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2torial #0435:
Learn2 Block Out Sounds in a Room
"All I want is some peace and quiet"
Maybe it's after midnight, and the young folks
are still hanging around in the den. On one hand,
you don't want to cramp their style, but on the
other hand you need your sleep. Or perhaps you're
just a light sleeper, and every time the heating
system kicks in it wakes you up. Heck, maybe you've
had a running battle with the neighbors upstairs
for as long as they've been having guests over at 2
a.m. What to do, what to do?
Sometimes the most effective way to combat noise
is to speak with the people who are causing it.
None of us are at our best at three in the morning,
so wait until the next evening to knock on the
neighbors door. Try bringing along a six pack of
beer or soda, and create a situation where no one
feels threatened. There's a good chance that a
person may not even realize how sound travels
through the walls, or floor. If a friendly chat
doesn't work...well, you can always scream at each
other later on.
But if negotiation is no longer an option,
consider some of these steps you can take to
minimize background noise in your home...or to keep
your own noise from intruding on other people's
environments.
 Insulate for acoustic
isolation
- Metal ducting for the heating and air
conditioning system will carry all kinds of
noise through the house. Insulating the ducting
with sheets of heat-safe materials will cut way
down on the "echo chamber" effect.
- Bare floors and stairs transmit much more
noise and vibration then carpeted areas.
Wall-to-wall (preferably with floor padding) is
the better insulator, but area rugs are better
than nothing.
- Acoustic ceiling tile is very effective,
both at reducing the overall noise level of a
room and in reducing noise from the room above.
If you're in a college dorm (or want to feel
like you are) thumbtack a tapestry up on the
ceiling to cut down on the industrial feel.
Outside noise can be reduced by replacing blinds
with heavy drapes or curtains. Lined curtains are
even better.
 Hush up individual items
- Appliances such as washers and dryers are
prime culprits for noise and vibration. Put a
section of carpeting under them to help things.
If you can move them into an enclosed space
(like a closet), with a door that can be shut,
your life will be much quieter.
- When a television or stereo speaker is
backed against an interior wall, it transmits
sound and vibration much more than if it's
backed against an exterior wall. Try hard not to
place these items against a wall that you share
with your neighbor (that way you can ask them to
do the same).
- Speakers that sit right on the floor will be
audible to anyone in the room underneath. Place
your speakers on stands or shelves, and put some
foam rubber under the speakers. If the look
doesn't appeal to you, buy some speaker
stands.
- Insulating the water heater will help
prevent you from hearing it start up every time
someone takes a shower.
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