Tyler Wynn
There are many ways to block unwanted sound from outside, and it can be an expensive endeavour. The most effective methods involve adding mass to the walls, doors and windows to reduce vibrations and prevent sound waves from travelling through. This can be done by installing a silent board, acoustic quilts, sound absorbers, acoustic panels, acoustic foam, or soundproofing drywall. For windows, you can add window treatments such as soundproof curtains, double or triple-pane windows, or window inserts. Thick rugs or carpets can also improve noise reflection off the floor, and a floating floor that absorbs sound waves is another option, although it requires expert help.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Windows | Double/triple-pane windows, window inserts, soundproof curtains, or weatherstripping |
| Doors | Weatherstripping, door sweeps, and draft stoppers |
| Walls | Increase mass with silent boards, acoustic quilts, or sound absorbers; use soundproofing wallpaper or acoustic panels |
| Floors | Thick carpeting or rugs, or build a floating floor with rubber pucks or floor floaters |
| Outside | Acoustic fence, plants, or foliage |
| White Noise | Use a white noise machine or a fan |
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What You'll Learn
Use thick curtains, drapes or acoustic quilts
One way to block sound from outside is to use thick curtains, drapes, or acoustic quilts. These materials can be used to increase the mass of walls or windows, reducing vibrations and minimising sound transmission.
Thick curtains or drapes made from dense materials can be hung over windows to block sound from outside. Acoustic curtains are specifically designed for this purpose and can weigh up to 15 pounds for an average-sized window. These curtains should lie flat against the wall or window trim to maximise their sound-blocking effects. Some acoustic curtains are also made to be noise-absorbing, with the ability to glide along tracks for easy opening and closing.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution, acoustic quilts can be installed directly onto walls to increase their mass and reduce vibrations. These quilts are similar to acoustic panels, which are also available as fabrics that can be hung on walls to reduce sound.
In addition to curtains and quilts, other soft items can be used to limit the transmission of sound waves. Dense home decor items such as tapestries, wallpapers, and upholstered furniture can all help to some extent.
While thick curtains, drapes, or quilts can be effective in blocking sound, combining them with other sound-blocking strategies will likely yield the best results. For example, thick curtains can be paired with double or triple-pane windows for increased sound insulation.
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Install soundproof windows or window inserts
If you're looking to block sound from outside, one option is to install soundproof windows or window inserts. This can be an expensive option, but it can also be very effective.
Window inserts are a layer of clear material, such as acrylic or Plexiglas, that is cut to fit snugly on the inside of your window frame. This creates an air gap between the insert and the window, which helps to absorb, reflect, and cancel out sound waves, resulting in a much lower volume of sound entering the room. Window inserts can be particularly effective when used with single-pane windows, reducing exterior noise by up to 70%. Even with double-pane windows, window inserts can still reduce noise by 50%.
You can choose to make your own window inserts, which is a more affordable option, but may be more visible and less effective than custom-made inserts. To make your own, you will need to purchase a sheet of Plexiglas or acrylic and cut it to fit the outer edges of your window trim. You will then need to drill pilot holes and screw the material to the window trim.
Alternatively, you can purchase custom-made window inserts from companies that specialize in soundproofing solutions. These companies will measure, adjust, and install the inserts for you, ensuring a tight fit for maximum soundproofing. Custom-made inserts can be more expensive, typically ranging from $260 to $360 for a standard insert, and $335 to $360 for an acoustic insert. However, they are more discreet and can be customized to fit any window shape and size.
Another option is to replace your existing windows with soundproof windows. Soundproof windows typically have thicker glass, multiple panes with large air gaps, and are well-sealed when closed. They can also feature laminated glass, which offers better soundproofing than tempered glass at the same thickness. Soundproof windows can significantly reduce exterior noise and are a good option if you are looking for a more permanent solution.
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Add mass to walls with dense materials
Adding mass to walls with dense materials is a great way to block sound from outside. Sound can be absorbed by mass, so heavy, dense materials like drywall, concrete, and brick block the most sound. Acoustic plasterboard is another dense material that can be added to existing walls to increase their mass. It is 50% denser than standard plasterboard and makes it harder for sound to travel through.
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is another dense material that can be used for soundproofing. It is a thin, highly dense vinyl embedded with metal particles, and is a good option when cost is an issue (about $1 per square foot) and when the material needs to be thin. Acoustic panels made of dense materials like boards or fabrics can also be hung on walls to reduce sound.
To soundproof a brick wall, it is important to decouple soundproofing layers from the brick wall to enhance its ability to absorb and dampen sound energy. Adding resilience to the brick wall with ReductoClips allows the wall to flex and absorb vibrations, much like a car’s suspension system smooths out road bumps.
If you are willing to open up an existing wall, you can add sound absorption material within the walls. Remove drywall to expose studs, and add a thick layer of cotton batt, fibreglass insulation, or other soundproof insulation between the studs. Replace the drywall, and you will notice a significant reduction in sound transmission.
