Can you improve soundproofing on a rental home?
October 5, 2021 12:42 PM Subscribe
Found a house I'd like to rent, but it's old and the noise from the busy road is really, REALLY loud. Would it be possible to do anything about this?
I've got a cool new job and I'm moving to a big city, which is great! But now I have to evaluate some rentals.
I found a house I really like, but there's one big problem: it's an older house (not ideal, but fine on its own) on a fairly busy street (again, not ideal, but acceptable) and the soundproofing is pretty bad, so you can hear road noise REALLY loud in every room facing the front of the house, almost as loud as if you were outside. I am someone who is not generally bothered much by noise and I still found it really off-putting and hard to ignore. (I don't imagine this bodes well for heating costs in the winter, either.)
Is this something that's possible for a renter to fix? Googling things like "soundproofing older rentals" turns up some suggestions, but it's not clear to me how effective they really are.
I've got a cool new job and I'm moving to a big city, which is great! But now I have to evaluate some rentals.
I found a house I really like, but there's one big problem: it's an older house (not ideal, but fine on its own) on a fairly busy street (again, not ideal, but acceptable) and the soundproofing is pretty bad, so you can hear road noise REALLY loud in every room facing the front of the house, almost as loud as if you were outside. I am someone who is not generally bothered much by noise and I still found it really off-putting and hard to ignore. (I don't imagine this bodes well for heating costs in the winter, either.)
Is this something that's possible for a renter to fix? Googling things like "soundproofing older rentals" turns up some suggestions, but it's not clear to me how effective they really are.
Not really, no. You can get better windows and put up sound baffling and lay down rugs, but there really is only so much you can do without making a "room within a room," i.e., a recording studio.
posted by cooker girl at 1:07 PM on October 5, 2021 [2 favorites]
posted by cooker girl at 1:07 PM on October 5, 2021 [2 favorites]
I lived on a busy street for two years. For me it didn’t get better, but that’s because there was so much variability- cars sometimes wouldn’t come for ten seconds or ten minutes. I also had a lot of people driving noisy cars down the street. So while it sorta faded into the background, it never went away for me. There was also two major accidents on my block, one with a fatality.
Still, this may be the best option for you. If so, you could try sound machines and the like.
posted by Monday at 1:33 PM on October 5, 2021
Still, this may be the best option for you. If so, you could try sound machines and the like.
posted by Monday at 1:33 PM on October 5, 2021
No. You have to replace the windows to fix this. As a renter, you probably can't do that.
posted by phoenixy at 1:36 PM on October 5, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by phoenixy at 1:36 PM on October 5, 2021 [3 favorites]
You can add inserts called "Indow" windows that reduce noise by as much as 70%. You leave the existing windows in place and then add these.
posted by pinochiette at 1:46 PM on October 5, 2021 [3 favorites]
posted by pinochiette at 1:46 PM on October 5, 2021 [3 favorites]
It really depends upon the kind of busy street and the noise involved.
If it's steady traffic noise it will probably (since you say you're not very noise-sensitive) quickly turn into a background hum as long as you have the windows shut. Heavy curtains, window inserts, a white noise machine possibly for sleeping? That will all help a bit.
But if it's unpredictable street noise, like there's a stoplight right there or a ton of pedestrian traffic as well as cars or a lot of businesses with varying hours...that's just going to be noisy. And if there's construction, oy.
As someone who normally has no problem with overall big city noise, I once lived in a first floor apartment on a busy street (with a stoplight and a bus stop on the block, plus a bar and some other pedestrian-heavy businesses...and then street construction...) and I legit lost my damn mind. It was so. Loud. People on the phone with me thought I was on the subway when I was sitting on my bed. No amount of curtains or rugs or noise machines did a damned thing. By the end of my lease I was screaming out my window at every last annoyance, and I was not alone--a neighbor put a concrete block through a car's windshield after the alarm wouldn't stop going off.
