Do you live close to a busy street or in a busy neighborhood?
Is the noise from outside preventing you from relaxing and getting good sleep in your home?
If you are losing your mind and thinking of moving, just read this entire article before you do so.
You can try to soundproof your home first and see if that makes a difference.
If you’re wondering how to block outside noise or how to soundproof your house then this article will be of great help.
Today, we will be discussing the various ways and guiding you through the steps on how to soundproof a room from outside noise.
You will be surprised at just how simple and affordable it is to achieve a noise-free room within a short period.
How to soundproof a room from outside noise
Soundproofing a room from outside noise doesn’t have to cost much and can be done in a few simple steps.
To soundproof room from outside noise, follow these steps below:
Check the windows
Windows are one of the biggest culprits that allow sounds to come into your home.
Check to see if there’s a draft around the window frame.
if there is a draft, you will feel a slight breeze which means that noise comes in as well.
You can also check to see if any air is getting through the windows when they are closed.
You can move your hand around the perimeter of the window or you can use a candle to see if the flame flickers.
Just be extra careful if you do use the candle method.
The other test you can perform is to check to see if the glass is too thin to keep sounds out.
If that is the case then you may have to get new windows or double pane windows.
While it is best to get double-paned windows, it can be quite expensive so you can opt to install window inserts instead or other cheap alternatives.
Window inserts can be another layer of glass or transparent acrylic.
If you are working on a shoestring budget then you can seal gaps around the window with acoustic caulk.
Sashco Inc Lexel Adhesive Caulk
- Super flexible
- Adheres to almost any surface
- Long-lasting
The Sashco Inc. Lexel Adhesive caulk is super flexible with super adhesion and is even paintable.
It is very durable and will not crack, turn yellow or cloud over time.
This sealant adheres to multiple surfaces, including aluminum, brass, steel, copper, silver, ABS, Vinyl and many others.
- Lexel is the “duct tape” of all caulks, super-elastic, superior adhesion and paintable
- Lexel sealant is 19 times clearer than silicone and won’t yellow or cloud up over time
- Adheres to aluminu, brass, steel, copper, silver, ABS, vinyl, nylon, PVC, fiberglass, acrylic sheet,…
You can also use a close cell weatherstripping foam tape or make a soundproof window plug for a quick and simple fix.
CloudBuyer Store Weather Stripping
- 16 feet and 9mm thick
- Wide application
- Self-adhesive
CloudBuyer Store Weather Stripping can be used on all types of doors and windows to seal gaps around the window.
It can prevent wind, dust, noise, cold air from seeping in as well as protect windows and doors from wear and tear.
This weather stripping tape is waterproof, windproof and is very durable.
Installation is fairly easy since the tape is self-adhesive.
- 【Size】This weather stripping comes with 2 seals, total 16.5feet (2.5 meters x 2).Width: 9 mm,…
- 【How to Use】1. Apply to clean, dry surface.2. Peel protective backing from starting end of…
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If you have issues with your windows closing properly you can get rubber gaskets which are usually thin strips of self-adhesive rubber.
These allow windows to close tight enough to not let any air or noise in.
The last thing you can try is to hang some soundproof curtains since they are heavy and thick and can block out some sounds.
NICETOWN High-End Thermal Curtains
- Reduces noise up to 2x
- Blackout effect
- Triple weaved with thermal insulation
Nicetown curtains can reduce the level of noise coming into a room up to 2x higher than other curtains.
Aside from its noise-reducing properties, these curtains create a full blackout effect and also helps with insulation
Installing the curtains is easy thanks to the pre-installed grommets and maintenance is as easy as a gentle wash in the washer.
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Modify the walls
The walls also play a big part in allowing noise to come into the home.
Just like windows, they are cheap and expensive ways of soundproofing the walls.
How to keep sound out of a room with damaged or thin walls?
If you want fully soundproof walls then it would be best to tear the existing wall down and add some sound blockers.
