How to soundproof a caravan?

May 24, 2013 11:33 AM

Hi, Could someone please tell me what options are available for soundproofing a mobile home? Is it possible to get double-glazing and possibly soundproof the walls somehow?

I'm using the term "caravan" in the UK sense, to refer to a home in a caravan park (mobile home). I'd also be interesting in learning how to tell if sound that is made within the caravan is audible outside it (e.g. when I'm talking)?

Thanks for your help.

posted by Musashi Daryl to Home & Garden (3 answers total)

Quality of construction for mobile homes is all over the map, so no, no one here can tell you what's available as you may have anything from paneling and sheet metal with no insulation to a 6" thick insulated wall already. I suppose you could always frame up some insulated and drywalled walls on the inside of whatever you already have.

If you live in a colder area double glazed windows are likely to be available. If you can't find them, or want something cheaper and easier to install, you can get Lexan cut to size and stick it on with a little air gap in between. Thick curtains will help as well. You'll also want to make sure the windows as well as the doors seal well, get weatherstripping if they need a little help. You may want a doorsweep for exterior doors if there's a gap underneath.

how to tell if sound that is made within the caravan is audible outside it

While inside, produce audio over speakers at slightly louder than talking volume via any means necessary. Go outside. Listen.
posted by yohko at 11:54 AM on May 24, 2013

Unfortunately reduction of sound usually happens via mass, and if your caravan is like most others I've seen, adding mass to the outside would be complicated at best. So you could potentially add something INSIDE the caravan, but that's going to reduce the amount of living space.

Your window-retrofitting is going to depend on how your current windows are constructed, it's hard to say without seeing them.
posted by dubold at 12:07 PM on May 24, 2013

My theory is that static caravan work is going to be very similar to boat stuff.
With that in mind, have a look at sprayfoam

It's primarily designed for thermal insulation, but by it's general nature would work as sound insulation also.

You could also get some King Span foam board and add that to your walls and then panel over, it depends on how much you're planning to do. These are fairly major renovation suggestions.
posted by Just this guy, y'know at 4:04 PM on May 24, 2013