Working and studying from home has become the new norm, so home studies have become a staple in many households today. Be it DIY or appliances already available in the market, there are numerous ways to bring down the noise and soundproof our houses. Reducing excessive noise and disturbances and enhancing our home study experience has become popular in recent years.

While soundproofing your homes, you must remember that the methods and the cost range can vary depending on the quality and the type of materials used. The overall investment depends on the methods of noise reduction that you are adhering to because several measures can be of help. The most popular methods in vogue now include the likes of installing mass loader barriers, absorbent acoustic panels, decoupling your drywalls, and the use of noise-dampening curtains and windows.

An important point to remember here is that none of these can guarantee that your living space is 100 percent devoid of any external noise or disturbances. But they have been proven to be beneficial on multiple occasions and can go a long way in improving your home study.
Let us now discuss the options available in the market currently.

Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels help diminish the reverberated and reflected sound inside a room by absorbing the excess noise. They go a long way in reducing mass-loaded echo, particularly in larger rooms. They are available under horizontal and vertical categories and their noise-dampening ability also largely depends on this. Vertical acoustic panels block the sound from traveling from one end of the room to the other. The sound transferred inside an enclosed space is blocked by the acoustic panels. They can also bring down the background noise to the acceptable range. Vertical panels are used in vogue in office spaces and have successfully brought down the noise level from a range of 70 to 80 decibels to the more advocated range of 45 to 50 decibels.

You can use horizontal panels to convert the sound energy to heat energy and distribute it all over the space. These panels are more useful for direct absorption of sound rather than diminishing them. Though the complete noise absorption seems like a lucrative option, you must remember that the room’s temperature has high chances of rising, making the natural environment warmer. Horizontal and vertical acoustic panels are available for both your ceilings as well as your walls.

Acoustic panels come in varied shapes and sizes, providing a wide array of options at one’s disposal. They can be triangular or rectangular and can go up to $500. The quality of the panels and the room area that needs to be covered determine the cost.

Acoustic foam panels

The best acoustic foam panels are effective at basically stopping echo resonating from hard, flat surfaces. This does lend to managing some of the sound coming through into an area.

Installation requires the use of adhesion and covering the entire area with the foam panels. The typical result is a 20%-30% reduction which is only slightly noticeable.

You should use this method in conjunction with other methods to improve effectiveness, but as a stand-alone soundproofing method, this may be a bit disappointing.

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Mass Loaded Barriers

Mass-loaded barriers are primarily different from acoustic panels. First and foremost, these barriers are for sound blocking rather than absorbing them. They are chiefly made from vinyl fibers of a higher grade and are tough and long-lasting. These barriers keep out noise from an enclosed space or inside it. It doesn’t matter whether you install them outside or inside the walls because their function does not reduce reflected inside the room. Mass-loaded barriers are beneficial because they are the ecologically friendlier and greener alternative for lead soundproofing that was in use previously.

This method of soundproofing a room is particularly noticeable in music studios and recording stations, where even a little partial noise can pose an issue. Mass-loaded barriers can be installed very quickly and prevent sound from escaping and entering from the spaces in the ceiling and the walls. They come in different thicknesses depending on the need and wants of the customers. They are available online and in the hardware stores, and the options available in the market are varied. The cost depends on the surface area to be covered and the quality of the products. These “reflective barriers” have proven to be quite the lifesaver for soundproofing a room and enhancing the overall experience, ensuring a higher sound quality.

Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) applications

Mass is a critical component in sound control and works by simply stopping sound from vibrating through its structure. Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) is an effective material to use in lining soundproofing curtains or blankets.

At even just ½LB per sq ft, MLV can produce a 25 STC rating, which is 1/16” thickness. You can get up to 35 STC by using 2lb per sq ft and 1/4” thickness; however, this is slightly more difficult to work with.

Decoupling Drywall

Decoupling is one of the best solutions for soundproofing that are presently available in the market. This method involves mechanically separating the walls so that they vibrate independently. Decoupling also ensures that the noise does not transfer from one wall to the other. There is an insulated region between the two. There are primarily three types of techniques when it comes to decoupling your drywalls. The most widely used method is that of the standard single std construction. Here the vibrated and reflected sound waves hit the drywall of the first layer and, after traveling through the insulated space, hit the other drywall. Finally, the noise reaching the second layer is vastly diminished and reduced due to the separation between the two.

