Sound Deadening A Beginner's Guide to Noise Control

Excess noise can have significant impacts on our health and well-being. Prolonged exposure to loud noises increases stress levels and raises blood pressure. Over time, this constant exposure puts us at higher risk for heart disease and hearing loss. While occasional loud noises may startle us, constant unpleasant sounds like traffic, noisy appliances, or loud neighbors create an ever-presentlow-level stress that takes a toll.

Controlling noise allows us to relax and concentrate in our living and work spaces. Whether in our homes, offices, or vehicles, unwanted sound disrupts productivity and enjoyment. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends indoor noise levels stay below 35 decibels (dB) to prevent negative health issues.

Controlling these problematic sounds helps reduce stress, enables better focus, and creates more enjoyable living and working spaces! Good noise control is especially important for bedrooms, home offices, and classrooms where quiet is needed. The solution lies in properly installing Sound Deadening Materials.

Locating Noise Issues in Your Home or Vehicle

Accurately identifying the sources and locations of unwanted noise is crucial for effective sound deadening treatment. Use simple tests to pinpoint troublesome areas.

Tapping Test for Thin Walls/Floors/Ceilings

Gently tap walls, floors, ceilings with your knuckles or a rubber mallet while standing in adjoining rooms. Hollow or boomy sounds indicate weakness requiring deadening. Thin sheetrock or plywood transmits noise easily. Pay special attention to shared walls between units.

Decibel Meter App Test for Appliances

Use a free decibel meter phone app next to appliances like washing machines, dryers, dishwashers during and after use. Measurements above 50dB at a distance mean noise bleed requires reduction. Target readings below 35-45dB for nearby bedrooms or offices.

Vehicle Noise Localization

Inside a parked vehicle with windows up, have someone outside Rev the engine while you mover around with the meter. Record higher readings through doors, firewall, floorpans. The trunk/hatch may also fail to fully block audio. These are priority deadening areas.

Acoustically Test Problem Rooms

Clap your hands or play loudly recorded test tones in troublesome rooms while others listen in other areas. Audible sounds pinpoint transmission paths like plumbing/ductwork needing isolation. Louder responses need additional barriers.

With identifying tests, you can create a targeted treatment plan for the noisiest spots. Proper Soundproof Barriers installation requires knowing whether to address structure-borne or airborne noise transmission specifically. Don't forget lesser sources like ventilation openings.

Beginner Sound Deadening Projects

Simple soundproofing projects help newbies gain confidence and experience before tackling larger spaces. Here are some basic endeavors suitable for DIYers:

Soundproof a Home Office

Common issues are noise intrusion from the HVAC system, neighbors above/below and traffic/appliances. Install Green Glue or dynamat across wall studs, attic hatch, ductwork seams. Add weatherstripping around any plumbing penetrations.

Soundproof a Music Practice Room

Use Green Glue and clips to attach a second layer of drywall for walls shared with living areas. Caulk and weatherstrip the perimeter, especially around electrical boxes and windows. Loose-lay safe and flex mass loaded vinyl under carpeting.

Sound Deaden a Bedroom

Concentrate on the exterior wall with traffic noise. Remove baseboard, hang dynamat strips to wall studs floor-to-ceiling using construction adhesive. Reinstall trim once dry. Add acoustic sealant around windows, outlets too.

Soundproof a Car Trunk Area

Dynamat critical noise paths like the rear decklid seal, rear seat mounts and any exposed metal. Use closed-cell foam weatherstripping around the trunk opening. Mass loaded vinyl under carpeting helps block road sounds.

Installing Sound Deadening in Your Vehicle

Automobiles are some of the noisiest interior environments, making sound deadening critical. Here are the key steps:

Preparation

Thoroughly clean and de-grease surfaces using alcohol. Use a utility knife to cut deadening material 1/4 inch larger all around. Sand exposed sheet metal edges for adhesion.

Door Skins

Remove inner door panels. Cut strips 1/4 inch wider than frame openings. Adhere rigidly to inner skin away from moving parts like window tracks.

Trunk/Hatch Area

Remove trim. Apply full sheets overlapping seams using a squeegee. Strategically place additional layers at stiffening points.

Firewall/Floor Pans

These huge noise bleed areas require full coverage. Cut material into manageable pieces and squeegee into place. Overlap seams 50%.

Intricate Areas

Thin strips or squares precisely applied using an installation roller work best around complex curves and protrusions.

Allow to Cure

Give deadener 24 hours to fully bond before reinstalling interior trim panels. The adhesive takes time to achieve maximum effect.

Optional Enhancements

Adding plastic second skins or fillers like Dynamat Extreme or Noico Luxury Liner provides extra noise barrier.

Benefits of Professional Installation

While Thermal Sheet saves money, complex jobs may warrant a professional for optimal results:

Ensuring a Proper Installation

Pros have years of experience properly applying products which require technical knowledge, especially on large structural elements.

Warranty Protection

Certified installers stand behind their work, remedying defects to maintain sound ratings. DIY work lacks such guarantees.

Time and Effort Savings

For those will little free time, pros complete extensive sound deadening faster with the right tools and experience working quickly and efficiently.

Specialized Tools and Materials

Pro installers have access to commercial-grade products better suited for advanced needs, as well as large air compressors for spraying adhesives.

Engine Bay Soundproofing

Complex under-hood insulating requires removal and refitting of numerous components. Best left to mechanic-installers.

Whole Home Soundproofing

For treating an entire home, basement to attic, pros organize projects seamlessly with appropriate products per wall type.

Maintaining Resale Value

Professional certification and documentation appeals more to future buyers should you sell. Projects add quantifiable value.