Sound Strategies

Many remodeling projects focus on improving the energy efficiency of a home.  However, an often overlooked aspect of renovation is sound control.  All those hums, rumbles and rattles may seem a minor annoyance but you would be surprised at how much more enjoyable your home can be when all that extra noise is kept out.  Sound can travel through the air (like from your television) or through vibrations in the walls (like from rattling water pipes).  Each aspect of your renovation can be an opportunity to give you some added peace and quiet.

Doors and Windows:

• Install solid core interior doors along with weather stripping tape to close gaps
• Foam door sweeps can also be used on laundry or utility rooms
• Windows and exterior doors should have double or triple pane glass
• All gaps to the outside should be sealed with acoustic caulk

Appliances and Mechanical:

• Pay attention to the “sone” rating on your appliances.  The lower the number, the quieter and higher quality the unit.  The average refrigerator is 2 sones.
• HVAC ducting and water pipes can be covered with closed cell sound absorbing insulation.  This will also help with temperature retention.
• Where piping runs along or through wood studs make sure it is buffered with foam or silicone to stop vibrations.

Walls and Ceilings:

• Sound deadening drywall is a great solution to prevent sound transfer room to room as well as from outside the home.
• Sound deadening insulation can be installed in batts or sprayed in.  This could even be installed on interior walls if you need additional sound protection.
• Resilient channels are metal tracks that can be installed between drywall and framing.  They create an extra “dead space” to quiet through-the-wall noise

By employing these strategies in your next remodeling project you will end up sleeping like a dog (or cat).