What You Need to Know Before Starting a DIY Soundproofing Project

While soundproofing projects can certainly be done on a DIY basis, you can’ t just go out and grab some supplies and start working without having an idea about what you’re trying to do and why. Before you get started, you’ll want to do a little bit of research and understand a bit more about the mechanics behind why soundproofing is done. Here are some tips to get you started.
Identify Your Main Purpose
Soundproofing does have a purpose. What’s yours? Does your neighbor’s dog bark all night? Do you have an old home that is full of drafts and creaky floors? Do your kids love to make noise and play video games while you’re trying to do some work in your office? Are you a musician who is dying for his own studio? The reason you want to soundproof will help you to choose the right materials and course of action.

Identify the True Source
Where is the noise you are trying to stop actually coming from? A lot of times you think you’re hearing noise from one source when it is really vibrating and bouncing around from another. What kind of noise is it? The frequency – high or low – will make a difference when choosing a soundproofing method – acoustic panels, green glue, and others.
Researching Products and Materials
Once you know the source of the noise and the reason you need to soundproof you can start to choose a product for the solution. Some products block noise while other absorb them. You may need to choose one or the other, and you can always combine the two as well for a stronger solution. If your neighbors are loud, for example, you may want a sound blocking product to keep the noise out altogether. There are materials that work for both scenarios, too – like Green Glue. This will save you the trouble of wondering which technique would really work best. You can find a lot of information about materials at http://www.tmsoundproofing.com.
Identify Your Budget
Yes, there are professionals who specialize in soundproofing. If you’re working in your home, though, they’re not necessarily – well – necessary. Identify your maximum budget and then stick to it. A lot of expensive soundproofing materials are not as effective as they may seem. There are plenty of options in different budget ranges, so you shouldn’t have trouble finding one to fit yours.
Don’t rush your soundproofing project. Take your time and to the job right the first time in order to maximize your savings and get the best impact.