The bliss of a quiet home is a treasure everyone should enjoy - but obtaining a peaceful state can be difficult when noisy neighbors are involved. Whether, it’s a loud party, barking that won’t stop, or the constant hammering of loud tools - here’s a look at 10 ways to block out disruptive noise.
Noise Machines
Sometimes stopping the noise isn’t an option. Covering the unpleasant sounds with something more enjoyable can be an effective solution though. If you’re trying to mask the sounds of a single room, using a simple sound machine could do the trick.
Get Planting
Plants are natural sound absorbers. While not as cheap as a sound machine, adding some foliage between you and the noise could make a drastic difference and spruce up your curb appeal at the same time. Due to their dynamic surface area, a plant with thick fleshy leaves and rough bark is best for the job.
Befriend Their Dog
Loveable as they are, everybody’s heard a loud barking dog that just won’t stop. When it happens to be coming from your next door, the repetitive sound can become intolerable. Giving them a toy is a simple and cheap way to help calm anxiety or boredom that may be causing the compulsive barking.
Invest in Noise Cancelling Headphones
Getting outside can still be an annoyance when surrounded by unwanted noise. Noise canceling headphones come in all sorts of varieties and prices. They’re particularly good at blocking sound waves of higher frequency and can be worn all around the house.
Wear Earplugs
A more discreet and budget-friendlier option would be investing in earplugs. Like the headphones, they can be used in and out of the house. Unlike the headphones, they tend to block out more waves than the cheaper headphones and are easily kept in a purse or pocket for immediate use.
Get Special Curtains
Covering your windows can make a big difference. Designed specially to muffle noise pollution, soundproof curtains minimizes the sound waves that pass through acoustically vulnerable windows making them a great way to achieve a quieter room.
Rework Your Insulation
The quality of your insulation plays a large role in how much sound is emitted into your house. Gaps and spaces in insulation transmit more sound - making your house louder. Insulting for sound could be a great option for you and might not be as tricky as you think.
Install a Fence
Keeping on the DIY track, fences are often put up for this exact reason. Fences can act as an acoustic barrier and block sound from transferring between properties. Masonry, wooden, and plant walls are all great options for this and are commonly used by businesses such as hotels and spas that need to maintain a serene atmosphere.
Acoustic Wall Paneling
Music enthusiasts are probably already familiar with how effective acoustic paneling can be in a room. For those looking to soundproof a specific area and aren’t concerned with the aesthetic change, this could be another way to go. Panels made from fabric, foam or boards can reduce sound absorbing, dampening or decoupling - depending on the soundproofing material you use.
Talk to Your City
When all else fails, contact your city. Your noisy neighbors may already be violating a policy. If they’re not, you can put pressure on the governing bodies in charge of noise pollution to adjust the rules. If the noise is loud and persistent there’s a good chance you’re not the only one being disturbed by it. Starting a petition can be a powerful support to your claim.
