Sound insulation in the home is a decisive factor for living comfort, privacy and maintaining the value of the property. However, it is often only after moving in that it becomes apparent where disturbing noise is penetrating or increasing within the rooms. The good news is that with targeted measures, sound insulation in your home can be significantly improved at a later date. From doors and windows, walls and ceilings to sound-absorbing elements, there are numerous solutions that DIY enthusiasts can implement themselves.
Sound insulation in the home starts with doors and windows
Successful sound insulation in the home is based on two basic principles:
- Sound insulationstopping noise from outside or between rooms
- Sound absorptionthe reduction of reverberation in the room
Weak points are particularly common in doors and windows. Leaky joints act as sound bridges and allow noise to pass through almost unhindered. Self-adhesive sealing tapes on the frame and floor noticeably reduce the noise level.
Solid doors with properly sealed connections further increase sound insulation. A gapless design is crucial. Even small gaps can significantly reduce the effect.
Windows are also key noise entry points. Different sound insulation classes are used depending on the residential location. However, sound insulation in the home can also be improved without a complete replacement, for example by using additional sealing strips or hanging heavy curtains. The basics of structural noise protection can be found at Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN).
Targeted optimisation of walls and ceilings
Sound travels not only through air, but also through building components. Solid walls made of concrete or brick have good sound insulation. In old buildings or with lightweight partition walls, however, this is often inadequate.
A tried and tested solution is the so-called facing shell. Here, an additional plasterboard wall is combined with a layer of insulating material, such as mineral wool. This double wall principle significantly increases sound insulation and can also be retrofitted.
Floors also play a role in sound insulation in the home. Floating screeds, cork floors or special impact sound insulation reduce the transmission of sound between floors. This significantly improves the quality of living, especially in apartment blocks.
Reduce reverberation through targeted sound absorption
In addition to sound insulation, sound absorption in the room is crucial and offers great potential for improvement. Hard surfaces such as glass, concrete or smooth floors reflect sound and increase reverberation.
Acoustic panels made of mineral wool, foam, textiles or wood, which are attached directly to the wall or ceiling, reduce reverberation and ensure greater cosiness.
Anyone who takes a holistic approach to sound insulation in their own home therefore combines sealing measures with sound-absorbing elements. The result is a noticeably quieter and more pleasant living atmosphere.
The combination is particularly effective: "sealing" noise sources on the one hand and "absorbing" disturbing sound in the room on the other. Sound-absorbing curtains, carpets and furniture are also suitable for DIY projects. Important: Always ensure that all measures are implemented without gaps, as even small open joints can significantly reduce their effectiveness.
Conclusion
Sound insulation in the home can be significantly improved at a reasonable cost. A systematic approach, sealing off sources of noise and using sound-absorbing materials in a targeted manner not only increases living comfort, but also the value of the property. Peace and quiet can thus be planned rather than randomised.
Would you like to know which insulation or acoustic solution is best suited to your home? Our specialist consultants will be happy to help you select suitable systems and show you how you can sustainably optimise sound insulation in your home.