Do your neighbours have small children that clatter and scream all day long? Are you constantly disturbed by beeping cars’ alarm systems, high traffic or aircraft noise? Or can you tell what game the guy upstairs is currently playing or the TV channel he’s watching? You’re not alone. Many people have this problem. It could be that your walls are too thin or simply that you lack some proper soundproof. Well, here’s the solution – sound isolation. The best thing is that you can do it yourself, using some foam or drywall.
Here renovators in Kentish Town are going to show you how to soundproof your rooms to chase your neighbours’ screaming away and keep outside noise, well, outside. Keep reading to find out what you should do.
How to Soundproof a Wall
Foam is great for helping cut down on the noise in the house. Here is how you can soundproof your walls using foam.
Thing you’ll need:
- Scissors;
- Staple;
- Measuring tape;
- Acoustic foam;
- Marker;
- Safety glasses;
- Step stool;
- Adhesive spray;
- Straight edge
Instructions:
But before you begin, make sure you check the wall. Fill cracks or any large holes using spray foam. The purpose of this is to block air travel.
Start by measuring the walls width and height using the measuring tape. The area you need to cover is calculated by multiplying the two numbers. Subtract the width and height of any bookshelf or window there is in the room. So now, take a piece of foam and hold it up against the wall all the way to the top. Check if there is something in the way, for example a window frame. If so, mark the top and bottom of the item that is in the way. To feel the item, push against the foam. Mark the foam and bring it down to the floor. To make fine, straight lines out of your marks, use a straight edge. Now cut the piece of foam you marked using the scissors.
Now that you’ve cut the pieces you don’t need, bring the piece of foam back on the wall, making sure it reaches the top of the wall. It should fit perfectly now. Either apply adhesive spray and stick the foam on the wall or staple the foam several times both on top and bottom.
When you’re done with the first piece of foam, make sure you attach the rest of the foam all the way down to the wall and start another row.
Repeat the steps for every wall until you cover all of them with soundproofing foam. Don’t forget to make sure all the pieces fit.
If you want to soundproof your windows without making any structural changes, I recommend you buy thermal curtains. They are sold at retail stores and online shops.
How to Soundproof A Ceiling
Here I’m going to show you the steps to installing drywall. (It may be a good idea to remove your furniture to keep it from becoming dusty or dirty. After the project is done, you’ll have to do some cleaning anyway.)
Things you’ll need:
- Drywall;
- Marker;
- T-brace;
- Nails/screws
Instructions:
Begin by checking the ceiling for any protruding pipes, ductwork, electrical wires, etc. Make sure you flatten the surface by adding furring strips.
Mark the studs and placement of electrical boxes and fixtures.
Raise a sheet of drywall and make it match the corner well. Spray with adhesive. Let dry. (It takes about 15 minutes or so). Use screws or nails to attach the drywall. You may need help from a friend or a T-brace when raising the sheet. Keep attaching sheets of drywall until you cover the ceiling.
Such a project creates lots of dust and dirt, so you may have to do some cleaning after you finish soundproofing your room. Make sure you clean each area well so that you can enjoy the results better.