How to Reduce Indoor Noise on a Busy Street?

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How to Reduce Indoor Noise on a Busy Street

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Nearly all of us can agree that we suffer some sort of noise when it comes to busy streets. Even if the volume is not loud, just the constant chatter of talking, cars passing by, and even construction will drive anyone crazy. So, how can we reduce such noises?

Sealing any gaps in door frames and window seals is the primary method for reducing noise. Other methods include using soundproof curtains and drapes, using indoor foliage to absorb noise, or foam walls. Many other methods will be personal preference and based on the situation.

Some of these methods may be common knowledge while others are not. Let’s explore, in detail, the methods used to reduce noise from a busy street and also give examples of scenarios and what method might be best employed. Make sure to keep reading to find out more about reducing noise!

Sealing Gaps

The first thing that anyone should consider when trying to reduce any outside noise is to seal up any possible gaps in door frames, window seals, and anything else that may be exposed to the outside elements.

This is also known as weatherproofing, meaning, that not only are we helping our household negate noises from the outside, but also any other weather elements.

Weatherproofing allows your home to be cooler in the summer while keeping the cold out during the winter. Sealing these gaps is excellent for serving the two purposes just mentioned.

For products that can do the job, I would recommend the GE Sealants & Adhesives GE5000 Advance Silicone 2. It does its intended duty, to seal both windows and doors.

The overall rating for this product is 4.6/5 stars, therefore making it highly satisfied among most of its users. Plus, it is cheap just below the $10 range at $9.65.

Noise Absorption Method

What we mean for this section is to use anything that could absorb the noise if noise is to enter the home. Granted, we can’t eliminate the entirety of outside noises, but we can reduce it through the use of objects large enough to “block” the noise from entering further into the home.

For example, the use of heavy curtains or drapes is perhaps the best method since they cover a large area and in that, they are usually attached to the windows. The same windows that one may have weatherproofed.

Another is using plants. You may think this is a weird idea, however, if the plant is fuller and denser, it can reduce the noise to nearly 50%. Since they are still plants, they will leak in noises regardless, but we are wanting to reduce it, and that is its purpose.

Lastly, we can use foam walls throughout our home. I personally have experience with foam walls, well my father does. He is experienced in being in bands and has used foam walls throughout the home to prevent the noise from going out.

This same concept is applicable for noise coming in. Foam is an excellent tool for absorbing incoming and outgoing noise, isolating it away or within its area.

How to Reduce Indoor Noise on a Busy Street

For curtains, I would suggest the NICETOWN Full Shade Curtain Panels. These are purposely made for blocking out the light and the sound. It is highly rated with an overall score of 4.8/5 stars, and 87% of the users give it a 5 star.

Plants can be organic or artificial, it doesn’t really matter. I personally enjoy artificial plants more in that I do not have to maintain them, and they look beautiful to display. For artificial plants, I suggest any plant that is tall and wide like the Nearly Natural 5208 Ficus Artificial Tree.

It scales to 5 feet and is a perfect decor while also assisting in the reduction of noise. Scoring continues to be acceptable with an overall score of 4.5/5 stars out of 14,191 reviewers.

Finally, any foam wall product will do. It will be based on how much space you would like to use. Products like the Donner 50-Pack Acoustic Panels will do fine in covering space for a time.

Scenarios and Methods

How to Reduce Indoor Noise on a Busy Street

Though we are talking about how to reduce indoor noise on a busy street, the real question is, how busy is the street? Is it to the level of a college town? In the heart of a large city? Small neighborhood but with constant construction surrounding it? It can be many.

Here, we will share brief scenarios and get an idea of what method or combination of methods might be best.

For a semi-quiet environment, one that is not loud, but present enough to disturb you, consider focusing on weatherproofing before anything else.

If there is sound coming into an undesirable state for you, you may consider using either curtains or plants if you do not prefer a dark home. In a mild environment such as a college town, include sealing the gaps, while employing your curtain or drapes.

You may want to try out masking out undesirable noises. For example, I use a fan on settings low enough to drown out unnecessary revving of engines outside.

Lastly, for heavy hitters such as nearby construction or even trains passing by, consider using a heavy amount of foam walls alongside weatherproofing.

Despite the scenarios and methods, personal preference will continue to dominate in how one wants to go about it. As mentioned, some may not like a darker home environment so the use of curtains and drapes may not be an option.

Others may prefer having organic or artificial plants surrounding their home with curtains or drapes that aren’t as heavy in thickness and may want a balance between light and dark. Either way, whatever the preferences are, you are reducing the noise little by little, which is the goal.

Hopefully, this article has helped you get an idea of what you can do to reduce the incoming noise on a busy street, and what options may be best in some situations. Always find a method that is good for you and according to your personal preferences!

About the author

Over the years, I’ve learned much about soundproofing, including from soundproofing professionals. I’ve learned how to soundproof the home so my family can enjoy a calm environment after work or on weekends. I started this blog to share all the tips I’ve learned on my journey to soundproofing my home.

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