Modern architecture is convincing with open, large, and bright rooms. The problem: Noise can spread here without restriction. This creates a constant noise level, which hurts well-being in your own home and your ability to concentrate at work. A soundproof room ensures more peace because indoor and outdoor noise is reduced to a minimum. Here we explain how to make your room soundproof.
How does sound propagate?
Booming traffic noise, boisterous conversations or soft piano music: tones, sounds and noises determine everyday life. Anything that can be heard by the human ear is called sound. So the sound is not automatically noise, because it does not always have to be perceived as disturbing.
Every noise emits sound waves that hit various objects (e.g. wall, window, furniture) in an enclosed space. These solid objects are made to vibrate by sound waves. Depending on the nature of the surface, the sound is reflected or absorbed. So it either spreads out in all directions or is swallowed up by the solid objects.
What is a soundproof room?
Sound reflects most strongly from large windows, furniture, and smooth surfaces such as walls and floors. These are referred to as reverberant surfaces. On the other hand, soft objects, such as sofas and carpets, absorb sound waves.
- In the ideal case, a soundproof room, therefore, has no reverberant surfaces.
- Such a room reduces reverberation and thus reduces the noise level.
- It also shields noise from the outside and prevents outside noise from getting inside.
Sound insulation for the wall
Noise can primarily penetrate inwards or outwards through the walls. There are various options for soundproofing that can be easily mounted on the wall. These are sound-absorbing and a visual eye-catcher at the same time. Therefore, they have a doubly positive effect on the indoor climate.
An acoustic curtain can be used in rooms with many windows and large window fronts. Special materials cover reverberant surfaces so that sound can no longer spread unrestrictedly in the room. Fix holes or cracks in your walls.
Acoustic curtains improve the room acoustics and the room climate. They also protect from light and privacy at the same time. The alternative to curtains and wall panels are acoustic panels that are attached to the wall.
Sound insulation for the ceiling
If the noise comes from above, you can take soundproofing measures from below. In this way, you not only ensure more peace in your room but also protect the upper floor from the noises that you make yourself.
There are two methods of soundproofing the ceiling. On the one hand, the ceiling can be suspended. Sound-insulating gypsum plasterboards are attached to the substructure of the actual ceiling. On the other hand, an acoustic ceiling or a ceiling sail can be attached.
The sound-absorbing ceiling external cladding improves the room acoustics significantly and, in contrast to large panels, can only be fitted at certain points.
Soundproof doors and windows
Probably the biggest challenge when it comes to soundproofing rooms lies in the windows and doors. These two components vibrate easily and reflect a lot of sound as a result. Soundproof windows and solid doors are recommended. However, suitable soundproofing can also be provided later.
A soundproof room needs perfectly airtight double glazed windows and sealed doors. Because sound can get in and out through air gaps, you should seal all joints and gaps well. Door insulation sets that can be attached to the door frame are worthwhile for doors. Acoustic curtains or long-lasting foam seals are worthwhile for windows.
Soundproof rooms
Another way to make the room soundproof is the so-called room-in-room construction. For this purpose, a second small room is built into the original room without the two being structurally connected. By separating the two rooms, there are no sound bridges through which the sound can escape.
The room-in-room system aims to remove as many sound bridges as possible. Again, the acoustic curtain is worth it: it's a simple way to create a second room.
Noisy neighbours - tips for the noisy apartment
A soundproof room is recommended if you would like to make unrestricted noise yourself. However, it is also worthwhile to reduce unpleasant noises from the neighbouring apartment. To avoid disputes with the neighbourhood, the following tips can help with poorly soundproofed apartments.
That's why it's worth having a soundproof house that reduces reverberation and blocks outside noise. In this way you create peace and your neighbours will also thank you.
