Most people value peace and quiet, especially in their own home.
After all, tenants have a right to quiet enjoyment. And noisy neighbours are a big issue for homeowners across the country.
Living next to or near a busy road can disturb this…
So, when you’re inside your property, you may want to reduce any noise from the outside.
In this blog, we’ve explained how to reduce road noise in the house.
1. Soundproof your walls and ceilings
Soundproofing is one of the most effective ways to block out noise. You can do this on your property in several ways.
Acoustic panels
Acoustic panels can be aesthetically pleasing when visible in your living space.
Hiding them inside walls is more expensive but helpful if you want to keep your decor the same.
Basic foam acoustic panels can be bought online relatively cheaply.
Soundproof curtains
Soundproof curtains are another example. These are designed to absorb sound waves.
It can create an excellent acoustic environment inside your home.
Natural lighting from a skylight can allow you to compensate for the extra darkness that might come with the added silence.
2. Automatically closing doors and windows
Open doors and windows will inevitably increase the sound of a busy road.
You could thus buy ones that shut when left open. While these might not automatically lock, they can stop doors and windows from being ajar.
If you live in a listed period property, you should check that the doors and windows you choose meet the required appearance and dimensions.
3. Carpets and rugs
Carpets and rugs are beneficial for absorbing noise. Their fabric can reduce echoes and reverberation.
If you’ve got these in several rooms around the house, it can stop road noise from being too audible.
You can speak to specialists in this area, who can advise on the best materials for sound absorption.
4. Position furniture strategically
Furniture is another valuable tool to decrease the noise inside your house.
A bookcase is an excellent example, as not only do the shelves absorb sound but so do the books.
You could also position sofas in the centre of the house where there are several barriers between you and the outside noise.
This ensures that you can’t hear it as clearly.
5. Triple-glazing windows
Windows are one of the main points of entry for road noise.
So, the thicker the windows you install, the more likely road noise will be blocked out.
6. Insulation
You can install insulation in your walls, as well.
Not only does this keep you warmer, but it acts as another barrier that sound must travel through to reach you inside your home.
7. Seal up gaps
If you’ve got gaps around your doors or windows, noise will likely travel through there.
It often has a more noticeable effect because these things tend to be on the perimeter of your property, i.e., closer to the road. Sealing up gaps can solve this problem.
Look out for gaps beneath your doors and windows. You could get this permanently fixed by a carpenter or expert.
Or you could put in a temporary blocker, which blocks out outside noise. This usually keeps you warmer as well.
8. White noise
You can find specially made white noise machines that’ll help block your house’s external noise.
Other items, such as fans, can serve this purpose as well.
You may choose other methods, such as always playing background music or putting on the television or radio.
9. Fences and walls
Even when you reduce noise in your garden, the benefits can also be felt inside your house.
Putting up fences and walls around your property’s boundaries helps block noise from the surrounding roads.
When these are exceptionally tall, you’ll undoubtedly notice it while inside your property. Just make sure you have the permission to put up these things.
Speak to a landscaper
Objects outside your home can act as a natural barrier to road noise.
Trees and hedges are an excellent example. They can have the added benefit of improving your property’s curb appeal, too.
Evergreen trees with many branches and thick leaves are best for blocking sound.
And the closer this shrubbery is to the road, the better the noise protection will be.
A water feature, such as a fountain, is another possible solution. The background sound of the running water can block out the road noise when you’re outdoors.
