Fed up with all the noise coming from the outside (traffic/neighbors)? Before engaging any costly judicial proceedings, let's check how we could first improve your home. Our blog collected 10 tips to help you fight the noise.
Home decor, an aesthetic solution!
1. Carpets and rugs
Not only does the carpet decorate, protect and isolate the floor, but it can also soundproof it. Rugs can fulfill the same tasks, although they were first used to hang on walls and to cover couches. They will absorb part of the noises from downstairs and cushion your own furniture. And you will be able to wear high-heels without disturbing your neighbors… You can have a look at our selection of rugs here >>
2. Curtains on windows and doors
A poorly isolated window or shutter roller box will give you some sleepless nights. Besides sealing their joints with silicon, you can first hang thick curtains on them. Curtains on a door will also deaden the noise from one room to another.
3. Furniture
Avoid echoing empty spaces. A massive wardrobe against the wall will be useful in case of loud doorstep neighbors. If you have little room, you can replace furniture by paintings, mirrors, tapestries, etc.
4. The bathroom
You can hear your neighbor’s TV while taking a bath? I definitely can relate! Pipes and bathtubs are among the main sound conductors. Fill the gap under your bathtub with glass wool. As for the pipes and taps, their acoustic performance is always increasing.
5. Look after your balcony
Use your balcony against the street unquietness. No need for a large one, even a small thuja hedge can make the difference. If you do have a green thumb, why not build your own green wall? Check our article on this topic.
6. If (lucky) you have a terrace, a pergola would be another option. You can get one in wrought iron for €150.
Start renovation works
7. Doors
Change doors: soundproof doors rely on a series of layers in different materials (wood, metal). As it is still expensive, it will be most useful in place of your main door.
8. Windows
New generation windows: forget about double glazing, time has come for triple! Well, it’s still a bit expensive… And double glazing will be enough to stop the noise from inside. By the way, make sure it fits your building's style. If your ceiling is decorated with moldings, you might have to sacrifice them...
9. A fake ceiling
A double ceiling will isolate you from your upper neighbor. The plasterboard that make it up are covered with glass wool. But... the real ceiling has to be high enough, and it still costs some €500 for 10 square meters.
10. Bring calmness around you...
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The agitation you feel also stems from your environment. Try to 'zenify' your home and put it in order. So you will be less sensitive to the surrounding earsores.
By Lorène Gaudin.
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