Block Out Sounds in a Room
Maybe it's after midnight, and the young folks are still hanging around in the den. On one hand, you don't want to cramp their style, but on the other hand you need your sleep. Or perhaps you're just a light sleeper, and every time the heating system kicks in it wakes you up. Heck, maybe you've had a running battle with the neighbors upstairs for as long as they've been having guests over at 2 a.m. What to do, what to do? Sometimes the most effective way to combat noise is to speak with the people who are causing it. None of us are at our best at three in the morning, so wait until the next evening to knock on the neighbors door. Try bringing along a six pack of beer or soda, and create a situation where no one feels threatened. There's a good chance that a person may not even realize how sound travels through the walls, or floor. If a friendly chat doesn't work...well, you can always scream at each other later on. But if
negotiation is no longer an option, consider some of
these steps you can take to minimize background noise in
your home...or to keep your own noise from intruding on
other people's environments.
Metal ducting for the heating and air conditioning system will carry all kinds of noise through the house. Insulating the ducting with sheets of heat-safe materials will cut way down on the "echo chamber" effect. Bare floors and stairs transmit much more noise and vibration then carpeted areas. Wall-to-wall (preferably with floor padding) is the better insulator, but area rugs are better than nothing. Acoustic ceiling tile is very effective, both at reducing the overall noise level of a room and in reducing noise from the room above. If you're in a college dorm (or want to feel like you are) thumbtack a tapestry up on the ceiling to cut down on the industrial feel. Outside noise can be reduced by replacing blinds with heavy drapes or curtains. Lined curtains are even better.
Appliances such as washers and dryers are prime culprits for noise and vibration. Put a section of carpeting under them to help things. If you can move them into an enclosed space (like a closet), with a door that can be shut, your life will be much quieter. When a television or stereo speaker is backed against an interior wall, it transmits sound and vibration much more than if it's backed against an exterior wall. Try hard not to place these items against a wall that you share with your neighbor (that way you can ask them to do the same).
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