How To Create A Home Oasis When You Live In A Loud Area
Nothing beats closing the door behind you after a loud day in the office and relaxing into the settling silence of home. This space should be your oasis, providing a much-needed escape every time you return. Unfortunately, this peaceful approach to home can also feel like a pipe dream for some people.
After all, if you live near a road, industrial estate, or busy city center, the sound levels inside your home probably aren’t much better than those outside of it. And, that constant sound exposure can quickly turn your dream home into an ill-suited space that doesn’t feel relaxing at all.
This is an obvious problem, but you’ll be pleased to hear that it’s one you can address. In fact, there’s no reason why you can’t create a calming home oasis regardless of external noise levels if you simply follow these top tips.
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# 1 – Sound-Proof With Window Replacements
Sound often leaks into your home via your windows. These are thinner than your walls, after all, and old windows containing gaps, sealant issues, or generally thin panes will let enough noise in to keep you awake at night. They certainly won’t buy you the peace you need to relax.
Hence, window repair or replacement is undeniably the first step you should take when soundproofing your property. This simple step can see professionals sealing any sound-leaking gaps, and installing generally thicker double-glazed panes that can make a huge difference to how peaceful your home feels. If you were dealing with old, worn-down windows before, you should find that this simple switch results in sound level reductions of up to 50%.
# 2 – Cover Gaps and Cracks
Windows aren’t the only places where noise gets in. Large gaps and cracks elsewhere can also let a surprising amount of sound in. Look out for large gaps under your external doors, wall cracks, and even gaps around your electrical sockets.
If under-door gaps are a problem, you could invest in a draught excluder that will also serve to block out some sound, or seek customized replacements to ensure doors that fit flusher to your doorframes. As for any pesky cracks and gaps, the use of acoustic sealant can go a long way towards reducing sound leakage, while also insulating and strengthening your home in general.
# 3 – Install Soundproofing Additions
If you’re still dealing with high sound levels despite following this advice, then you might want to look into installing some soundproofing additions. Rather than simply addressing problems in the home, these extras aim to directly soundproof key rooms.
Options here could include acoustic wallpaper. While this isn’t going to block out every passing noise, it can make some difference in areas where you want particular quiet, such as your bedrooms. Acoustic panels, which can prove both decorative and effective for noise reduction, are also incredibly effective.
Noise is not what you want when you arrive home each day. Ensure a peaceful home regardless of your surroundings using these top tips.
