There’s pretty much nothing more irritating when it comes to trying to relax at home, than to have to concern yourself with issues relating to noise. Perhaps the friends you share a house with are becoming annoyed at the music you play; whether they consider it to be too loud or not to their taste, it can be hard to compromise on an acceptable level of noise. Or maybe you’re the one who prefers the peace and quiet, and are constantly having your sleep interrupted by noisy housemates coming home worse for wear at 3am. Alternatively, you might be the parent to a teenager who insists on playing the latest chart hits at full volume, regardless of what time of day or night it is, and you’re starting to despair. Before you opt for drastic action and take the scissors to the stereo wire, examine the alternatives and consider simply soundproofing the offending door instead. Tackle the Seal The first thing to look at is the seal around the door. You can have the fanciest, most expensive soundproofing equipment available, but if there are gaps around the door, it won’t do a thing. By installing an acoustic seal, which is easy to fit and fairly cost effective, you immediately eliminate any gaps around the door that noise can potentially escape through. A simple online search will produce numerous suppliers of acoustic seals, intended for both single and double doors. Cover the Door Secondly, you need to think about how thick the existing door is. If it’s fairly heavy set, you’ll probably find that you need less sound proofing than if it’s a more modern door with decorative insets. Start by filling in any cutouts or recesses with something cheap and cheerful, such as carpet underlay, tiles or even offcuts from the local carpet shop, and then layer foam, carpet or egg crates over the door itself. The egg crates are known to be particularly effective as they tend to absorb and dampen the sound in the offending room. Apply Professional Acoustic Materials If the idea of covering your door with egg cartons or old carpet fills you with horror, there is a more aesthetically pleasing option. Pyramid acoustic foam and foam tiles is the most effective way to eliminate excess noise, providing your budget allows for the extra cost. Easily cut with a sharp craft knife, and attached to the door with clear spray adhesive, this is the option if you’re serious about tackling the noise, and have a budget to match.
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Soundproofing, acoustic insulation, door soundproofing,
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