So I would say to take a close look at the location and do some evaluating. You say it's almost as loud inside as out...bad sign, I'd say.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 2:00 PM on October 5, 2021 [5 favorites]
If it's steady traffic noise it will probably (since you say you're not very noise-sensitive) quickly turn into a background hum as long as you have the windows shut. Heavy curtains, window inserts, a white noise machine possibly for sleeping? That will all help a bit.
But if it's unpredictable street noise, like there's a stoplight right there or a ton of pedestrian traffic as well as cars or a lot of businesses with varying hours...that's just going to be noisy. And if there's construction, oy.
As someone who normally has no problem with overall big city noise, I once lived in a first floor apartment on a busy street (with a stoplight and a bus stop on the block, plus a bar and some other pedestrian-heavy businesses...and then street construction...) and I legit lost my damn mind. It was so. Loud. People on the phone with me thought I was on the subway when I was sitting on my bed. No amount of curtains or rugs or noise machines did a damned thing. By the end of my lease I was screaming out my window at every last annoyance, and I was not alone--a neighbor put a concrete block through a car's windshield after the alarm wouldn't stop going off.
So I would say to take a close look at the location and do some evaluating. You say it's almost as loud inside as out...bad sign, I'd say.
posted by We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese at 2:00 PM on October 5, 2021 [5 favorites]
Yes this is something really hard to test - thick drapes might help, but you can't tell by how much until you move in. Some front yard plantings also might help, but can't do that until you move in.
The noise will be worse in winter, even if the insulation is fine, because noise travels farther in colder air. You'll probably notice slightly less noise now. That may be a scary thought.
posted by The_Vegetables at 2:06 PM on October 5, 2021
The noise will be worse in winter, even if the insulation is fine, because noise travels farther in colder air. You'll probably notice slightly less noise now. That may be a scary thought.
posted by The_Vegetables at 2:06 PM on October 5, 2021
I can't recommend fixes, but as someone who is very bothered by noise I have found these noise cancelling headphones to be the best by a distance. I always wear these earplugs at night with either white noise or music in the background if its very loud.
posted by Lucy_32 at 2:11 PM on October 5, 2021
posted by Lucy_32 at 2:11 PM on October 5, 2021
I lived in an apartment with the backdoor a few feet from the El tracks in Chicago, It took me about a week to get used to it. But, of course, YMMV.
posted by Jess the Mess at 3:36 PM on October 5, 2021
posted by Jess the Mess at 3:36 PM on October 5, 2021
Echoing We put our faith in Blast Hardcheese's advice about the specifics of the location here. I had lived on a busy street before and most of the time was able to tune out the noise. Last year, I moved to an apartment in an older building on a busy city street, and this time around I have struggled with it. This particular street seems to attract a much higher percentage of motorcycles and louder cars (both from engines and music). Also, oddly, a LOT of semis during weekday mornings. Second, I'm right next to a stoplight at an intersection of another fairly busy street, that also has multiple bus stops. This means that sounds from louder vehicles lingers instead of passing by quickly. There's also more honking, revving of engines, and near accidents (and a few actual accidents - thankfully nothing serious). I had not considered the impact of stoplights before moving here, but it will definitely always be something I look for in the future.
Anyway, I've been able to make small improvements that help a bit--heavy curtains, rugs, a white noise machine, and retreating to the back of my apartment/using headphones when it gets to be too much. Also, I've found things get a bit better in the winter because I don't have window AC units in that let in more noise. And because I live in an area where motorcycles aren't usable in the winter. That being said, last spring I moved my desk to my small but quieter bedroom at the back of the apartment because I was getting too distracted by the noise. It's workable, but I'm definitely dreaming of moving someday!
posted by verity kindle at 4:50 PM on October 5, 2021
Anyway, I've been able to make small improvements that help a bit--heavy curtains, rugs, a white noise machine, and retreating to the back of my apartment/using headphones when it gets to be too much. Also, I've found things get a bit better in the winter because I don't have window AC units in that let in more noise. And because I live in an area where motorcycles aren't usable in the winter. That being said, last spring I moved my desk to my small but quieter bedroom at the back of the apartment because I was getting too distracted by the noise. It's workable, but I'm definitely dreaming of moving someday!
posted by verity kindle at 4:50 PM on October 5, 2021
Is this something that's possible for a renter to fix?
