Hey everyone, I have a bit of a strange question but I could really use your advice. We live in a raised ranch that was built in the 70s, and it's pretty hollow-sounding inside. My brother plays video games with his friends, and my sister tends to talk on the phone or sing late at night. It's so bad that I can hear their entire conversations as if they're right in front of me! Plus, there's this vent-like thing between my room and my sister's room that's just a hole covered by a grate, which isn't even connected to any ventilation system. All of our bedrooms are together in a T-shape setup, and there's a gap of about two inches at the bottom of all the doors. We're looking for ways to make the house a little quieter; it's not crazy loud, just normal conversation levels, but the walls feel super thin. Any tips or ideas would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
You’ve got a few options to help with that. Tapestries, rugs, and acoustic panels can really absorb sound, plus using textured spackle on the ceilings and walls might help too. Don’t forget door sweeps to cover those gaps under the doors. The vent situation helps with air circulation, but you could cover it while looking into other ways to keep the air fresh. Just mix and match a few of these ideas—the more, the better! Good luck!
An acoustics tip: hard surfaces reflect sound while softer ones absorb it. Consider switching to carpets or large area rugs instead of hard floors. Heavy drapes can also work wonders, just like in movie theaters. Little changes can make a big difference!
Honestly, soundproofing can get pretty pricey after the house is built. Have you thought about a white noise machine? It might not block the noise completely, but it can help mask it, making things feel quieter at night.