Whether you'd like to keep noise in or out, soundproofing an area can provide peace and quiet for you and your neighbors and can reduce stress caused by outside stimulation for your dogs. To soundproof a room, you may need to make changes to the windows, doors, walls and ceiling.
Step 1
Apply polyurethane caulk to the gaps around windows and door frames to decrease the amount of sound that penetrates the interior area. First, wipe down the exterior perimeter of each door and window with a clean cloth. Load the caulking tube into the caulking gun, then cut the end of the tub off at a 45-degree angle with scissors. Squeeze the caulking gun trigger to force caulk out of the end of the nozzle while you move the tip, slowly and evenly, along the existing seam of the windows and doors. Allow the caulk to dry.
Step 2
Hang cotton or wool tapestries on your walls to help dampen the echo affect of your dogs' barking or whining. The more wall coverage, the more soundproof the area will be.
Step 3
Place one or more full bookshelves around your room to help absorb sound waves and to create a "thicker" wall. For extra sound reduction, back each bookshelf with a sound-deadening board, which you can purchase at your local home improvement store. Fill your bookshelves with books to complete the barrier.
Step 4
Lay a thick rug or carpet over the floor. Rugs are highly effective in controlling noise; they reduce surface noise generation.
Step 5
Replace single-paned windows with double- or triple-paned, vinyl or wood-framed windows to block more sound. Unlike aluminum, vinyl and wood windows do not conduct sound and can be used for sound control. To save money, install thick curtains to act as a sound barrier instead.
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Writer Bio
Based in Fort Worth, Sarah Mason has been writing articles since 2009 on topics including nutrition, fitness, women's health and gardening. Her work has appeared in "Flourish" and "Her Campus." Mason holds a Bachelors of Arts in economics from the University of Florida.