Reduce Unwanted Noise in Your Home or Workplace

Unwanted noise at home or at work can be a distracting, stressful, and often frustrating nuisance. Whether it’s traffic, neighbours, or noisy equipment, excessive sound can affect concentration, comfort, and even wellbeing. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to reduce unwanted noise and create a calmer, more productive environment.

Below are some simple, practical steps — from quick DIY fixes to professional soundproofing solutions — that can make a real difference in reducing noise in your home or workplace.

1. Isolate Vibrations from Appliances

Vibration is one of the main causes of unwanted noise. Large home appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and refrigerators can create low-frequency sounds that transfer through floors and walls. Place thick rubber or cork pads under each corner of these appliances to absorb vibration and prevent it from travelling through the structure of the building.

2. Position Speakers Properly

If you have stereo or home cinema speakers, avoid placing them directly on floors or shared walls. The surfaces can act as amplifiers, turning your entire room into a resonating soundbox. Instead, place your speakers on stands with isolating pads or mounts to stop sound waves transferring through the structure. For studios or media rooms, explore our studio and home cinema soundproofing solutions for professional-grade results.

3. Use Natural Sound Barriers Outdoors

If outdoor or traffic noise is an issue, use landscaping to your advantage. Tall trees, shrubs, and ornamental grasses naturally diffuse sound while creating a calming environment. Add a gentle water feature or fountain to mask background noise with soft, continuous sound. For garden boundaries near roads or neighbours, acoustic fencing and barriers provide a highly effective long-term solution.

4. Improve Door and Window Seals

Doors and windows are common weak points where sound leaks in. Replacing or installing weather stripping around frames can dramatically improve acoustic performance. Pay attention to both interior and exterior openings — even small gaps can make a noticeable difference in how much noise enters a space.

5. Seal Cracks and Openings

Sound travels through air gaps, so sealing small openings is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to block noise. Use acoustic sealant to fill gaps where pipes, cables or ductwork enter walls. You can locate leaks by darkening the room and observing where light seeps in — sound behaves the same way. JCW’s Acoustic Sealant provides an easy-to-apply, flexible barrier ideal for this purpose.

6. Upgrade Windows with Acoustic Glazing or Gaskets

If external noise such as traffic or aircraft is a problem, upgrading windows can make a major impact. Acoustic glazing and rubber gaskets help form airtight seals, stopping vibration and air leakage. For offices or homes near busy areas, this upgrade can significantly reduce noise pollution while improving energy efficiency.

7. Soundproof Kitchen and Utility Areas

Appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and boilers often generate mechanical noise that can echo through adjoining rooms. Try lining the cavities or cupboards where these appliances sit with sound-absorbing materials or acoustic wall panels. This simple measure can help dampen vibration and airborne noise, especially in open-plan layouts.

8. Replace Hollow Doors with Solid Core Doors

Doors can make a big difference to sound transfer between rooms. Solid timber doors are much better at blocking noise than hollow-core ones, which act almost like drums, allowing sound to pass through. In sound-sensitive areas such as offices, studios, or bedrooms, consider replacing hollow doors or upgrading with acoustic doors for maximum sound insulation.

9. Invest in Professional Soundproofing Solutions

While small changes can make a big difference, the most effective way to reduce unwanted noise is to invest in dedicated soundproofing materials. JCW Acoustic Supplies offer a full range of products to suit every environment — from floor soundproofing and wall soundproofing to ceiling soundproofing systems.

Our solutions are used nationwide in homes, offices, studios, cinemas and industrial settings. Every product is designed to help you comply with Part E of the Building Regulations and achieve long-lasting noise reduction performance.

10. Seek Expert Advice

If you’re tackling a persistent noise problem, our technical team can provide expert guidance on the best approach for your situation. From identifying sound paths to recommending the right materials, JCW Acoustic Supplies offer practical, effective advice and rapid nationwide delivery.

Talk to the Soundproofing Specialists

JCW Acoustic Supplies provide the latest floor soundproofing, wall soundproofing, and ceiling soundproofing products, installation guidance and materials for noise reduction in both industrial and domestic environments.

Find out more at www.acoustic-supplies.com or call our team on 01204 548400 for free technical advice.