Making Space and Windows

• The old saying: "If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?" The same holds true for any type of soundproofing. It is the space away from the noise that will reduce the transmission of sound. Air is one of the best soundproofers. Windows can be more soundproof if you hang ¼-inch thick strips of clear plastic over the outside of windows. The plastic, which comes in 8-inch wide strips, is secured above the outdoor window frame. The captured air space deadens the sound waves before they hit the glass. Double- or triple-paned glass acts in the same way but only if the edges of the panes are insulated from each other. Heavy curtains that are lined with plastic on the inside (the side facing the the glass,) are also effective in reducing the transmission of sound. The curtains should form a sound seal with the inside trim of the window. Using curtains will also, of course, reduce light from the window.
  
  

The Walls

• Add an interior drywall layer to the existing wall board. Install the new drywall so the seams do not fall in line with the existing drywall. In other words, overlap the seams with plenty of space. The extra layer of gypsum board will reduce sound transmission. Hang thick plastic-lined curtains from the ceiling. Space the curtains 3 to 6 inches from the walls. The air space and heavy curtains will reduce sound in much the same way as the window treatments. Or, for best results, add an interior permanent wall against the exterior wall. This wood-framed, fiberglass insulated and drywall-covered interior wall will reduce almost all sound. Leave an air gap of 3 inches between it and the existing interior wall. This, of course, will reduce the living space by 6 inches.
  
  

A Room in a Room

• Construct a room with in a room. This works much like the separate interior wall as described above. Build a separate room that is isolated within another room. Leave an air space around all walls of the soundproof room. Do not mechanically attach the walls, floor or ceiling to the existing structure. The floor of the soundproof room can be supported by sound isolating materials, such as thick concrete or earth. Or use a basement area that is enclosed underground.