SOUNDPROOFING ON A BUDGET

Posted: 25 June 2019

Easy ways to keep the peace with your neighbours.

Read time: 3 mins

When the urge to rock takes over, there’s nothing you can do except grab an instrument and let loose. But what happens when that need takes over late at night? Or in the house you share with your rock-hating parents or housemates? In an ideal world, we’d all be able to rehearse in a room with professional quality soundproofing but most of us don’t have that kind of budget. So how can you make your rehearsal space more neighbour-friendly?

Soundproofing relies on a couple of basic principles. The first is reducing the number of reflective surfaces like bare walls or hardwood floors. The second is reducing the amount of sound that leaks from places such as doors and windows.

3. Cover your floor

You’ve probably noticed that most professional rehearsal or recording spaces are carpeted but that doesn’t mean you have to call out your local handyman to get one fitted. Rugs and mats create a similar effect and can be sourced second hand. Or if you’re feeling super creative you can even make your own rug out of old clothes. Just remember, asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a good way of keeping all your fingers and toes!

4. Get rid of those gaps

The gap under your door is probably the biggest culprit when it comes to sound leakage but luckily it can be fixed easily. Draft blockers or door sweeps are available in a variety of materials and styles and have the added bonus of keeping out that cold breeze.