Double stud walls refer to the procedure where two separate stud walls are built with a specific space instead of a single wall. The only drawback of double-stud walls is that many square feet get lost in the process, and the room becomes visibly smaller. Staggered walls are also present as an option that are very similar to the double-wall structure. Here, the studs are “staggered” because they are placed so that no two studs touch each other. A major drawback for both of these techniques is that they cover up space and are also highly complicated when installing. Resilient clips and hat channels are the more manageable alternatives. Though both sides of the wall share the same studs, most of the vibration gets absorbed, and they are reasonably good and productive.

Check my blog on How To soundproof a Wall for a more detailed procedure on this method

Soundproof Windows And Curtains

Soundproofing a house is a tedious and time taking task. As most of the noise from outside comes through the windows and doors, many people focus on soundproofing them. For this purpose alone, there are multiple options at your disposal. The range is a massive perk from aluminum to wooden soundproof window panels and frames; many of these choices can also be customized.

Sound sealing or weatherproofing for an air-tight seal

Airgaps need to be treated to ensure complete coverage and manage sound seeping in through the frame. It would be best if you did this on both sides and at the top of the frame. Weatherstripping requires little effort but, done properly; it’s an effective sound management method.

Most products use a peel-and-stick function. Surface preparation is required as the glue needs a clean area to ensure adhesion. An alcohol wash is not always required but is recommended. Installation should be done on the inner part of the frame.

You can use two methods for this:

Acoustic gasket

This is a foam rubber composite material that is a hollow “D” shape. When compressed, the gasket seals off and prevents airflow. If the gap is wide enough, you may end up with an air pocket which is just as effective as a soundproofing method.

Peel off the protective strip to expose the sticky side of the tape and then stick the gasket to the frame on all the edges as required.

Closed-cell foam

Acoustic-treated foam is the most commonly used material for this. It is compressed between the inner door frame and the door itself, preventing sound from traveling through.

Again peel-and-stick methods are commonly utilized for the application, which makes it easy to install.

Seal cracks and gaps around the frame

Air and sound may also leak through gaps around the frame, so sealing off this area is another “Must-do” step in the sound management process.

Caulking in a layer of Green-glue around the frame will effectively address this issue. A large caulking gun is needed, and applying to bead around the entire frame is recommended.

Once you have established an air-tight seal around the frame and there are no gaps around the frame itself, you can look at other areas to address.

If you are interested in simply changing to soundproof windows, you can see my blog on these windows. This would require you to replace your current windows completely.

The curtains too are designed to reduce not only the noise disturbances but also compliments your home decor. Besides soundproofing, these curtains also provide thermal insulation in some instances and maintain a cozy environment inside your home. The windows and curtains sometimes go as far as blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays along with the external din and noise.

Soundproofing curtains

These curtains can boast up to 20 STC ratings, about as much as a hollow-core door can produce by itself. However, this is only in the presence of an MLV or similar lining. Most curtains advertised as “Soundproof” curtains are merely light blocking, but they have limited effectiveness in blocking sound. Done right with the proper soundproof curtains will result in a noticeable difference in the amount of sound coming into an area. Even at a 10 STC rating, it will sound like half the noise as before.

Using soundproof curtains specifically designed to block out sound vibrations can be a useful option when you have mild sound issues. They can also use it in combination with your other efforts employed to enhance effectiveness.

You will need to install a curtain rail and aim for a 4″ overlapping width and height. You’ll also want to have the curtain hanging as flush to the wall as possible. This will avoid sound leaking out from behind the curtain.

Install a Phone Booth

The modular design ships flat and is easily assembled within one hour. These booths utilize an innovative locking wall assembly that requires minimal tools and creates a robust structure.

Whether you’re using an IP phone, cell phone, a favorite communication app, or need a quiet space to focus, Cubicall modern phone booths bring privacy and productivity back to the office or home.

Soundproofing your home

Ready to transform your living space into a sanctuary of peace and quiet? Dive into our essential guide to soundproofing your home! From selecting the right materials to easy DIY installation tips, we’ve got everything you need to block out unwanted noise and create the tranquil environment you’ve always dreamed of.

Find out more about soundproofing your home’s windows, doors, ceilings, and floors. Don’t let the buzz of the outside world disrupt your peace. Start your soundproofing journey today and enjoy the serene, noise-free home you deserve. Click here to unlock the secrets to a quieter home!

Conclusion

With home studies becoming a vital part of every other household, customers can lay their hands on different methods to enhance their experience. The price range is also such that it can cater to a broader section of consumers with an affordable alternative for everyone. So why waste your time when you could have the whole multiples escapade in your home itself!

Good luck and happy soundproofing!