How to Soundproof a Terraced House?

To soundproof a terraced house, it is possible to build a counter-partition at the level of the walls to be insulated. To waste less space, we can also stick sound insulators directly on the walls or even rely on insulating paints.

In certain terraced houses, noise pollution has a real impact on the quality of life of residents. Work to insulate the house is therefore quite frequent, to reduce noise from neighbors.

Between effective solutions that reduce living space and those that provide sound insulation without wasting space, the choice can be difficult.

Soundproofing a Terraced House: 4 Effective Tips

1. Soundproof the exterior doors
2. Soundproof the windows
3. Insulate the walls
4. Install extra drywall (regular or soundproof)

1. Soundproof the exterior doors

It is important to soundproof exterior doors to create a peaceful and comfortable living or working environment. External noise such as traffic neighborhood activities or loud weather conditions can easily enter through the doors disrupting the peace of indoor spaces.

By soundproofing exterior doors, one can significantly reduce the impact of external sounds and enjoy a serene environment. There are many effective ways to soundproof exterior doors from simple solutions to more advanced techniques.

One method is to install weatherstripping around the door frame to create a tight seal. This helps prevent drafts from contributing to external noise as well as better insulation. Additionally installing a heavy-duty door sweep under the door can further prevent sound and air infiltration.

For enhanced soundproofing, one can use special soundproofing materials such as acoustic panels or door seals. These materials are designed to absorb sound waves providing an additional layer of protection against external noise.

2. Soundproof the windows

Apart from creating a quieter indoor environment soundproofing external doors can have a positive impact on overall well-being. Reducing noise exposure can contribute to reduced stress levels better sleep quality and better concentration.

Soundproofing the window is the first solution to reduce noise pollution. By using a few means the battle against exterior noise in an apartment or house in the city is not necessarily lost in advance.

If the budget allows it the ultimate solution is obviously to install soundproof windows but given their price which is sometimes out of reach we have chosen to give you here some tips for soundproofing your windows.

Maybe more or less effective the techniques can be combined to optimize the results.

3. Insulate the walls

Thermal insulation of walls is an energy renovation work recommended to save money at home and improve comfort. To simplify a craftsman will cover the walls of your house (on the interior or exterior surface) with insulating material in the form of rigid panels. 

This will eliminate air exchange between the inside and outside of your house, and bring you many benefits. 

4. Install extra drywall (regular or soundproof)

Installation of soundproof drywall not only increases privacy but also enhances peace by reducing the impact of external and internal noise. Adding an extra layer of regular drywall can improve insulation making rooms more energy-efficient and helping regulate temperature.

Additionally, additional thickness can contribute to sound attenuation by reducing the transmission of noise between rooms. Choosing soundproof drywall on the other hand takes the enhancements a step further by specifically targeting noise reduction.

This type of drywall is engineered from materials that create a quiet environment by absorbing and reducing sound vibrations. It is an ideal choice for spaces where minimizing sound transfer is important such as home theater recording studios or bedrooms.

Insulation by creating a counter-partition

Insulation by creating a counter-partition is favored by many individuals.

To create a counter-partition, you will need:

• Install a metal rail
• Arrange the insulating material, which will hold thanks to this structure
• Cover everything with plasterboard

This extremely effective method reduces the impact of noise coming from the other side of the partition. It is advisable to use good insulation such as mineral wool.

We emphasize the fact that doubling on a frame results in a loss of living space. It is estimated that the thickness of such insulation would be at least 7 cm.

If the noise pollution is significant, it may also be necessary to create a significant air space between the partition and the counter-partition. The lost living space will then be even more significant.

You will therefore have to weigh the pros and cons between the reduced living space and the potential comfort gain obtained thanks to this work.

Double-glued for better sound insulation

It is also possible to glue the insulation directly to the wall to be insulated. Most of the time, you will have to rely on a 2 in 1 insulation, composed of rock wool and polystyrene.

The wall must be properly cleaned, before receiving evenly distributed glue spots. The panels will then be installed using a level, to ensure the regularity of their arrangement. Most of the time, the insulation used is 8 to 12 cm thick.

Here too, the amount of living space lost can therefore be significant in certain rooms. This solution remains preferred for its simplicity.

However, it does not adapt to all situations. The wall will indeed need to be perfectly smooth to accommodate the insulating panels in the long term.

In the context of a renovation, glue-on acoustic insulators generally remain less effective than the first method mentioned.

Insulating paints for terraced houses

Some paint brands offer acoustic insulation. Individuals may want to try the method. On the program, we only offer you a few coats of paint on a wall to benefit from noise reduction.

It is important to understand that this type of paint can reduce the resonance of noise in a room. It is therefore a slight acoustic insulation and not sound insulation.

The method is therefore not suitable if you wish to isolate yourself from external noise coming from a terraced house.

Acoustic diagnosis to choose the right solution

The acoustic diagnosis is carried out by a professional, using tools such as the sound level meter. This type of professional will guide you on the most suitable method to allow you to isolate yourself from the noise coming from a terraced house.

It will not necessarily be necessary to carry out sound insulation of all the walls of a room. This will allow you to possibly reduce the lost living space.

He will also be able to tell you which part of the house should be insulated, and how it should be done. Calling a professional gives you the best chance of benefiting from optimal insulation.

He may also be able to offer you acoustic insulation solutions, to avoid resonances in the rooms affected by the problem.

Note also that sound insulation can be done in conjunction with thermal insulation.

Conclusion

I hope now you have understood how to soundproof your terraced house. If you have understood the information given by us, then you can soundproof your terraced house if you follow the information given by us. If you can do this then please let us know by commenting.

Read also: How Do You Know If An Apartment is Well Soundproofed?