Living next to an airport can have both benefits and challenges. While living close to an airport means easy travel, it also means lots of noise when at home. Although not all noise can be reduced, there are some methods that can potentially help.
Reducing noise in a home that is next to an airport can require some remodeling. This remodeling includes replacing windows, getting more insulation, soundproofing, replacing doors, and sealing holes. The other way to reduce noise is by adding furniture and décor to the room to absorb sound waves.
The following are tips and tricks on how to best reduce noise in a home that is next to an airport. These tips and tricks will include remodeling the home, decorating and furnishing the household, and gaining some self-improving habits around the home.
Remodeling the Home
There are multiple ways to soundproof a home through remodeling. Remodeling sounds like a big project and a costly one too, but there are easy and cost-effective ways to remodel and soundproof a home. The goal is to make sure there is as little noise as possible. Unfortunately, not all noise can be eliminated, but it can be significantly reduced if the proper steps are taken.
Replace Windows
The first thing that a homeowner near an airport will want to look into is replacing the windows. Quality windows can significantly reduce noise and make a home very quiet.
When looking at and purchasing windows, be sure to get noise-reduction windows. Noise-reduction windows will typically not vibrate as much as a standard window and will also be made of thicker glass than a standard window.
Some noise-reduction windows will even have multiple layers of glass. Noise-reduction windows can make all the difference in the world when it comes to soundproofing a home.
Not only will noise reduction windows help a home stay quieter, but they will also provide more insulation to the home, allowing the temperatures to be more regulated. Overall, replacing the windows has multiple benefits.
Replace Doors
Doors can also play a part in whether a home is quiet or not. The best doors to soundproof a home are double-paned glass doors or full wooden doors. If it is an older home, the chances of the doors being made of double-paned glass or full wood are slim.
Double-paned glass doors are very similar to noise-reduction windows. The double-paned glass will allow more soundproofing and will protect the door when opening and closing. If there is an outer glass door to the main door, consider still doing a double-paned glass door for extra soundproofing.
If glass doors are not the right thing for the home or are not enough, consider going with full wooden doors or adding a full wooden door in addition to the outer glass door.
Most older homes will have hollow wooden doors that allow sound to travel right through them. When looking into wooden doors, make sure they are not hollow. Just be prepared for a hefty price tag when purchasing full wooden doors.
Insulating Walls
This is a last resort kind of option and one that most people will not want to go with. Insulation within a home is incredibly important, but replacing insulation can be a big process. Replacing insulation or putting more insulation within the home will require new drywall, patching, painting, and sometimes even more.
If new insulation is needed in the home, contact professionals located near the home to get a quote and talk about the options that are best for reducing noise. There is specific insulation for soundproofing, but that can get pricey. Long term this will be the best option, but this is another option that can hurt the bank account.
Acoustic Wall Paneling
Acoustic wall paneling will be the cheapest option if there are only specific rooms that need to be soundproofed. Acoustic wall paneling is meant to soundproof specific walls or entire rooms to help reduce outside noise and prevent sound waves from bouncing between walls within the room.
This paneling does work incredibly well but is not always the best looking. There are companies that sell acoustic wall paneling that can be custom-made to a certain style or that is more esthetically pleasing, but this will cost a lot more money. If cheap, easy, and effective is what you’re looking for, you can find acoustic wall paneling on Amazon.
Seal Cracks
If none of the other options are working or are too expensive, there is one more option. Sealing cracks within the home can help reduce noise, but it will not be that significant.
Sealing cracks in windows, doors, and around outside walls can help reduce noise and even help regulate temperatures within the home. The best way to seal these cracks is by purchasing Caulk which can be found on Amazon or at a local hardware store.
Furnishing and Decorating the Home
This may sound a little strange, but how the home is decorated and furnished will play a part in noise reduction. A lot of new homes are shying away from having carpets in common areas, but this can be a problem when it comes to noise.
Rugs
If the home has a hard floor of some sort, make sure to put rugs down to help reduce noise. In large rooms, especially with vaulted ceilings, sound waves bounce off the walls and floor creating an echo and excessive noise. Putting rugs in a room with hard flooring can reduce noise a significant amount as sound waves will get absorbed into the fabric.
Furniture
Furniture also plays a part in helping to reduce noise. The more furniture there is, the fewer places the sound waves have to bounce off of. Make sure every room is comfortably furnished to help reduce noise.
Décor
Another decorating tip for helping to reduce noise is adding blankets, pillows, and décor to the home. This will help sound waves be absorbed and not bounce off objects.
Self-improving Habits
When trying to figure out how to adapt to noise, it can sometimes start with the mindset. It’s human nature to be bothered by loud noises, especially when trying to relax in the comfort of a home. If all else fails, focus on trying to change your mindset and adapt to the noise.
The best way to improve your mindset and adapt to the noise is by listening to things you enjoy. This can be music, a favorite movie or TV show, a podcast, or anything that the mind is already used to and enjoys.
Playing music around the home, especially during the busy hours of the airport, can make all the difference in helping switch your mindset and focus on more pleasant sounds.
