transforming the sound wave itself. While this might sound like a magic trick, it simply means that the wave changes when it comes into contact with certain materials.

Why to Soundproof a House • Unless we live in a remote part of the countryside

in a house with very thick walls, then noise pollution is a part of our every day life.

• Noisy neighbours, loud televisions and radios, and high level of traffic volume are just some of the typical noise pollutants which regularly invade our homes when we are trying to relax after a stressful day.

• It's a real invasion of privacy but there's not a lot that we can do about it other than to find some techniques to make your home more quiet and comfortable.

How to Soundproof a House 1- How to hush outside noise

Outside noise can be the most annoying because it “belongs tosomeone else.” It can be reduced by taking following simple measures.

• Seal up holes and cracks• Tighten up existing door and window openings.• Install high-quality storm windows.• Add insulation to the attic and walls.• Use central air conditioning instead of window air

conditioners.• Add mass to walls in the form of drywall. The basic rule of

thumb is: the thicker the drywall, better the soundproofing.• Trees, hedges and fences provide psychological relief by

blocking noise sources from view.

How to Soundproof a House 2- How to hush general interior noise

Interior noise is produced within the house due to daily routine ongoing activities and can be reduced by taking following simple measures.

• To quiet footsteps and impact noises from rooms above, install carpet with a thick pad in the upper room and a suspended ceiling with heavy rigid board ceiling tiles in the lower room.

• Limit noise traveling between adjacent rooms by caulking around all outlets and switch boxes, especially those that are back to back.

• Replace hollow-core doors with solid-core doors and install a bottom sweep just as you would with an exterior door.

• Add mass in the form of an extra layer of drywall. It’s simply the cheapest, easiest to install, most effective sound-blocker around.

How to Soundproof a House 3- How to hush appliances and mechanical systems

Home appliances and mechanical systems are also a source of noise within the house and can be reduced by taking following simple measures.

• Install water hammer arresters to absorb the shocks related to the quick shut off & running of the water supply.

• Use pipe isolators and pipe hangers available to cut down on vibration created by running water.

• Space refrigerators, dryers and washing machines away from walls so the walls don’t pick up and amplify the sound.

• Isolate washing machines and dryers from the floor by placing a resilient material such as rubber or cork pads under each foot. Keep the machines balanced by adjusting the leg levelers.

Thanks