Soundproofing hub

Dealing with unwanted noise at home?

Whether it's traffic outside, noisy neighbours, or sound travelling between rooms, the right soundproofing can restore some peace and quiet.

Before spending any money, it's worth working out what kind of noise you're dealing with. Airborne noise (voices, traffic, music) and impact noise (footsteps, banging pipes) need different fixes.

From soundproofing a room or soundproofing noisy pipes, to fitting soundproof windows, we've got everything you need to plan the right project for your home.

The stages of a soundproofing project

No two soundproofing jobs are the same, but most follow a similar process:

• Identifying the type of noise you're dealing with

• Choosing the right method and materials

• Getting quotes

• Installation

• Checking the results

Some quick wins, like draught-proofing a door or adding a rug, are easy DIY jobs. Bigger jobs, like acoustic wall linings or replacing windows, are best left to a specialist.

Take a look at the different guides we have:

Looking to find out more about soundproofing?

• Airborne vs impact noise: what's the difference?

• How to soundproof a room on a budget

• How much does soundproofing cost?

Questions for your soundproofing contractor

Asking the right questions can make all the difference when hiring someone for a soundproofing job. Use this list to make sure you're choosing the right professional:

Qualifications and Experience

• How long have you been a soundproofing contractor?

• Have you worked on a similar type of noise problem before (e.g. airborne vs impact noise)?

• Can you show me examples or references from similar jobs?

Project Specifics

• Have you identified whether my noise problem is airborne, impact, or both?

• What materials or methods do you recommend for my specific issue?

• Will this involve any structural changes, such as building up walls, floors or ceilings?

• Will the work noticeably reduce the size of the room?

• If this involves windows, are you FENSA-registered or part of another glazing trade association?

Quotes and Contracts

• Is this a fixed quote or an estimate?

• What's included in the price — materials, labour, disposal of old materials?

• Are there any extra costs I should be aware of?

• What payment schedule do you propose?

Project Management

• How long will the work take?

• Will you need to remove any existing fixtures, and will you dispose of them?

• How will you protect the rest of my home during the work?

• Will there be a lot of noise or disruption during the work itself?

Guarantees

• What warranty or guarantee do you offer on the work?

• How much of a difference in noise reduction should I realistically expect?

• What should I do if the noise problem isn't resolved after the work is done?