Housing...Inside and Out

December 1, 2000
Controlling Household Noise

Noise is any unwanted sound. Noise distracts, disturbs and invades our privacy. It also affects our performance, behavior, hearing and increases stress levels. Kitchen appliances, audio and video equipment, computers, power tools and similar motor-driven devices add to the home's noise level. Many of today's homes are smaller, making noise control even more critical.

Sounds are either air-borne or structure-borne. Air-borne sounds radiate outward in all directions from their point of origin. When these sounds strike a hard surface, they are reflected back and continue bouncing until their energy is lost. When these sounds strike a soft or absorbent surface, the noise is diminished. Structure-borne sounds are transmitted through a structure by vibration from the source.

The first step in controlling noise levels is to determine the source and control the sound at that point. The best sound absorbers are thick and porous. Vibration-absorbing pads can sometimes be installed under machines or appliances to absorb part of the sound. Thick draperies and carpet with a foam pad will do much to reduce air-borne noises in a room.

Kitchen cabinets and drawers may be lined with rubber mats or quilted plastic. Rubber pads on cabinet doors reduce the noise when they are closed. Rubber mats in the sink reduce the clatter of dishes.

Acoustical ceiling tiles in a room will not do much to keep out noises that are generated outside the room. The most effective means of keeping noises out of a room must be done during construction or a major remodeling, such as strategic planning in the location of rooms and hallways or in special wall construction.

Closets filled with clothes placed between rooms help to reduce sound transmission between them. Placing shelves filled with books along the adjoining wall will absorb much of the noise. They must cover the entire wall to be effective.

It is helpful to plug all openings that could serve to reflect sound. Plug cracks around doors, windows, electrical outlets and water pipes to reduce noises from outside. Use caulking or stuff the gaps with fiberglass insulation.

Caulking and weather stripping around all doors and windows will help reduce outside noise and make the house more energy efficient as well. Storm windows or double glazed glass and good energy conservation measures have the added benefit of helping to reduce street noises, but heavy-lined drapes will help more.

Replacing hollow-care doors with solid doors may be worthwhile.

While noise cannot be completely eliminated, careful attention to small measures can do much to reduce the noise to acceptable levels so that home can be a quiet refuge against the noise of the world.


Written by Dr. Francis Graham (Retired)

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