PROPERTY TIP: HOW TO REDUCE NOISE FROM ROAD TRAFFIC

Noise from road traffic is a negative for most property occupiers and for those living on busy roads this can be a major challenge. Here are some tips to help you reduce the noise that gets into your property from road traffic.

Install Soundproof Doors & Windows: More than 90% of all the exterior noise comes in through your doors and windows. A soundproof window will reduce noise levels by 75-95% by acting as a sound barrier and thereby eliminating your noise problem.

Drapes & Curtains:  Drapes and curtains are mainly used for décor purposes and to keep a house from being visible to people outside your home. However, drapes and curtains can also be used to reduce the noise that gets into your home from road traffic. Simply install thick curtains or drapes - the thicker the material the more absorption of sound and thus a reduction in the noise that gets into your property from outside .

Minimize Open Spaces:  By minimizing open spaces within rooms you can break up the travel pattern of sound waves moving through your property. This can be easily achieved with properties with smaller rooms. If your property is very spacious, you decor has to be selected to incorporated several pieces of furniture to reduce empty spaces.

Finally, if you are building or remodeling your own property and have purchased land on a busy/noisy road, make plans right from inception of the property development process to ensure that the property is designed to minimize the impact of noise. Positioning of door and windows can help you reduce the effects of owning a property on a busy or noisy street.