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• Soundproofing baby's room
• Window replacement for soundproofing freeway noise
• Sound-proofing a therapy office
• Cheaply soundproofing Rock Band in the garage
• Experience with "Soundproof Windows"?
• Want to soundproof bedroom walls
• Using white noise machine - when to stop?
• Decreasing street noise & increasing privacy
• Best soundproof windows/airport noise help!
• White noise or CD so adults can talk in small crowded house
• White noise machine for toddler's bedroom
• Blocking noise so baby can sleep
• More Advice about Windows

Soundproofing baby's room

I have a room that I'd like to soundproof so outside noises won't wake my 7 week old baby. Specifically, I have a door leading to a hallway of 2 other doors...when my neighbors slam their doors, the sound travels through our door and creates a loud thud. In addition, the floorboard above the baby's room makes creaking sounds and we can hear footsteps upstairs, which also startles the baby. I'm thinking the insulation isn't quite there and the floorboard needs some nailing down upstairs? I'd like to soundproof the door and the ceiling of the baby's room if at all possible, but am not sure how to go about doing so (i.e. the best and most economical solution). My husband and I don't have a lot of handyman skills either...should I start by consulting a contractor or specialist? Are there quick and easy fixes that I can purchase from hardware stores and do it myself instead? We have permission to make changes to the door, ceiling, and the flooring upstairs. Any advice, recommendation, or referral is much appreciated. Thanks!

Window replacement for soundproofing freeway noise

I have an old craftsman with original thin pane windows from early 1900's. I have been woken for years between 4am and 5am to the sound of Bart and freeway traffic, and so want to replace the windows as cost-effectively as possible to shut out the noise. Would love to hear from others who have done this successfully. thanks. maura

On the house in Lafayette, we also added sound channel to the walls, which makes them thicker, requiring deeper window jambs and other compensations. I would suggest you change to well-installed dual-pane windows first and see how much that helps. Then if more is needed take the next step incrementally. - Or - do a major renovation, getting it right all at once. AB, Architect

Sound-proofing a therapy office

I'm renting a new office which has a door w/ inset glass about 2/3 length. Any experience out there in sound- proofing. We can hear muffles and would prefer to lessen the sound. We will put some kind of cloth, etc to cover, also. Thanks.

Cheaply soundproofing Rock Band in the garage

Hi, my husband has been playing Rock Band in our garage at night after our child is asleep - it's a great way to blow off steam for him. Alas, the sound is apparently not staying confined to the garage, because one of our neighbors (we're not sure which one) banged on the side of the building one weekend night and yelled ''IT'S AFTER 10!'' The garage is not insulated or soundproofed. We'd love to be able to fix it up properly, but as it is for most people these days, money is an issue. Does anyone know any cheap (and preferably easy) way to muffle the sound? Thank you! Rock On

Experience with "Soundproof Windows"?

I was wondering if anyone had an experience with Soundproof Windows company (http://www.soundproofwindows.com). We are thinking of getting a soundproof window installed in my son's bedroom. I did some research and found this company. I would like to know if these windows really work. Thanks. Ayca

Their claims are not well presented, but judging from their website SPL claims, it looks like their windows typically reduce noise by 12 to 20 db. This is significant, but not fantastic. If your existing windows are single pane, loose-fitting sashes, you can probably get nearly this amount of noise reduction by replacing them with standard double-paned systems which are well caulked. In any case, replacing window units is seldom cheap!

In short, I have a few yellow flags about this, but can't say much more without seeing (and hearing) the effects. C.S.

Want to soundproof bedroom walls

We're looking for a contractor who does small soundproofing jobs. We want to soundproof the wall that separates our sons' bedrooms, the wall shared by a bedroom and a bathroom, and possibly our master bedroom that shares a wall with a closet. Ideally, we want to inject soundproofing material into the space between the walls from the attic above rather than tear open a wall. Want to use a material that is not likely to become moldy/mildewy since one son is very allergic to molds. Any leads to contractors would be appreciated. Nancy

Using white noise machine - when to stop?

Living in SF, we had quite a bit of ''urban'' noise - i.e., street noise. We used a white noise machine (ocean waves specifically) with our baby. He's now almost 1 year old, and we no longer live in such an urban setting. My husband thinks we have to stop the white noise machine, so he's not addicted. Our pediatrician at his 9 mos. visit seemed to think using a white noise machine indefinitely was not a problem. Thoughts? anon

Decreasing street noise & increasing privacy

My family and I just bought and moved into what I was certain was our dream house. However, I am beginning to regret making the purchase.

The house is on a busy street. Not MLK or Ashby busy, but still, a well-used thoroughfare. To compound matters, the house is on a corner (although there is not a stop sign at this corner, thankfully).

