Having good acoustic comfort at home
More than half of French people surveyed admit to being bothered by noise inside their own homes. Between the noise of cars, machines, and neighbors, noise pollution can really interfere with our daily lives. But how can we deal with this noise pollution? How can we reduce the stress caused by noise pollution and be more relaxed?
The various measures and types of noise that invade our daily lives
When you go to bed, it is not uncommon to be disturbed by various noises such as cars driving by, the washing machine starting up, or neighbors walking above you. It is important to identify the various sources of noise and measure the sound volume in order to enjoy better acoustic comfort. On a daily basis, there are three types of noise that can have a direct impact on our daily lives:
- Impact noises that spread through the structure of the house via vibrations. These can be movements of objects, something falling, or footsteps.
- Airborne noise that can enter your home through windows, vents, or doors. This can include noise from the television or road traffic.
- Noises from equipment such as elevators, pipes, boilers, etc.
What about the various sound measures?
The decibel is the unit of measurement for noise. If the noise is below 75 decibels, then the risk of hearing damage is lower. In fact, the limit for exposure to 75 dB is 8 hours per day, but if you exceed this limit, you will not necessarily become deaf. From 120 to 140 dB, the sensitivity threshold is reached and hearing problems may occur. Here is a classification of noises according to decibel level:
- Between 120 and 170 dB, noises are harmful and painful: this could be the sound of a plane taking off nearby, fireworks, or a rock concert.
- From 90 to 110 dB, noise is annoying and can cause hearing damage: this could be the noise from a nightclub, a lawnmower, or a movie theater.
- From 75 to 85 dB, the level is very loud. This refers to the noise of large trucks, hair dryers, and shouting.
- From 40 to 70 dB, the noise level is moderate: this could be the sound of conversation, rain, or household appliances.
- From 10 to 30 dB, the environment is quiet.
What are the effects of noise on our bodies and our health?
The primary impact of noise on our health relates mainly to our hearing. Sudden and prolonged exposure to noise levels exceeding 85 dB can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. But there are also indirect risks such as sleep disorders, migraines and headaches, lack of concentration, high blood pressure, and even stomach ulcers if exposure is too prolonged.
How can you improve the acoustic comfort of your home?
Combating noise in your home is quite difficult because noise travels through walls and partitions and, above all, seeps through any gaps in the insulation. It is therefore important to use a variety of devices to overcome poor soundproofing.
Install a false ceiling
Do you have a two-story house? Do you live in an apartment? Can you hear children playing loudly, jumping around, and conversations from above? These noises can be particularly stressful, especially when you come home from a hard day at work. Installing a false ceiling can reduce noise by around 25 decibels and improve acoustic comfort. Ask a professional to help you install a metal frame, combined with fibrous insulation and special plasterboard.
Replacing windows
If you want to combat noise effectively, you can invest in new windows. They will help you better combat external noise. For even better insulation, double glazing is recommended. Some manufacturers offer reinforced insulation glazing with laminated glass for sound and thermal insulation.
Knowing how to insulate walls
Do you want to insulate the existing walls of your home? The ideal solution is to opt for noise-reducing paint. This will reduce direct transmission, but only if you apply it over a soundproofing undercoat. You will gain between 3 and 15 dB. Thin acoustic panels are also a good option, as they are ready to install and suitable for internal partitions.
In the case of a shared wall, don't hesitate to use metal frame lining wrapped around mineral wool. You can gain up to 20 dB. Finally, one solution suggested by professional acousticians is to install insulation on a false wall.
Insulate the front door
If you live in an apartment and find the noise on the landing unbearable, you can decide to install a reinforced door or even a noise-reducing curtain, which is less restrictive. Then, for even better performance, don't hesitate to install seals around the door or pad your front door.
Opt for noise-reducing equipment
In new homes, reverberation problems are quite common. You can combat this issue by installing carpets on the floor, fabric stretched across the walls, or thick double curtains on the windows.
To reduce noise propagation on your floor, in addition to rugs, you can also install carpet or resilient underlayment under floating hardwood flooring. Don't hesitate to call in an acoustics expert to assess your new home!