‘Noise pollution’ is disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the activity or balance of human or animal life. This can be caused by a variety of sources including traffic, house parties or roadworks.
Noise Action Week is coordinated every year by Environmental Protection UK to raise awareness of the cost of noise to health and well-being.
With Noise Action Week taking place this week we look at how you can help reduce noise in your home.
Draught Proofing Your Windows
Draught proofing your windows reduces the gaps surrounding the window. With gaps around a typical single sash window sometimes adding up to the equivalent of 6 square inches, draught proofing can help reduce the space for noise to enter your home.
Installing Double Glazing
If your windows are currently single glazed, installing double glazing can help reduce outside noise coming into your property.
There are two different options when looking to install double glazing. You can either replace the moving parts of the window (the sashes) or replace the whole window, including the window frames.
However, it is important to check that you are allowed to install double glazing in your home before proceeding with the work. If you own a listed property, double glazing is unlikely to be approved.
Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing is often sold as a good alternative to double glazing for listed buildings. This is due to it being a non-intrusive way to insulate historic windows.
Due to the extra panes of glass from having secondary glazing installed, it works in a similar way to double glazing to help reduce the noise in your home.
Flooring
Be careful of installing wooden or laminate flooring. Although these floors often look nice, they will amplify the noise within your home. If you are considering a hard flooring surface, consider installing underlay and making use of rugs to help reduce the noise.
Wooden floorboards can be prone to squeaking. As wood is a natural product, it expands and contracts as temperatures and humidity rise and fall. If adequate expansion gaps aren’t left during installation, this expansion and contraction can result squeaks and creaks.
Curtains / Window Shutters
Heavy curtains and window shutters can also be used to reduce the noise levels. Shutters are likely to be more effective than curtains, due to the fact that they sit flush with the window and are thicker material.