I guess we didn't really notice (or did not want to notice) when we did the inspection, but this house does not block out street noise well at all. All vehicles that drive by can be heard loud and clear - sounds are barely muffled. I can also hear people's conversations as they walk by our house. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are the worst, but street noise even carries to the bedrooms.

Also, the living room has almost floor-to-ceiling bay windows, which I loved when we first saw the house. However, I'm now uncomfortable being in the living room because I know anyone driving (or especially, walking - the windows are close to the sidewalk) by can look in.

I want to fix these issues, but I have no idea how or where to begin. Two of the bedrooms have double-paned windows, but they don't seem to make much of a difference, noise-wise, so I'm worried that if we double-pane all the windows, we'll just be out of a lot of cash and still unhappy. I've heard of these things called ''soundproof windows'', which are supposedly special windows that are fitted over your original windows, but I don't know anyone who has actually used these; they would be an expensive experiment. I've thought about hiring an acoustical engineer, but I don't know of anyone who's ever used their services, and therefore don't have any referrals.

I'm also at a loss as to what to do regarding increasing privacy. I don't want to have drapes drawn all day long - I love natural light. Ironically, big windows was one of the reasons why we bought this place.

I'm just feeling so badly about all this. I'm already regretting purchasing this house, and we just moved in! I feel depressed, and foolish for falling for the staged fantasy of this house, rather than thinking about what really living here day-to-day would be like.

Any advice, especially from people in similar situations, would be much appreciated. Thank you
Buyer's Remorse

I did all that I could do to reduce the noise. I changed two bedroom windows to double paned windows, and added laminated glass on the master bedroom. It helped dull the noise but the noise was still there. We replaced all the drapes with miniblinds, so we could have light and privacy. I had the city plant a street tree, where possible, as a screen. My children were young then and I was very watchful not to let them walk out.

I could not enjoy myself in the yard as the noise was relentless. Once inside the house, the children masked much of the noise, but I could never sleep late. The one thing I did not do, was to put in a forest of tall shrubs with a front gate of some sort. I would suggest you hire a landscaper for this. Add a water fountain to the outside/inside of the house. Add some pleasant smelling lavender oils to the inside (aromotherapy).

Buy some nice wind chimes. Fortunately, when my husband got a new job, shortly after we remodelled the kitchen with custom kitchen cabinets, we looked and looked and finally relocated. I have never, ever regretted the move. We barely lasted two years at that house. While I miss Berkeley, I now live on a quiet street where I hear birds rather than cars whizzing by. I visit Berkeley often but do not miss the Berkeley traffic and politics.

Would suggest that you do all you can to bufffer the noise and if you still hate it, move. Life is too short to spend it in a noisy house that depresses you. Anonymous

We replaced all the windows in our "dream house" with noise- reducing, double pane vinyl windows and they have had a significant effect on lessening the noise. Of course, they work best in the winter when all the windows are closed. In addition, we insulated the attic with blown in insulation, which also reduces noises.

And to offer you a ray of hope, after two and a half years in this house, I'm finding that my sensitivity to the noises is lessening. I'm the one that responded to the request for info about anti-barking devices. Not only does the next-door dog bark but also there are young adult males across the street who have huge boom boxes that fill the trunks of their cars. Our windows rattle when they drive by with stereos blasting. And everyone in the neighborhood has an alarm on their car and they go off at all hours of the day and night. Its miserable. I used to wonder how other folks in the neighborhood could stand all the constant noise. Everyone but us has lived here at least 25 years and the noises just don't bother them. But just recently I've noticed that, while I still hear all the noises, they don't cause me to self-destruct like they used to. Its like my nervous system has grown callouses or something and I can tolerate the auditory assault better. So, if you can stand it long enough, you may find the noises affect you less and over time, maybe they won't bother you at all. The human body can adapt to all sorts of horrors. Belinda

We live close to the freeway and the minute you step out of our house you hear freeway noise. All of our windows are double paned, and it does cut out the noise. But who knows, maybe there's different sound dynamics with our situation versus being close to the street anon

What I did to make the situation liveable was I purchased bamboo shades. (there are also roman style shades and blinds that do the same thing) You still get light and can see the views but it makes you less visable to the street. I still don't change in my bedroom I go to the bathroom for that but I feel like it has definitley made the situation a lot more bareable and I don't feel like I am missing out on my view.

As for the noise we purchased a honeywell HEPA air purifier that makes a nice white noise and that has enabled my family to sleep better. It totally drowns out the traffic and bus noise fron the street.

Most of all you just need to give it time. It is all new now but you will get more used to it in the future. I hardly think about it now.

Wish you the best! Grizzly Peak Blues

Be sure you are taking adequate amounts of calcium. Calcium will help your nervous system be less sensitive. If you are not able to reduce the noise levels, with adequate calcium, the noise may not bother you as much. Calcium has such an effect that it even raises people's pain threshold. And after all, that's what you're dealing with; the pain from all the noise is more than you can tolerate. So up your calcium intake or start taking calcium suppliments if you don't already.

