Hi everyone! We've found what seems to be our dream retirement home. The layout is fantastic, it has geothermal heating, and the views are stunning. The only issue is that it's located a few hundred feet from a busy road that sees a lot of traffic during rush hours. We're willing to invest in soundproofing the side of the house that faces the road since the purchase price is low. We're considering upgrading the windows and thickening the interior walls, as the exterior is brick. We'd have to create an interior frame and insulate it. What materials or methods would you recommend for maximum sound dampening? We're ready to spend a bit for the right solution. Thanks!
4 Answers
Consider using Rockwool Safe 'n' Sound if you’re adding insulation to the walls. Pairing that with acoustic sealant and another layer of drywall can significantly enhance sound dampening. Also, don’t underestimate heavy curtains or even landscaping—trees and shrubs can help, too, though they take time to grow!
Before you go for complete window replacement, think about installing interior storm windows. You can either buy kits or custom-cut them yourself. Going for thicker ones can give you a taste of how much noise reduction you would gain from a full window replacement, all for less cash. It might be a good starter solution!
When you do replace your windows, look for ones designed for noise reduction—like those used near airports with varying glass thickness. If your budget allows, triple-pane windows are even better for blocking out sound. Also, make sure to seal around your outlets and windows for added soundproofing. Rockwool works wonders for noise and can improve your energy efficiency, too!
If your yard allows, thinking about adding a tall fence along with some trees or bushes can help reduce noise from the road quite a bit. Just keep in mind, it takes a while for plants to mature.
Thanks! I appreciate the tip. The windows are pretty old, though, so they'll likely need replacing regardless.