Maybe kinda. Maybe.
Sound is vibrating molecules - usually air molecules, but sometimes also walls, windows, ceilings, floors, and other solid objects. "Soundproofing" thus involves 1) isolating air molecules from each other so the vibrating molecules outside aren't physically connected to the air molecules inside & can't transfer vibrations and 2) adding mass (especially stuff that doesn't vibrate easily, like rubber or heavy cloth) to help prevent vibrating objects (like windows) from transferring those vibrations to the other surfaces and the air molecules inside.
So, yeah, to do this for real involves some serious construction, sometimes with specialized materials. Not something you can do as a renter.
BUT you may be able to alleviate it by doing things like adding heavy drapes over windows, sealing windows and doors better with baffles & weatherstripping, putting bookshelves up against walls and having rugs so that the sound that makes it inside is absorbed better, things like that.
Real trial and error, though, no way to predict how well any of this will or will not work.
I don't imagine this bodes well for heating costs in the winter, either.
I think you're right - there's a good chance an older house doesn't have much wall insulation either (which can help with sound reduction.) Unfortunately, housing/renting is AFAIK a seller's market now, so you probably don't have much leverage, but you might be able to talk the landlord into improving the insulation & weather sealing by pointing out that you'd be a lot more willing to sign a lease if they address this, because you wouldn't be able to swing the extra $$ for heating during the winter.
But honestly if it alarms you this much now I'd keep looking. Otherwise you're kinda rolling the dice and hoping that you acclimate and/or the relatively minor things you can actually do as a renter will have enough effect.
posted by soundguy99 at 4:55 PM on October 5, 2021
Maybe kinda. Maybe.
Sound is vibrating molecules - usually air molecules, but sometimes also walls, windows, ceilings, floors, and other solid objects. "Soundproofing" thus involves 1) isolating air molecules from each other so the vibrating molecules outside aren't physically connected to the air molecules inside & can't transfer vibrations and 2) adding mass (especially stuff that doesn't vibrate easily, like rubber or heavy cloth) to help prevent vibrating objects (like windows) from transferring those vibrations to the other surfaces and the air molecules inside.
So, yeah, to do this for real involves some serious construction, sometimes with specialized materials. Not something you can do as a renter.
BUT you may be able to alleviate it by doing things like adding heavy drapes over windows, sealing windows and doors better with baffles & weatherstripping, putting bookshelves up against walls and having rugs so that the sound that makes it inside is absorbed better, things like that.
Real trial and error, though, no way to predict how well any of this will or will not work.
I don't imagine this bodes well for heating costs in the winter, either.
I think you're right - there's a good chance an older house doesn't have much wall insulation either (which can help with sound reduction.) Unfortunately, housing/renting is AFAIK a seller's market now, so you probably don't have much leverage, but you might be able to talk the landlord into improving the insulation & weather sealing by pointing out that you'd be a lot more willing to sign a lease if they address this, because you wouldn't be able to swing the extra $$ for heating during the winter.
But honestly if it alarms you this much now I'd keep looking. Otherwise you're kinda rolling the dice and hoping that you acclimate and/or the relatively minor things you can actually do as a renter will have enough effect.
posted by soundguy99 at 4:55 PM on October 5, 2021
I would not assume you will get used to it or could fix it with renter options; my house has tons of highway noise from 0.3 miles away and I still hate it after a year and fantasize about when I can sell and move. Drapes did not work at all for me…white noise machine helps a tiny bit but not as much as everyone else seems to think it will.
posted by hellogoodbye at 5:33 PM on October 5, 2021 [1 favorite]
posted by hellogoodbye at 5:33 PM on October 5, 2021 [1 favorite]
In one rental I lived in, I used plastic film to insulate against drafts. It turned out to help with outside noise as well -- I'm guessing it's because of the trapped air between the film and the glass. It doesn't look bad at all. The disadvantage is that you wouldn't be able to open the windows.
