Soundproof Your Home: Tips to Reduce Noise and Boost Comfort
Whether it’s aircraft overhead, street traffic, a neighbour practising the saxophone, or children at play, our homes aren’t always as quiet and peaceful as we’d like.
Soundproofing your home has multiple benefits: it reduces noise, adds property value, and helps lower the stress that excessive noise can cause.
Identify the Problem Areas
Start by determining which parts of your home are most affected by noise. Noise can enter through:
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Windows
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Basements
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Attics
Noise can also travel within your home, disturbing other rooms or neighbours. For anything beyond a simple fix, consider consulting a soundproofing expert.
Windows
Windows are the most common entry points for noise. Consider these options:
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Double-pane glass can reduce noise by about 20%.
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Vinyl frames can block as much as 50% of noise.
If replacement is too costly, a removable soundproofing plug is a practical alternative. Benefits include:
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Reduces sound transmission
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Adds insulation for winter warmth and summer cooling
DIY Tip: Measure the window frame for size and depth, then attach a soundproofing mat to a lightweight wood or fiber board using contact cement. Make sure the plug fits tightly with no gaps, and attach handles for easy handling.
Attic
Attics, especially in older homes, often lack insulation. Adding insulation:
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Cuts down heating bills
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Helps reduce noise
Additional measures:
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Extra layers of asphalt roofing can reduce noise from aircraft. Staple asphalt sheeting to the roof rafters inside the attic for a cost-effective solution.
Entrances and Doors
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Stagger doors in hallways to prevent sound travelling directly across rooms.
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Keep doors closed when possible to minimise noise transfer.
Helpful Soundproofing Hints
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Absorb sound with furniture and carpeting: At least 25% of a room should be covered with absorbent materials to reduce reverberation from footsteps.
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Carpet over living areas: Rooms located above living spaces should have carpeting. Special soundproof carpet padding is available, though thick rubber padding and carpet are often sufficient.
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Double drywall walls: Adding an extra layer of drywall on walls facing noisy streets can substantially reduce noise.
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Basements over garages: Always prioritise soundproofing the basement rather than the garage. Concrete foundations absorb noise, but basement ceilings still benefit from soundproofing.
Bottom Line
Soundproofing doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. From windows and attics to doors and walls, small improvements can make a big difference—creating a quieter, more comfortable home for everyone.
