The Noise Free Home

Introduction The four-step soundproofing method PART ONE You Deserve A Quiet Life 1 Is Your House Built To Make The Noise Worse? Noise What if this noise is caused by the construction? UK house construction – new-build problems Summary 2 Is Your House Making You Ill? How is the noise affecting you? Summary 3 Have You Tried Everything And Still Live With Unwanted Noise? Why do people soundproof their home? Common mistakes made by people with noise issues Summary PART TWO The Four-step Soundproofing Method For A Quiet Life 4 Step 1: Treat The Main Cause Of The Problem Missing bricks Separating wall in the loft Voids Use of the wrong materials ‘Dot and dab’ – a possible main cause of the noise What does this mean for you? Aerated blocks as a main cause of noise You might just have thin walls Summary 5 Step 2: Treat The Direct Noise Paths Walls Alcoves Fire back on the party wall Removing a chimney stack Windows and window walls Ceilings Floors Aircraft noise Summary 6 Step 3: Treat The Indirect Noise Paths Why most soundproofing attempts fail What are flanking areas and why are they important? Flanking areas that must be addressed Flanking noise Getting to the source of the noise Summary 7 Step 4: Treat The Fixtures And Fittings Plug sockets Downlighters and recessed ceiling lights Fire designs Coving Floors Radiators TV mounted on the wall Doors Kitchens and bathrooms Sound absorption Summary 8 Are You Ready To Benefit From Soundproofing? How is this possible? Applying the four-step soundproofing method to Jane and Rob’s home Some home truths you will not find online! Your own privacy Your health improves You feel settled in your home What is it like not hearing road noise anymore? Why is the expected level of noise not on the survey? What Should You Do Next? Additional Case Studies Soundproofing a semi-detached house Don’t just treat the party wall Glossary Appendix