The one I used was Thinsulate, but you could make your own with double-sided tape and some cheaper brand of film. You apply the tape on the outer edge of the window frame, put up the film, and then go over it with a hair dryer to shrink it so it's flat and taut.
posted by wryly at 7:52 AM on October 6, 2021
The one I used was Thinsulate, but you could make your own with double-sided tape and some cheaper brand of film. You apply the tape on the outer edge of the window frame, put up the film, and then go over it with a hair dryer to shrink it so it's flat and taut.
posted by wryly at 7:52 AM on October 6, 2021
Poor OP, it looks like you're getting a lot of conflicting advice....
I think you've got a couple of takeaways here:
1. Products exist that you can try to use as a tenant in a rented apartment, at a variety of price points, and
2. Whether or not you personally find them to be effective is a highly individual thing.
I mean, I came in to speak about my own personal experience, which was that i found that the street noise faded into background white noise pretty quickly; and others came in to say that for them, it didn't. So this may ultimately not be a one-magic-solution kind of situation, and you may need to play around to find out what works for you best. It may be that just a white noise machine and a draft snake under the front door will do it; or, you may decide that you just want to confine all your living to the back areas of the apartment. Or you may decide it's not worth the bother and decide to keep looking. But - if you really really like this place and that's the only "con", there are things you can try.
Here's a site that my roommate and I looked into when we were concerned about our current place; I like that it also mentions what will NOT work. Ultimately we didn't do anything because we got used to it (most of the noise was coming from other neighbors and some guys who hung out on the stoop next door, and then the neighbors settled down or moved and the weather got cooler and the guys on the stoop moved inside and it was all fine).
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:46 AM on October 6, 2021
I think you've got a couple of takeaways here:
1. Products exist that you can try to use as a tenant in a rented apartment, at a variety of price points, and
2. Whether or not you personally find them to be effective is a highly individual thing.
I mean, I came in to speak about my own personal experience, which was that i found that the street noise faded into background white noise pretty quickly; and others came in to say that for them, it didn't. So this may ultimately not be a one-magic-solution kind of situation, and you may need to play around to find out what works for you best. It may be that just a white noise machine and a draft snake under the front door will do it; or, you may decide that you just want to confine all your living to the back areas of the apartment. Or you may decide it's not worth the bother and decide to keep looking. But - if you really really like this place and that's the only "con", there are things you can try.
Here's a site that my roommate and I looked into when we were concerned about our current place; I like that it also mentions what will NOT work. Ultimately we didn't do anything because we got used to it (most of the noise was coming from other neighbors and some guys who hung out on the stoop next door, and then the neighbors settled down or moved and the weather got cooler and the guys on the stoop moved inside and it was all fine).
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 8:46 AM on October 6, 2021
« Older Perfect California Town For a Solo Getaway | Two job interviews with the same company. How to... Newer »
This thread is closed to new comments.
But...you also may be surprised at how quickly the noise turns into background noise. Because you'll notice that we were interested in exploring the door baffle, but I don't say anything about getting it. Because we haven't yet, because fairly quickly we realized it's become a non-issue. Similarly - in my last apartment I lived about a half a block from a freeway overpass, close enough that you could hear the traffic and once in a while the place would even shake when a heavy truck went by on the overpass. But - within 3 days of my first moving in I barely noticed the noise; it had become a sort of white noise background noise.
So - yes, there are things you can get as a renter that can fix and soundproof building and rooms. But you may also find that after a couple days it isn't as much of a problem as you're afraid it might be.
posted by EmpressCallipygos at 1:00 PM on October 5, 2021 [2 favorites]