Getting Good Acoustic Comfort at Home

Over half of the French people we asked admitted that noise bothers them right inside their own homes. From cars and machines to noisy neighbors, sound pollution can really sneak into our daily lives. So, how do we tackle all this noise? How can we lower the stress it causes and feel more peaceful?

The different ways to measure and types of noise that fill our daily lives

When you're trying to sleep, it's pretty common to get annoyed by all sorts of noises, like cars driving past, the washing machine starting up, or even your upstairs neighbors walking around. It's really important to figure out where these sounds are coming from and how loud they are so you can get better acoustic comfort. Day-to-day, there are 3 main types of noise that can really affect us:

- Impact noises, which travel through your home's structure as vibrations. Think things like objects moving, something dropping, or even footsteps;

- Airborne noises, which can sneak into your home through windows, vents, or doors. These might be sounds from the TV or traffic outside;

- Equipment noises, like from elevators, pipes, or boilers, you know, those kinds of things...

So, what about all those sound measurements?

The decibel is how we measure noise. If the noise is under 75 decibels, there's less risk of hearing damage. By the way, you can be exposed to 75 dB for up to 8 hours a day, but if you go over that, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll go deaf. Between 120 and 140 dB, that's the limit for sensitivity, and you might start noticing hearing problems. Here's a breakdown of noise levels by decibel:

- 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, the noise is annoying and can lead to hearing damage: think nightclubs, lawnmowers, or movie theaters;

- From 75 to 85 dB, the level is really loud. We're talking about big trucks, hair dryers, or shouting;

- From 40 to 70 dB, the noise level is moderate: this could be a conversation, rain, or household appliances;

- From 10 to 30 dB, the environment is quiet.

How does noise affect our bodies and health?

The main way noise affects our health is through our hearing. Sudden and long-term exposure to sound levels above 85 dB can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. But there are also indirect risks like sleep problems, migraines and headaches, difficulty concentrating, high blood pressure, and even stomach ulcers if the exposure is too prolonged.

So, how can you make your home more acoustically comfortable?

Dealing with noise in your home can be pretty tough because sound travels through walls and surfaces, and most importantly, it sneaks into every little gap or flaw in your home's sealing. So, it's really important to use lots of different solutions to tackle poor soundproofing.

Install a False Ceiling

Got a multi-story house? Living in an apartment? Can you hear kids messing around, jumping everywhere, and conversations from upstairs? These noises can be super stressful, especially after a tiring day at work. Installing a false ceiling can reduce noise by about 25 decibels and give you better acoustic comfort. Ask a professional to help you install a metal frame, combined with fibrous insulation and special plasterboards.

Replacing Your Windows

If you really want to fight noise effectively, you could invest in new windows. They'll help you better block out outside noises. For even better insulation, double glazing is recommended. Some manufacturers even offer reinforced insulation glazing with laminated glass for both sound and thermal insulation.

How to Insulate Your Walls

Want to insulate the existing walls in your house? The best bet is to go for anti-noise paint. It'll help reduce direct sound transmission, but only if you apply it over a soundproofing undercoat. You could gain 3 to 15 dB. Thin acoustic panels are also a good option because they're ready to install and perfect for internal partitions.

If you have a party wall, definitely consider using a lining on a metal frame, wrapped around mineral wool. You could gain up to 20 dB. Finally, a solution suggested by a professional acoustician is to install insulation on a counter-partition.

Insulating Your Front Door

If you live in an apartment and the hallway noises are driving you crazy, you could decide to install an armored door or even a less restrictive anti-noise curtain. And for even better performance, don't hesitate to install seals all around the door or pad your front door.

Choosing Equipment to Fight Noise

In new homes, reverberation problems are pretty common. You can tackle this issue by putting rugs on the floor, stretched fabric on the walls, or even thick double curtains on your windows.

To cut down on noise spreading across your floor, besides rugs, you can also install carpeting or resilient underlays beneath floating floors. Don't hesitate to call an acoustic expert to get your new home evaluated!