Sound Solutions For Your Home

Creating a haven of peace and quiet is the goal of most homeowners. When it comes to reducing the noise level in your home, there are many different options and approaches to choose from. There are three fundamental approaches to noise proofing; two of which – sound dampening and sound isolation -- can be easily applied to isolated noise sources within your existing home. The third approach – sound absorption can be achieved only during construction or through extensive renovations.

While sound dampening refers to covering or coating a noise source to trap the sound within, the process of physically removing yourself from the noise is known as sound isolation. The most obvious isolation solution is simply relocating the offending noise to another less used area of your home. However, this isn't always practical. Sound isolation also refers to any technique that breaks or disrupts the sound vibration before it reaches the ear of the listener. This is often the simplest and most cost efficient noise reduction method. It can be achieved by placing an isolating pad on the bottom of the noise source. Felt on the legs of chairs, a stand for the TV, legs under the stereo's speakers, rubber underneath a ‘walking' washing machine, can all add up to less noise being carried throughout the home, or to neighbors. With the rising popularity of wood laminate floors, you may be pleased to learn that it is available with a layer of underlay that will significantly reduce the sound of traffic not only in the room, but also on any living space in the floor below. Even some fresh caulking around windows and doors make a big difference in how sound travels into the house or between rooms.

The final approach to noise reduction can only be addressed in new construction or renovations – sound absorption. Rather than the typical fiberglass insulation of bygone days, new insulations available today greatly reduce sound transmission, as well as increase fire safety. The most popular sound absorber is still Styrofoam. Cheap, light, and easy to work with, it is good but not optimal. The best products to use for sound absorption are the “open cell” insulations made of wool or foam. They use the combination of millions of closed and open cells to trap incoming noise within the material and convert its energy into heat – so in this case your sound proofing efforts reap the additional benefit of more another insulating benefit. Ask your building supply store representative or your contractor for more information about more sound solutions when you plan your next renovation or building project.

And remember, if you'd like an expert's opinion on what home improvements will have the best impact on your property value, talk to your Coldwell Banker real estate professional. They know what today's home buyer is looking for, and will be happy to give you the benefit of their experience.