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In this guide, I’m going to show you how to block noise from neighbors yard. If you live in noisy cities like Florida, California, New York or Texas, or any other noisy neighborhood, chances are that you live in a noisy neighborhood.
If your neighbor does all the drilling activities, or shoots targets in his backyard, or does any other loud activity you could ever think of- we’ve got you covered.
In this guide, I’m going to show you different techniques to block noise and generator noise from your neighbor’s yard.
How to Block Noise from Neighbors Yard
1. Ask the Neighbors to Minimize the Noise
If the noise is not due to ongoing construction, then you need to talk to the neighbors politely about the noise. This is a quick method of solving noise problems.
Most times, neighbors don’t realize how loud they are or whether other people are affected by their noise. So try to talk to them and see whether they will minimize the noise.
If you are having second thoughts, you can ask your landlord or even the police to talk to them. Remember, your peace of mind is paramount, so seeking help from authorities is not bad.
2. Seal the Gaps and Holes on your Windows and Doors
The gaps and holes between the window and the frame is an easy entry point for noise, so it makes when you use weather stripping foam tape to seal them.
Weather-stripping tapes are available in various forms, including metal, vinyl, and rubber. The size of the gaps and cracks on your window and doors will determine the type of weather stripping that you will use.
Before you install the weather-stripping, you need to Inspect the window and doors for gaps/ cracks and thoroughly clean it to remove dirt.
Once the window has dried, install your preferred weather-stripping tape to seal the cracks and gaps between the window and the frame.
3. Use Door Sweeps
Even though weather-stripping tapes can seal the crack and the holes, they will not seal the gap between the door and the floor. Door sweeps, on the other hand, deal with the problem.
The space between the door and the frame is the biggest entry for noise. Door sweeps contain sound absorbing products that effectively seal the gaps at all times.
Unlike weather-stripping tapes, door sweeps require a little technical knowledge, especially if you plan to make this your DIY project. They need to be attached to the door using screws.
You can get door sweeps for every type of door material, whether wood, metal, or storm doors.
4. Install Soundproof Curtains
If you have sealed the gaps and holes, but you can still hear the noises, use soundproof curtains to minimize the noise. These curtains look like regular curtains at first glance. However, they are made of thicker and stronger material.
Soundproof curtains contain multiple layers of dense fabric that gives it’s sound absorption properties. These curtains also add to the appeal of the home because they come in various colors.
Soundproof curtains are not only for the windows; they can also be installed on the doors.
5. Add Mass to Your Door
A door made from thin layers of materials can easily let in too much noise in your home. So an excellent way to prevent that is adding a mass on your door to reinforce it.
You can get sound-absorbing fiberboard, green glue, and acoustic mat as the materials to build a mass for your door. Since fiberboard is available in a variety of thicknesses, go for the thicker one.
Green Glue is a soundproofing compound that is effective at attaching the fiberboard to the door. The glue is designed to minimize noise vibrations passing through two surfaces.
The acoustic mat gives the door an extra layer of noise absorption. The mat is extremely dense to absorb and also stop noise transmissions effectively.
Combining all the three things will effectively reduce the noise coming in through the door.
6. Add drywall on your wall
Though expensive drywall is an easy method of soundproofing your wall. You will also need a professional to help if you have never used drywall before.
Before installing drywall, inspect the wall, and get rid of cracks, holes using a sealant. It is also essential to get rid of moisture. Water or moisture can easily damage the wall, and the drywall if not properly eliminated.
Don’t forget to rub Green Glue on the drywall right before installation then trim off the excess material when you finish. Drywall form a solid barrier to noise transmission.
7. Acoustical Caulk
You can add an extra layer of soundproofing element on your walls by using acoustical caulk. Acoustical caulk is useful because it is flexible and stays strong even after a long period.
Before the application, you need to clean the two surfaces to remove dirt or dust.
After application, you can apply your preferred finishing product.
8. Plant vegetation on your yard
Besides enhancing the appeal of your yard, plants are good at blocking noise. Plant noise-reducing vegetation in your yard and space them correctly.
Start by planting a row of evergreen shrubs on a berm near the source of the noise followed by taller bushes and final showy shrubs to face your home. As you do that, consider how these plants will enhance your home’s landscaping design.
Go for plants that have dense branches because they are good at sound absorption.
9. Acoustic Fences
Sound travels in a straight line if there is nothing on its way, the noise will be loud. However, if there are barriers, the noise will reduce.
With that in mind, installing soundproof fences on your yard will minimize the noise getting into your home.
Acoustic fences look like regular fences. However, they are made from a unique material that absorbs and blocks the noise from getting into your home.
Regular fences materials are either wood, concrete, or stones, but for acoustic barriers are enhanced with Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV). MLV is a sheeting material that has been reinforced with some metal particles to add to its mass.
MLV is also durable and weather resistant, once added to your fence, it will act as an effective means of sound reduction.
10. Build a Stone Wall
A stone wall is a thick and effective means of blocking the noise coming from your neighbor’s yard; however, it is quite expensive.
Ask for professional help since build a stone wall is expensive. The stone wall should be made high to block out noise from your neighbor’s yard effectively.
On how to block noise from neighbors yard
Before concluding I would like you to mention a few things to consider
- Remember to be polite to your neighbor and avoid any confrontations
- At times it’s impossible to “get rid” of the noise
- Don’t involve the cops- to learn why, read this article on how to annoy upstairs neighbors.
- You can use earmuffs and earplugs at night.