• Benefits , Costs , General ,
• 18 Apr

Depending on the reason for wanting soundproofing, implementing it can make a big difference.

As one Home Advisor article states, “Even the most beautiful homes are difficult to enjoy when they are filled with noise pollution. Whether the unwanted noise comes from a nearby train track or airport, noisy neighbors or houseguests, or a teenager with drums in the basement, there are plenty of occasions when a little bit of soundproofing can save a person’s sanity.”

Near the Chicago airport, for example, noise pollution became such a concern that in 2017 the Chicago Executive Airport “kicked off a process for a proposal that could bring federal grant money to soundproof homes most affected by jet noise” and had a public meeting with consultants and FAA officials to answer questions. They are looking into using funds for “future soundproofing projects through a program largely funded by the FAA that helps residents hit hardest by jet noise to insulate their homes. As part of the program, the FAA would pay for 90 percent of the cost, while Chicago Executive would cover 10 percent. Overall, this “could translate into $3.5 million in total relief for affected homes.”

There are a few factors to consider when soundproofing a room, hotel, office or building overall. If soundproofing is being done through new materials/construction the hassle and cost can add up. For example, you have to first consider the noise of the construction itself, and inability to use the space until he construction is completed.

As for cost, the same Home Advisor article quotes a range of $1,022 – $2,533 per room of adding soundproofing to a home, with a national average of $1,682. Though there will be a variance for size and complexity if each project, these estimated numbers generally include:

• $170 to $250 for new materials
• $190 to $300 for professional labor
• $20 to $36 in tools needed to complete the job

Another thing to consider is if there will be a need for removing any existing insulation or other modifications, which will then be added on top of the current figures. A few additional variables include, “quality of the materials, the experience of the company and the location of the project” plus the time of year for project completion. As you can imagine, further consideration would need to be done for an entire office or building renovation.

Whether the need for sound masking is personal or a business decision, excessive and unwanted noise can become a great need as these distractions can affect many aspects of daily life. As Robert Chanaud, Ph.D.  wrote in his article, Further Thoughts on Sound Masking, “Research has determined that sound processing is obligatory on the part of a listener so any intruding sound must be part of the potential for distraction.” Along those same lines, in the April 2017 issue from the European commission published findings in Science for Environment Policy: FUTURE BRIEF:Noise abatement approaches that“Noise exposure in the evening hours and during night-time is particularly important for health effects, as it affects relaxation and therefore stress. Furthermore, sleep is an important mediator of cardiovascular function. Noise pollution has also been linked to impaired cognitive performance, hormonal disturbances, diabetes, stroke and psychological ill health.”

So, if you are thinking that sound masking is a necessity for you and could have a substantial impact, you could very well be right!

Have questions on sound masking? Contact Us!

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