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Use soundproofing wallpaper or acoustic panels
Soundproofing wallpaper and acoustic panels are effective ways to reduce unwanted noise and improve the acoustics of your space. Here are some insights on how to use these methods to block sound from outside:
Soundproofing Wallpaper
Soundproofing wallpaper is a stylish and functional solution to block sound from outside without extensive construction work. It is designed to absorb sound waves and reduce reverberation, creating a calmer and more pleasant environment. The wallpaper consists of a combination of textile or micro-perforated material with a felt backing. This soft, fibrous, or porous top layer absorbs sound instead of reflecting it, reducing echo and improving sound clarity.
The effectiveness of soundproofing wallpaper depends on the material and thickness. Leading brands like Texdecor combine innovative production techniques with exclusive designs, ensuring both visual appeal and superior sound-absorbing capabilities. Acoustic reports are available for each type of wallpaper, allowing you to make an informed choice based on your specific sound reduction needs.
Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are an effective solution for reducing echo and reverberation, creating a more comfortable acoustic environment. They are made from porous materials that trap sound waves by converting acoustic energy into kinetic energy or heat. While they do not block outside noise from entering a room, they are excellent at reducing background noise, making spaces where speech is intelligible and loudness is reduced.
Acoustic panels come in a wide range of sizes, types, and colors to meet various functional and design needs. Fabric-wrapped panels are a popular option, and standard installation hardware is typically provided at no additional cost. They are also relatively easy to install, making them a convenient choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Combining Approaches
Soundproofing wallpaper and acoustic panels can also be used together to enhance sound reduction. Acoustic wallpaper can complement other sound-absorbing measures, such as panels or carpeting, for a comprehensive approach to improving acoustics and reducing unwanted noise.
By utilizing soundproofing wallpaper and acoustic panels, you can effectively minimize sound transmission, create more pleasant indoor acoustics, and enhance the comfort of your living or working space.
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Create a floating floor with rubber pucks
To block sound from outside, you can make some changes to your space, such as adding thick carpeting or rugs, installing soundproofing wallpaper, or putting up acoustic quilts or sound absorbers as decorative wall panels. Another option is to build a floating floor, which is a more effective solution but may require expert help.
Creating a floating floor involves adding a layer of flooring that is disconnected from your existing floor. This can be achieved using firm rubber pucks or floor floaters, which are U-shaped channels made of a specially formulated rubber compound. Here's a step-by-step guide to creating a floating floor with rubber pucks:
Step 1: Planning and Materials
Before you begin, it's important to understand the principles of floating a floor. The main idea is to have a lot of mass on as few contact points as possible. This means that the weight of the floor should be distributed across a small number of rubber pucks, which act as springs to isolate and decouple the floor from the surrounding structure.
To determine the success of your floating floor, you need to consider the amount of mass required and the type of rubber pucks needed. The mass depends on the weight of the floor deck, and the rubber pucks should be made of a springy rubber that is not too hard or too soft.
Step 2: Construct the Frame
The frame for your floating floor can be constructed using 2'x4' or 2'x6' wood studs, spaced 2' apart with stringers every 4'. To prevent wood warp and add stability, alternate the placement of the stringers. The frame should be slightly smaller than the existing space to maintain a minimum gap of 2" around all sides and any existing structure.
Step 3: Position the Rubber Pucks
Place the rubber pucks beneath the frame to support it and isolate it from the surrounding structure. The rubber pucks will act as springs, so it's important to get the right type and amount to ensure effective isolation.
Step 4: Install the Subfloor
Once the frame is positioned on the rubber pucks, you can install the first layer of the subfloor. Use a sealant between each seam and take note of the direction of the seams. Install a layer of sound barrier on top of the first layer of the subfloor, laying the sheets in a different direction to minimize airflow and sound transfer.
Step 5: Complete the Floating Floor
Install the second layer of the subfloor in an alternating pattern, ensuring that the seams do not overlap. Once the room build is complete, you can lay the finished flooring and apply a final application of sealant between the seams.
By following these steps and working with experts, you can effectively create a floating floor with rubber pucks to block sound from outside.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some simple ways to block sound from outside:
- Install soundproof curtains.
- Add thick rugs or carpets.
- Use acoustic panels or soundproofing wallpaper.
- Put up draft stoppers.
- Weatherproof doors and windows.
To block sound from outside a window, you can:
- Install window inserts.
- Put up soundproof curtains.
- Add weatherstripping or caulk to window gaps.
- Create your own window inserts using acrylic and a rubber gasket.
To block sound from outside a door, you can:
- Install a door sweep and weatherstripping.
- Hang acoustic panels or soundproofing wallpaper nearby.
- Create a floating floor using firm rubber pucks or floor floaters.
Dense and heavy materials are best for blocking sound. Consider using:
- Mass-loaded vinyl.
- Concrete or brick.
- Acoustic foam or panels.
- Soundproofing drywall.