And not all calciums are the same. Take one that offers several sources of calcium (calcium citrate, calcium malate, calcium carbonate) plus trace minerals. (I take Nature's Life ''Cal-Mag- Zinc Complex with trace minerals'') Belinda

Outside the house you may want to try some privacy landscaping if you have the space to plant. You don't need to plant a fifteen foot wall of evergreens in front of your windows. A few well-placed large shrubs or small trees with a light, open branch structure can do wonders for your feeling of privacy. Lots of things will grow tall in a year or two in the Bay area. If you're not already a gardener I'd recommend the Sunset Garden guide for information about good screening plants, and you can always talk to someone at your local nursery.

You might also want to walk around your neighborhood and look at other houses that are situated in a non-private way and see if you see any other good ideas.

Hope you find some solutions that work for you - it's hard to feel like you can't relax in your own home Also crave privacy

Of course, I'm not saying that it's just a matter of getting used to - seek out professionals (sound engineer) - look into insulation, etc. or talk to your neighbors about how they cope.. Good luck! anon

Also, during the day, unless you have lights on inside of the house (or the view is backlit by another window on the opposite wall), there is a mirror effect such that our double pane windows reflect/mirror outside light and you can't see inside the house that well. (this is not the case when lights are on or where there is another light source) So, if you want to open up the blinds more during the day, esp. with double pane windows, its likely that people walking by won't be able to see in that much.

As for noise, yes, new windows will probably help, but they won't completely eradicate all traffic noise. Its likely that you will just get used to the background traffic noise once you stop stressing about it. Enjoy your new home, don't worry, you can make this work!! Words from the Street

My general suggestion is to allow partial privacy in the day, but go for complete privacy after dark. I find it easy to see into people's homes when their lights are on and it is dark out, but when it is light out it is harder, especially if there's any sort of thing between you and them. So when it is dark I'd go for full blinds/curtains/etc.

Daylight options to allow you some view out and light to come in, but retain your privacy:

1- sheer curtains that you can still see through
2- hang a large piece of lace in the window
3- vertical or horizontal blinds adjusted so you get the most view and outsiders 
the least
4- blinds that are at the bottom of the window and pull up, so you can have the 
bottom half closed and the top open, giving you more of a view and outsiders less. 
Sorry I don't know the special name for these
5- plant something outside the window (a vine on a trellis?)
6- hang something (stained glass piece?) it the middle of the window to break up 
the view in from outside

Best soundproof windows/airport noise help!

I have not seen any recent posts about recommendations for sound- proof, or more likely, sound reduction windows. We live near the Oakland airport, but not close enough to qualify to have them pay for new windows. In any case we desperately need a company that would install these double (triple?) paned windows in our bedroom. We are much more concerned with their performance than their appearance. Please help. Thanks

White noise or CD so adults can talk in small crowded house

Our house is small and full of people! I feel any conversation I have with my husband can be heard by my children. I am wondering if a white noise machine or some CD of rain would work...I am thinking of playing it at bedtime, when the kids are in bed and we just want to talk. Has anyone tried using the white noise to create some privacy? crowded house mama

For the last 3 years we've used a nifty little travel white noise machine from Sharper Image. And, yes, it also travels with us to drown out hotel noise and the like. It has 20 ''sounds'' in case you get sick of one. She now likes to make a ritual of choosing her sound before bedtime. We're big fans: http://www.sharperimage.com/us/en/catalog/product/sku__SI601TNM

Good luck! Lisa

It is not a magic bullet; a loud, sudden noise might still wake her up. But it's nice to be able to talk in normal voices in another room when you have that precious adults-only hour between your kid's and yours.

Lots of the white-noise machines on the market are made by Marpac. Ours is one of their smaller models, a bit pricey at $75 or so, but so worth it.
Lizzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

White noise machine for toddler's bedroom

I need a white noise machine (or ''sound conditioner'') for my toddler's bedroom and I'm wondering if anyone can recommend one and tell me where to get it. I'd prefer one with ocean noises and that sort of thing, but I wouldn't mind just a basic machine (I'm not sure how much they cost). I've tried static on the radio, but it's too inconsistent and harsh, and I don't have a portable CD player, so I can't use a CD. Ellen

Blocking noise so baby can sleep

Has anyone tried any of the white noise machines on the market? What were the pros and cons? What's a good one and where can it be purchased? Right now the baby uses a loud ceiling fan. However, as it gets cooler we're not going to want that air blowing around. thanks! karlyn

I am looking for some type of product that will create ''white noise'' in my baby's room in hopes to block out noise and help her sleep. We bought a warm mist humidifier; it makes a humming noise and that works great, but I don't like to leave it on throughout the night for safety reasons. I was thinking about buying an air purifier for this purpose. Would appreciate any ideas of what you use.