Noisy Neighbours

Your home and noise pollution

Do you have noisy neighbours, noisy surroundings or a noisy flatmate? If like most of us, you live in a built environment, you may be suffering with some level of noise pollution. And yes I mean inside! As you are sitting at home or work reading this article, take a moment to listen. What can you hear? Turn off the radio or TV and spend a minute listening to any sounds within your surroundings.

Traffic – Fuse box buzzing – An airplane – The extractor fan - Neighbours raised voices - Next door’s washing machine – School children playing – Birds tweeting – A barking dog – Music from the flat above – Whirr of an air-conditioning unit - Police sirens – Wind blowing through the trees – A banging door - or just plain silence....

How does interior noise pollution link to your comfort and wellbeing at home. Simple...... any background noise over time can lead to headaches, stress, irritability, fatigue and restlessness. Day or night, you need protecting from the variety of noises in the man-made world outside the home or office. How can you truly rest and be at peace when you experience noise pollution hour after hour.

Ask yourself a question –would you be more comfortable being kept awake all night by the motorway outside your window or the sound of a gentle bubbling stream? And what if you have to keep the window open to help ventilate the room properly?

It has been proven that plants react well to certain amounts, type and pitch of noise – as do humans. Take time to notice which room you feel most comfortable in, and the level and tone of sound there.

Recent studies have shown that in some areas of UK up to 1 in 5 residents complain about noise pollution coming from other people – whether they are neighbours or just in another room from you. Most building regulations do not state that walls should be insulated between rooms inside one residence.

What can you do?

Noisy neighbours or noisy family? The most important part is to be adequately insulated from sound and noise whether from outside or inside. In the modern world, there are far more machines and appliances that cause higher levels of noise pollution already within buildings than before. Added traffic levels also contribute to more noise pollution. Be aware of noise pollution and be in control of your own wellbeing.

Exterior

• In your grounds and garden, use planting, trees and any natural structures to help absorb noise pollution. These also bring natural sounds into your ear space!
• When planning your grounds – ensure areas of rest and relaxation e.g. patio, BBQ, sun loungers are positioned in areas that are protected from noise pollution. Use planting and trees to help shield these areas if need be.

Interior

• Employ a professional to carry out sound testing in your home. This will help identify any problem areas.
• Double glazing or energy efficient windows help to add an extra sound barrier to your windows. Ensure the frame and ope are sealed properly – otherwise sound can travel through.
• Ensure that all surfaces have been insulated: exterior walls, interior walls, ceilings and roof space (including the roof hatch). This will not only save you money on your energy bills but it will significantly reduce noise pollution too. Add extra insulation in any noisy areas.
• Consider how you ventilate your home carefully – does this add to noise pollution by keeping doors and windows open. What other options for ventilation are there, that do not heighten noise pollution levels?
• A variety of textures, surfaces and materials within your interior help to absorb and warp noise.
• If planning your home, locate windows that open fully in areas where natural sounds can be heard e.g. running water (streams, gentle rivers), natural wildlife, wind blowing in tress & grasses etc. These help calm the mind and stimulate your hearing.

These may seem like additional money to burn on your home, but in the long term your wellbeing and comfort levels will benefit. It is important to live in an environment that supports you physically as well as mentally. So if you want to reduce stress, reduce fatigue and restlessness – do as much as you can to prevent excessive noise pollution. Banish those sounds from your noisy neighbours and lead a more comfortable life.