This process can be time-consuming as well as expensive so unless you have the budget for this, you have to look at other ways.
Interior walls can develop cracks, holes and gaps over time which allows outside noise to get in easily.
One easy fix is sealing those gaps and cracks with caulk sealant.
You will find that some walls are thin which makes them transmit outside noise easier so adding mass to the wall can help you stop outside noise from coming in.
Drywall is a panel made out of sound-absorbing material and can be used in interior walls or ceilings.
All you do is add an extra layer of the drywall panels to enjoy their soundproofing properties.
However, adding a double layer of drywall will further reduce the amount of noise coming in.
You can also add MLV to the walls as well.
TMS SoundProofing Padding for Wall
- Standalone STC rating of 27
- Professional grade vinyl sheet
- Easy installation
This TMS Mass Loaded Vinyl has a standalone STC rating of 27.
This means that it can effectively block out noise on its own and will increase the STC rating when used on any surface including walls and floors.
These professional-grade vinyl sheets will withstand the test of time due to their high-quality extruded virgin material.
TMS MLV is safe to use in the home and easy to install.
- Made in the USA – High Quality!
- Perfect for Automobiles, Condos, Apartments, Studios, Classrooms, Medical Facilities and more
- 1 pound per square foot density.
If installing drywall or MLV is way out of your budget then you can try hanging some heavy quilts, soundproof blankets and wall decorations to the affected wall.
They may not be as effective as drywall but you will be sure to notice a difference in the amount of sound coming in.
Audimute Sound Absorption Sheet
- 0.85 NRC Rating
- Grommets for an easier install
- Blend of recycled cotton and cellulose fibers
Audimute soundproof blanket has an NRC rating of 0.85 that is effective for sound absorption.
It is made from eco-friendly materials including a blend of recycled cotton and cellulose fibers.
The Audimute soundproof blanket is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic and does not contain fiberglass which means it is safe to use around humans and animals.
- Purchase more than 1 for Free Shipping.
- Measures 96″ x 48″ (8′ x 4′), contains (3) metal grommets on the top for easy hanging, and includes…
- Effective for sound absorption (0.85 NRC Rating), NOT for blocking sound.
If the look of a soundproof blanket on the wall turns you off then you can choose some acoustic foam.
They may not block sound fully but they can absorb some of the sound coming in from outside.
You can also try to move some furniture around in the room since the basic idea is to create a barrier between the room and the source of the noise.
Soundproof the door
Most interior doors now are usually hollow on the inside which means that they do not block sounds as much.
If you find that there is a large amount of sound from outside getting into the room then the door is probably the reason.
You can get a new door with a solid core and have that put in place.
However, replacing the door can be expensive and you will also have to find a professional to get it fitted which will incur additional costs.
A cheaper way to soundproof your existing door is to use a soundproof blanket.
Soundproof Blankets are usually thick and have many layers that help to block out outside noise.
You can simply hang the soundproof blanket at the back of the door and secure it in place with tacks or adhesive.
Another reason doors allow noise to come into the room is because of the gap at the bottom of the door when the door is closed.
You can use a door sweep to block this gap left between the door and the floor.
Suptikes Door Draft Stopper Under Door Seal for Exterior/Interior Doors
- Protects against noise, draft, odors
- Works for 1 inch or smaller gaps
- Easy to install
Suptikes Door Draft Stopper can block gaps measuring 1 inch or smaller.
It offers multiple protection and can protect against noise, dust odors and a whole lot more by blocking off the gap between the door and the floor.
This door sweep can work on both interior and exterior doors.
It can adhere to wood, glass, metal, plastic and more due to its strong self-adhesive surface on the back.
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Alternatively, you can use some weather stripping at the bottom as well.
Other areas where sounds can come into the room are through any gaps and cracks around the perimeter of the door and door frame.
Use either weatherstripping tape or acoustic sealant to seal these gaps and cracks.
