For those who share walls with neighbors, there are not many things as irritating as trying to fall asleep or even relax when there is so much noise coming from their house.
However, all hope is not lost and there are a few decorating tips that anyone in need to soundproof an apartment will find extremely useful. First of all, it is imperative to determine the source of the noise to be in a position to deal with it.
Block Noise Between Rooms In Your Own House
When sound travels in a room, it tends to bounce off hard surfaces, and for that reason, it is absorbed by the soft surfaces.
For this method to be effective, one needs to apply soft materials like cotton, foam or felt directly to the walls, furniture, room dividers, soft ceilings as well as doors to absorb sound. Adding more pieces of upholstered furniture will also help.
Blocking Outside Noise That Comes From Windows
Noise is very easily amplified through glass. For outside noise to be blocked, it is advisable to upgrade to triple pane windows for those who have their own apartments.
It is important to at all times check the seals around each window to make sure all seals and gaps are sealed.
For the same purpose, it is advisable to purchase a temporary blocking quilt that can be hanged and removed when deemed fit.
Blocking Noise That Comes Through Walls and Ceilings
For people who live in apartments that have very noisy upstairs, it is important to check with the neighbor or even the landlord about laying down a carpet or rug that is thick enough to cut down the noise.
In some cities, the minimum percentage of the floor to be covered which is approved by a co-op board and the landlord. In New York City, for instance, the rule is that not less than 80% of the room should be covered.
The same principle or method can be used by tenants to beef up thin walls and thick furniture if space is available.
This can be highly effective if the neighbor of the shared wall does the same. For effective sound-blocking strength, one can add a thick piece of foam behind the bookcase for instance.
Try Your Own White Noise
A simple fan will do the trick in your soundproofing endeavors. It helps in the sense that the soft noise it produces helps the people in the room fail to notice that coming from the neighbor. The best thing with this option is the fact that as it eases the noise, it also keeps the room cool.
Weatherproofing The Front Door
This is a practically good way to block the noise coming from neighbors and outside by asking the landlord to install weatherproof soundproof panels.
By so doing, the house will be completely blocked from any form of distracting noise.
Having Long Door Curtains
Having long blackout curtains can play a very good role when matters related to creating a residential sound wall are concerned. This is because they tend to block the noise coming from outside when the door is closed.
The good thing about them is the fact that they help in decorating the room at the same time.
Having Tiles Strategically Placed
Noise has a tendency of ricocheting off hard surfaces which makes it even more annoying. However, it is possible to soundproof a room by having the tiles placed strategically.
The idea with this concept is to cover all bare walls with something soft such that even the slightest of voices won’t be in a position to reflect. This is a perfect residential soundproof technique because it serves as a decor enhancement at the same time.
Get A Thick Rug
Noise does not pickle or rather, travel through thick surfaces like carpets and rugs. In fact, thick rugs are considered one of the best commercial soundproofing materials that enhance a room’s aesthetics and at the same time, protect it from noise.
For those with wooden floors, it is advisable to throw down thick rugs and underneath them, slip a density rag pad to be in a position to boost the noise squashing potential.
All said and done, it is practically possible to reduce noise in an apartment with all the above mentioned soundproof materials and while on it, make it a better place to live.
When the house has no noise, it harbors a peaceful conducive environment that makes it practically possible for those living inside to do so in a peaceful manner and without any distractions.
The best thing with all the above-mentioned methods is the fact that most of them are DIY and therefore, require minimum or no professional expertise at all.