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Having a peaceful environment to live in is so important for our health and well-being. It means we can relax and unwind after a hard day and, most importantly, get well-earned sleep at night. If you have issues with soundproofing in your home, then this can be annoying at best and at worst, can affect your physical and mental health. You can soundproof your home in a few ways, from wall insulation to triple-glazed windows, but one of the easiest and most cost-effective options is to add carpeted floors. Carpet has been used less and less in the last couple of decades in favour of hardwood flooring, but it has been making a comeback in recent years due to its cosiness and energy-efficient properties. Here’s why carpet is the ideal flooring choice if you are looking to soundproof your home.
Why Carpet is Effective for Soundproofing
When you make a sound in a room, the sound waves are either absorbed, reflected off surfaces, or move through materials. In a room that has hard surfaces, for example, a room with a hardwood or tiled floor, the sound waves bounce off them, which makes the sounds echo and means they’re more pronounced. If it’s a large room with lots of space, this will amplify the sounds even further.
Carpeted floors reduce noise because the sound waves are absorbed by the carpet fibres, which slows them down and quiets any echoes. Common sounds, such as footsteps or dropped objects, are greatly reduced both within the room and between floors. Carpet also cuts down on sound reverberation, which is when sound waves bounce around and create a booming effect, which can make it difficult to hear. It stops the reverberation of sound waves between the walls, ceiling, and floor, creating a quieter and calmer environment.
Why Choose Carpet?
While there are lots of different ways you can soundproof a room, there are many reasons why carpet is one of the best choices for residential or commercial properties.
Carpet is Cost-Effective
Many soundproofing options are expensive; for example, adding insulation to walls or replacing windows with double or triple glazing. In comparison, carpet is inexpensive to buy and install, so it’s an excellent option to try before looking at other options.
Carpet Installation is Straightforward
Another issue with options such as replacing windows is that it’s a big construction job that is messy and obstructive. Carpet installation, on the other hand, is straightforward and can usually be done within the day. For best results, you should get a professional carpet fitter to do the work. Most fits take just a few hours. All you need to do is ensure the room is cleared and ready for the carpet installation to be done.
Carpet is Low-Maintenance
If you’re used to tiling or hardwood flooring, you may be worried that carpet is going to require a lot of maintenance. Luckily, most modern carpets are easy to maintain, with features such as stain-proofing to keep them looking good for years to come. One way you can keep carpets looking good is to invest in regular carpet cleaning. Professionals such as Boas Cleaning Services can visit your home or workplace and use specialist equipment to clean your carpets, leaving them looking new again. Depending on the condition of your carpets and whether they’re in a high-traffic area, it’s worth looking at carpet cleaning every 12 months or so. Other than that, all your carpets need is a regular vacuum to stay looking good.
A Cosy Option for Homes
Carpet has a cosy, homely feel that can make all the difference to your rooms. If you feel like your house is echoey and cold, simply adding carpet can make a big difference to the look and feel of your property. It works especially well in multi-unit homes such as flats and apartments, as it stops sound travelling between floors and can even help with intrusive sounds from your neighbours.
Carpet isn’t just good for soundproofing; it can also help your home feel warmer and prevent draughts. This is why it’s popular in areas such as living rooms and bedrooms and why it can help you cut down on your energy bills.
They Last Long-Term
Carpet is an investment that lasts for the long term. Most carpets, if properly installed and maintained, will look good for several years. This makes them a better investment than cheaper, short-term soundproofing solutions such as foam mats.
Making the Most of Carpeted Floors
Thinking of investing in carpeted floors? There are some ways you can boost their soundproofing properties and ensure you get the most for your money.
- Opt for high-quality underlay – underlay is generally inexpensive and will boost the soundproofing qualities of your carpets. Look for specialist soundproof underlay made from materials like rubber or foam, which are great for sound reduction
- Thicker carpets are better for soundproofing – thin carpets won’t offer as much soundproofing as thick carpets, as the fibres will be shorter and less dense
- Choose professional fitting – a professional carpet fitter will ensure the carpet is properly laid and fits the room perfectly, which gives you better soundproofing
- Add a rug – if you have areas that are particularly noisy or are high-traffic, such as hallways, then layering with rugs can improve the soundproofing qualities of your carpets
If you already have carpets but are finding they don’t offer much soundproofing, then you can replace the underlay to boost it. Having them cleaned can also help, as it fluffs up the fibres, making them more efficient at dampening sound.
When you need a cost-effective way to soundproof your home, carpet is an excellent choice. It’s one of the easiest options for home soundproofing, as it’s easy to fit and maintain and lasts for many years. Carpet is available in many styles, from neutral to colourful and patterned, so it suits all sorts of homes. If you have a room that feels cold or echoes a lot, try adding some carpeting, and you’ll notice how much cosier and calmer it feels.