Soundproofing a garage or home is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy their space without being disturbed by noise from outside, or for anyone who wants to reduce the noise from their garage.
If you live in a busy area, then you probably want to soundproof your garage to reduce traffic noise.
Also if you live in a quiet area and need to use your garage for noisy activities, soundproofing is a good idea, so you don’t disturb your neighbors.
Soundproofing a garage is a relatively inexpensive project that can improve the quality of life for homeowners.
In addition to reducing noise pollution, soundproofing also helps prevent moisture damage and mold growth. This article will discuss how to soundproof your garage and how much it should cost.
Benefits Of Soundproofing Your Garage
Reduces Noise Pollution
Soundproofing improves the quality of life for families living nearby. It reduces neighborhood stress levels by reducing the amount of traffic noise heard inside homes and businesses.
Soundproofing can be an effective way to decrease noise pollution and increase peace of mind in your neighborhood.
Prevents Moisture Damage And Mold Growth
As mentioned above soundproofing prevents water damage and mold growth. The less dampness gets into walls or wood floors, the lower the risk of rot.
Dampness can result from condensation caused by steam pipes, leaking windows, doors, or sump pumps. Water can seep through cracks in concrete where the top layer becomes soft over time.
Airtight sealed cracks can help prevent moisture growth.
Increase Property Value
A clean and well-maintained house will attract more buyers than a dirty and poorly maintained one. A clean garage can add $4 per square foot to a property’s value when sold.
Properly soundproofed garages are easier to maintain because there is no danger of water damage. Additionally, properly soundproofed garages also help prevent insect infestations.
How Much Would Soundproofing Cost?
The price of soundproofing depends upon several factors including:
Size: A smaller garage may not need all the same features as a larger one. Think about the space needed in order to complete the project.
If your garage is small enough then you could soundproof just a few sections with ease. On the other hand if your garage has large openings try splitting up the job so that each area is worked on separately.
Materials: The number of different materials required will determine the total costs of soundproofing. To reduce costs you can use fewer materials.
For example, you may be able to utilize some interior wall liners instead of covering them entirely.
Timeframe: Soundproofing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months depending on how much work needs to be done.
Pro Tip: It’s always best to hire professionals when it comes to home improvement projects such as soundproofing.
This would include hiring an experienced contractor, selecting high-quality products and materials, ensuring proper installation techniques, and having the right tools.
How To Install Soundproofing Materials
The following guide lists some steps you can take when installing soundproofing materials. Follow these guidelines carefully to get the best results possible.
Plywood Baffles
You can use plywood to create acoustical barriers that cover the entire floor of your garage or basement. You’ll need six sheets per barrier.
Cut each sheet of plywood to fit your space and staple it securely to the sub-flooring. Next, cut 4″ wide strips out of foam padding and lay them across the edges of the plywood on top of the staples.
Staple the foam strips to the plywood. Then cover the whole thing in 6″-12″ thick carpet tiles. Finally, install carpet runners so that people walking on the floor won’t accidentally kick them off.
Foam Rollers
If you have some extra money lying around, consider buying 1/2” foam rollers for your walls. These products look just like bricks, but are a smaller size.
They work great for absorbing sounds while reducing reverberation. Use one roller inside the room and leave one outside. Place the outside roller close enough to the inside roller to help silence external noises.
Soundproof Vinyl Flooring
If replacing all the floors isn’t an option, check out soundproof vinyl flooring. It looks like tile, feels like wood, and acts almost exactly like real hardwood.
However, vinyl doesn’t take well to moisture, so it shouldn’t be installed directly under sinks, dishwashers or washing machines. Because it has a slight sheen, the floors won’t absorb grease, either.
As such, consider installing them in hallways, living rooms or bathrooms.
Sealants
If you have porous materials like wood shake shingles, cement blocks, or stone pavers, you may want to install sound sealant between them and your house to minimize vibrations.
Sealants come in various forms including caulks, mastics, and gels. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application. Most sealants will last about three years before needing reapplication.
Insulating Gutters
Insulating gutters on your roofline will also help to isolate vibration. When installing a new roof, many companies recommend adding insulation to the bottom edge of the ridge where it meets the roof trusses.
Tips For Soundproofing Your Garage
In addition to what we’ve listed above, there are other things you should think about when planning your next project around soundproofing. Here are some more tips to keep in mind:
Install double-glazed windows if they’re available. They offer better insulation than single ones. However, they’ll also require additional energy consumption to cool during hot weather days.
Test your noise levels with a decibel meter. If you exceed 70 dB, you might consider investing in sound insulation at this time.
Make sure doors don’t leak. Even small leaks can let unwanted sounds into your home. Repair any holes before applying soundproofing material.
Consider installing acoustic ceiling panels, which are designed to reduce reverberation in ceilings. Some people even report noticing a difference in their ability to sleep after doing so.
Installing concrete baffles underneath cabinets is another way to quiet noisy appliances.
You can do this yourself by cutting two vertical slots per cabinet and pouring the concrete yourself using a standard form.
Let it dry overnight, then peel the paper backing from your tape and secure it tightly over the slots.
This might not be something you have access to, but if you’re going to build a new construction home, make sure to purchase your home in advance of moving in.
This gives you plenty of time to plan ahead for your soundproofing needs, especially if it involves building modifications.
Conclusion
Soundproofing your garage takes effort, but it can significantly reduce noise pollution and save money down the line if you choose to invest now. Be sure to follow the guidelines outlined here, so you get the best results possible!
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