Are you raising the next Mick Jagger?
Does every day that your son is jamming in the garage with his pals seem like he’s on the road to fame and fortune? Or does it seem like you’re on the road to the looney bin?
You don’t want to be the parents who crush your kid’s dream. You also want to retain some sanity for yourself and the rest of the people who live in your home – no matter what’s going on in your garage!
You may be able to achieve the best of both worlds by soundproofing your garage.
It’s a compromise that allows your rock star to do his thing while also letting you enjoy some peace and quiet.
What’s the deal with soundproofing?
Here’s how it works.
You’ve heard the term, “sound wave,” right? That’s how sound travels.
It’s how the sound of singing voices or a pounding beat are carried through the air.
Sound waves can be blocked, which means you won’t hear them anymore.
The way to stop those sound waves from traveling anywhere you don’t want them to go is to create a barrier that they can’t penetrate.
Soundproofing creates that barricade.
How do you soundproof your garage?
Basically, the process involves placing another sheet of drywall over the existing drywall and then placing a layer of insulation in between.
Acoustical batting is the special insulation that’s necessary to effectively block sound waves. Though you’ll need this specific type of insulation, it isn’t any more expensive than other types and can also be found at a hardware store.
You’ll also need to use a resilient channel for your soundproofing project. It’s a thin metal strip that increases the sound proofing quality of drywall by isolating it from the studs and ceiling joists. It works by significantly weakening sound waves.
One area that’s often missed is around electrical outlets, doors, and windows. Any gaps will allow the music to make its way out, meaning you’re back to your front row seat at the garage band concert.
For some added sound protection you can put portable insulation panels around musical instruments that put out the loudest sound.
It’s also a good idea to seal all the nooks and crannies with caulking. This has the added benefit of keeping cold air out of your home!
Does your garage door matter?
It matters quite a bit, actually.
Your garage door plays a large role in blocking noise from entering your home – if it’s properly insulated.
Steel garage doors are sold with differing levels of insulation.
- Single layer. This type of door doesn’t have any insulation at all but just a single sheet of steel.
- Double layer. A layer of vinyl-coated insulation is added to the back of the steel sheet.
- Triple layer. A layer of polyurethane or polystyrene exists between front and back skins of steel.
It shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that the more insulation a garage door has, the more effective it will be at blocking sound waves.
Is it worth it to replace your garage door?
If your garage door isn’t properly insulated and/or is in disrepair, it’s worth your while to look into getting a new one.
You’ll be able to choose one that has the highest level of insulation, which will not only block the noise coming from your garage but will also improve your home’s energy efficiency.
An added bonus is the boost to your home’s curb-appeal, which may be important when the paparazzi come calling!
When you’re ready to start your search for a new garage door, contact a reputable company who has the skill to find a perfect fit for you! Shop Garage Door is ready to help! Just give us a call!
Is soundproofing a quality that you’re looking for in a new garage door?