Work on the air vents
Noise from outside can also come in through air vents.
Air vents are basically large holes in the wall that allow fresh air to come in freely which means noise comes in as well.
If you find that you don’t necessarily need your air vents then you can block them entirely using filler spray.
In some instances, you should not block air vents if you wish to have access to some fresh air or if they help with the way air flows through your home.
If that is the case, then you will need to soundproof the air vents instead.
You can create a sound maze or a honeycomb-like structure in the vent the trap sounds.
Both these structures can reduce noise and maintain airflow at the same time.
Insulate the ceiling and floors
Soundproofing the ceiling and the floor may not be necessary in order to get rid of outside noise.
If you are living in a house then your upstairs and downstairs neighbors are probably family members or roommates.
However, if you live in an apartment building you will definitely need to soundproof both the ceiling and floor.
This is because the noise from upstairs can be quite annoying, especially impact noise.
To soundproof your ceiling you can choose from several options.
The first option includes a drop ceiling to keep sound out of the room.
If you do go with a drop ceiling you can also choose some acoustic hangers as well to further block out sounds.
This is because acoustic hangers reduce the noise from vibrations in the suspended ceiling.
The other option involves placing acoustic panels on the ceiling as well to keep noise out of the room.
Siless Store 12 Pack Acoustic Panels
- Absorbs low, mid and high-frequency sounds
- Affordable
- Durable
Siless acoustic panels are affordable and offer a cheap alternative to soundproof your ceilings and walls through sound absorption.
They can absorb low, mid and high frequency sounds to reduce the level of noise that reaches you.
These acoustic panes are made from flexible professional-grade acoustic foam that is consistent in density and firmness.
Siless acoustic foam panels are easy to install and will adhere to most surfaces using adhesive spray or double-sided tape.
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Moving on to the floors you can use thick fluffy carpets and rubber mats to reduce noise.
This also helps you from disturbing your neighbor downstairs from noises that may filter down from you upstairs.
RUGPADUSA Protective Cushioning Rug Pad
- Ultra-plush
- extra thick
- 100% felt
RUGPADUSA rug pad features an ultra-plush feel thanks to its extra thick cushion.
The extra thick cushion allows the rug pad to absorb sounds effectively and also insulates the floor as well.
This rug pad is made from 100% felt to make it heavier and denser than other rug pads out there.
Not only can the rug pad absorb sound but it can also protect floors from damage and prevent rugs from sliding around.
- NOT NON-SLIP – This pad is meant for use with rugs anchored by furniture or heavy rugs that stay in…
- ULTRA PLUSH FEEL – Add extra thick cushion and floor protection under your rugs with a 100% felt…
- DENSE FIBER PAD – Pad contains 40oz of felt per square yard. Thickness is approximately 1/2″…
Tackle the outside
There are a few changes you can probably make to the outside of your home to reduce the amount of reaching you.
You can make changes in your yard if you have one.
While it may not do much, you can transplant some tall and bushy plants or trees close to the windows.
This will not prevent the sound from reaching you but it may soften loud and harsh sounds as they pass through the foliage.
The other option is to build a tall fence which is a bit more efficient especially if your house is in line or lower than your existing fence.
If you are going to be building a fence or fixing your fence, try to build a thick fence so that it can absorb some of the impacts of deeper bass sounds.
You can also add MLV to the fence so that it can be twice as effective at blocking out sounds.
Other options include putting in a small waterfall so the sound of water will kill other sounds or at least make them quieter.
Other Options
Read this how to soundproof a room article for more tips and tricks.
There is no doubt that soundproofing is a great option but one of the best ways of keeping outside noise out is tackling the source of the sound.
Before opting to soundproof a room from outside noise, determine where and what is the source of the noise and whether you can deal with it or not.
Let’s say your neighbor’s dog is too loud or they play loud music, you can probably try talking to them to see if you can solve the issue before investing in soundproofing products.
If not read this how to block noise from next door neighbors post.