External noise can get into your space in two ways. It can reach your ear through the air or it can also travel through solid objects like windows, walls, ceilings or floors. These solid objects will have to be made soundproof to make the sounds quieter and eliminate the noise.

The easiest way to start soundproofing your space is to install soundproof curtains on all the important windows and soundproof the necessary walls.

How do soundproof curtains work?

Soundproof curtains can capture and absorb a huge amount of incoming sound and reduce how much sound enters your space. Though not all sounds will magically disappear, quiet sounds will be basically filtered out and louder noises like that of traffic and dogs will still be audible but will be much quieter.

A soundproof curtain is different from a normal curtain and works in the following ways:

• Soundproof curtains are much bigger than normal curtains: Having a small area around the window uncovered will let a lot of sound through which is why soundproof curtains are huge. They have a drop length that can almost reach the floor, and a width far greater than the width of your windows which allows them to cover the maximum area around your window.

• Soundproof curtains are incredibly thick and dense: Soundproof curtains are thicker and denser, which mean the material can absorb more of sound energy, reducing the volume when it reaches your ears.

• Soundproof curtains tend to be rough, porous and have very deep pleating: Since sound waves bounce off flatter surfaces resulting in echoes, soundproof curtains are rough, porous and have very deep pleating so that they can dampen the sound effectively making it cohesive.

How do soundproof windows work?

Since residential windows may not block all sound, all the time, soundproofing them can block up to 90% to 95% of noise coming through windows. The sound stopping quality of windows is rated on a scale called the sound transmission class (STC), the higher this number, the more sound is inhibited by the window.

A soundproof window is different from a normal window and works in the following ways:

• Normal windows like the single pane and double pane windows have an average STC of 27 and 28 respectively, however soundproof windows have STC of at least 45 to 50 and can block 95% of noise.
• To increase the window’s STC rating, the window manufacturer must add mass (makes the glass thicker), add air space (increase the distance between window panes) and use laminated glass (a glass-plastic-glass sandwich that further reduces noise).
• Soundproof windows are inserts which can be installed behind your existing window which can add a few inches of the dead, sound-reducing air between the principal window and the new interior window.

How do soundproof walls work? 

Soundproof walls are made by adding soundproofing material to the existing wall which will then absorb the unwanted sounds, thus reducing noise and eliminate echo in the room. 

Here are some excellent ways to soundproof an existing wall:

• To soundproof plaster walls –
• Even though plaster walls are good sound stoppers, if they seem inefficient you can soundproof them by first, sealing any holes or gaps in them because those apertures will let the noise get in.
• Glue Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) to the wall.
• Build a layer of drywall around it and fill it with soundproofing materials.
• Replace plaster and install a soundproofing system if viable.

• To soundproof brick walls –
• Since brick is dense and can block out sound, sound waves tend to bounce off them and affect the noise inside the room.
• Use sound-absorbing materials like acoustic panels on the walls or cover them with acoustic tiles.
• Furnish the room with soft furnishings and carpet.
• Build a layer of drywall if necessary. 

Conclusion:

Soundproof curtains, windows and walls are excellent ways to soundproof your space. These can greatly reduce noise, eliminate echo and improve the audibility of sound in your room. Also, since they require minimal installation time and are easy DIY (do-it-yourself) stuff, you can easily soundproof your room in no time.

About Tranquil soundproofing solutions:

Tranquil APS is a fibreglass acoustical system that can be used as wall panels and has an excellent Noise Reduction Coefficient (0.8 to 1). Tranquil Ecocore Panels can be used as pinboards and can reduce noise effectively. Tranquil Ecowood is a quality wooden panel to be used on walls and has excellent echo and reverberation reducing effect.  Apart from the above Tranquil also provides blocks made of flexible mass vinyl for noise reduction.