Table of contents
CAN A ROOM BE SOUNDPROOFED?How to soundproof A room: the wallsInstall acoustic wall coveringsThe windowsLet your decor helpHow to soundproof a room: ceilingsWant to know the different options for how to soundproof a room? We explain them in this article!
Living in a block of flats usually means having to put up with noise that, beyond a certain level, can affect our peace and quiet, our sleep and even our mood. Whether it is noise creeping in from the street if we live in a very busy urban area, or noise coming through our walls from the neighbouring homes.
Most of the time, closing doors and windows is not enough. That is when soundproofing a space, which can be done simply, becomes the best option.
At Payresa we explain how to soundproof a room so that you can get back the peace and rest you need. If you are interested, read on!
CAN A ROOM BE SOUNDPROOFED?
Yes, a room can be soundproofed, although the result will depend on the type of noise and the level of insulation you are after. To reduce airborne sound (voices, traffic), the most effective approach is to reinforce walls, ceiling and floor with insulating materials such as mineral wool, acoustic boards or double partition systems. It is also key to seal gaps around doors and windows, as any opening lets noise through. For vibrations (footsteps, knocks), impact-reducing solutions such as floating floors are used. With good planning, it is possible to achieve a noticeable level of acoustic comfort.
How to soundproof A room: the walls
Install acoustic wall coverings
The most effective option for insulating a room is acoustic wall coverings, which stop outside noise from getting in or sounds generated in the room from passing through the walls and disturbing neighbours (for example, in a music studio).
There are different types of acoustic wall coverings, such as the ones we work with, which are very easy to install with no building work. The most common for insulation are:
- Gypsum fibreboard panels. Made from a mix of gypsum and cellulose, these boards offer high resistance to fire, impact and moisture, as well as being excellent sound insulators.
- Foam panels. They are easy to install (they usually come with their own adhesive). They are great acoustic and thermal insulators.
- Polyurethane panels. Light, affordable and very easy-to-fit panels. Polyurethane is one of the most powerful insulators.
The windows
If your windows are not soundproofed, at least make sure they have no gaps through which noise can get in. You can use sealant or specialist adhesives to seal them.
Fitting draught excluders will also help improve the seal and reduce the amount of noise getting in.
Let your decor help
If we want to find out how to soundproof a room, we should know that there are other, less effective alternatives that can also help. This is how decor can help us:
- Rugs. Laying rugs made of thick fabrics will absorb some of the sound so that it does not spread around the room or travel through the floor.
- Bookcases. Placing bookcases full of books against a wall creates a thick barrier that is hard for noise to get through.
- Curtains. Hanging curtains made of thick fabrics at the windows will also act as a screen and absorb noise coming from outside.
- Wood. Wood is an excellent sound insulator and will be a great help in soundproofing a room. From covering the walls with this material to adding wooden furniture that acts as insulation.
How to soundproof a room: ceilings
The ceiling is another point in a room through which a lot of noise gets in, such as the annoying footsteps of the upstairs neighbours or chairs and furniture being dragged. That is when we can opt for installing acoustic ceilings.
At Payresa we work with wooden ceilings, as they bring together all the right properties: from the great aesthetic appeal of the material to its warmth, durability and excellent thermal and acoustic insulation.
They also act as a fire protection system. Their high resistance, especially to mould and damp, makes them very easy to maintain.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to soundproof a room. If you want quality products and insulation, get in touch with us! We will be happy to advise you on whatever you need.