For many homeowners, a garage is simply a place to store a vehicle. Others may use the space to store excess items after a move or furniture and keepsakes that are overflowing from an already full house.
There are however people who use their garage space as a workshop or a gym. It’s also not uncommon for garages to be turned into makeshift apartments. With that in mind, homeowners resort to installing the quality garage doors Mornington homes are becoming so well known for, along with doing soundproofing. Is this what your space needs?
Why Would You Want to Soundproof Your Garage?
In addition to installing decent and durable garage doors to safeguard what’s kept in the garage, some homeowners may also want the space to be soundproof. There could be many reasons for keeping the sound in or even blocking it out:
- Workshop: If your garage doubles as a workshop where you regularly use power tools, you might want to keep the sound in rather than let it disturb the neighbours. This is especially the case if you work odd hours.
- Band practice: No matter how good your teenager’s band is, you don’t want the noise in your house all afternoon! With that in mind, you may have decided to allow band practice to happen in the garage. Not only will a soundproof garage prevent noise complaints from the neighbours, but it will also provide better acoustics for the musicians.
- Apartment: People who don’t use their garages for vehicles or storage may turn the space into a small apartment or extra bedroom. This is often the case when a garage links directly to the house. In this instance, you want to keep noisy street sounds out so that the occupants can enjoy some peace and quiet.
- Man/girl cave: If your garage space has become your man or girl cave where you escape to when you need some peace and quiet, you might want to drown out the street noise. If you’re working in there, listening to music or even watching movies, it’s best that your activities don’t become a nuisance to the neighbours or people on the rest of the property.
Top Tips to Keep Sound in the Garage
Fortunately, there are a few easy tips on minimising the sound that comes in or goes out of your garage space. Some of the easiest ways to do this are listed below.
1. The Right Garage Door
As the primary opening to most garage spaces, the type of door you choose is essential. Wherever possible, always opt for a tilt up garage door as these doors have fewer gaps, allowing less noise to get in or escape.
If you’re installing a new door, be sure to tell the installer of your intended purpose for the space. This will help them recommend the perfect door for the application.
2. Get a Quality Door Seal
Ideally, you want to invest in a top-quality garage door sealer. This will ensure that small gaps are closed properly. In addition to keeping sound in or out, a door sealer will also keep the space insulated against harsh weather.
3. Consider an Acoustic Blanket
Many people opt to hang acoustic blankets over the closed door. Moreover, these types of blankets can be used all around the space, to ensure that all small gaps and openings where sound can get in or out are closed.
If you don’t have an acoustic blanket, a large piece of fabric such as a thick curtain or heavy blanket will help keep out a considerable amount of noise. At the same time, any windows should also have curtains or blinds to minimise the potential for sound escaping.
4. Add Insulation
Insulation is a brilliant and effective way to make a space soundproof. You can add insulation to the walls and roof if you’re remodelling. If you don’t have access to the inside of the walls, you can consider adding soundproofing layers to the walls, especially the sides that face the street or the neighbours. Some options that can be used to create insulation include:
- Foam panels
- Peel-and-stick boards
- Acoustic blankets
5. Redo the Floors
Since sound bounces off hard surfaces, it’s always a good idea to add some rubber mats to the floor. Carpets and rugs can also work well if they cover the whole floor space.
Keep in mind that carpets are only a good idea if you’re using the space for something that doesn’t create a mess. If you work with machinery and oils, you need a floor that’s easy to wipe clean.
6. Add Furniture
Big, empty spaces are the perfect conduits for sound. So, if you want to absorb the sound that comes in or out, invest in relevant furniture that can absorb some of the noise. Storage cupboards, work benches and couches are a good start.
Final Thought
A top advantage to soundproofing your garage space is that it will also go a long way to keeping the space warm during the cooler months. Depending on what you want to use the space for, you might have to invest in an acoustic professional. However, our few simple tips are an excellent place to start drowning out the noise!
Also Read: The Best CraigsList Websites In Tampa If You’re Looking To Rent Out Your Room Or Home
