Must-read for home renovation! 6 key points for soundproofing to avoid noise pollution.

2025-11-26

For people with sleep problems, poor soundproofing at home is pure torture. Just as you're about to fall asleep, noise suddenly bursts in, instantly extinguishing your drowsiness. This happens every day, and it's incredibly unpleasant. After experiencing this myself, I've summarized some methods for dealing with noise during renovations. I recommend focusing on soundproofing these six areas to get rid of noise pollution.

1. Window soundproofing

Windows are a major source of outdoor noise, especially those near roads where sound insulation is poor, making traffic noise crystal clear. When soundproofing windows, pay close attention to the material, model, and installation method.
  1. Material : Select standard thickness or thickened thermally broken aluminum.

  2. Model : We recommend triple-glazed windows of series 80 or above. System windows are an option if conditions permit.

  3. Installation : Apply sealant between the window frame and the wall; do not fill with cement mortar.

If the windows are already installed, there are ways to fix them, such as applying soundproofing film or installing soundproofing sealing strips in the gaps; the effect is obvious. You can also choose double-layered curtains, and select thicker fabric curtains.

II. Door sound insulation

The soundproofing of doors has little impact on outdoor noise; the main focus should be on the soundproofing of the entrance door. Doors in a home are divided into the entrance door and interior doors:
  1. Front door : We recommend choosing a soundproof door. It has thicker soundproofing strips and a better seal than ordinary security doors. Some high-end front doors are filled with fire-retardant materials, such as perlite granules, which provide significantly better sound insulation than ordinary doors. Front doors generally costing over 2000 yuan offer better quality assurance.

  2. Interior doors : It's also recommended to choose silent doors. Many high-end interior doors are silent, making the bedroom very quiet when closed. Solid wood composite doors are fine; good quality ones cost around 1500-2000 yuan. If budget isn't an issue, solid wood doors are also an option.

III. Ceiling Sound Insulation

One of the major sources of indoor noise is the ceiling. If you can clearly hear things hitting the floor or footsteps from upstairs while you're sleeping, it's because your ceiling isn't soundproofed. If you're sensitive to noise, you should consider soundproofing your ceiling during renovations.
  1. Installing a light steel keel : Install a light steel keel on the ceiling, fill it with sound insulation cotton, such as rubber and plastic sound insulation board, and then seal it with plasterboard. The disadvantage is that it will reduce the indoor ceiling height.

  2. Directly attach sound insulation cotton : Buy rubber and plastic insulation boards, apply glue, and then attach them to the ceiling. Be sure to choose healthy, environmentally friendly, and flame-retardant sound insulation cotton.

IV. Wall sound insulation

Wall soundproofing primarily targets noise from next-door neighbors. Living in an apartment building often means you can hear your neighbors talking; this is because the walls aren't soundproof. To improve soundproofing of shared walls with your neighbors:
  1. Install wall sound insulation materials : install 7mm thick keel on the wall, paste sound insulation cotton and sound insulation felt, cover the surface with gypsum board, and finally apply putty and paint latex paint.

  2. Upholstered panels : Upholstered panels are pre-made soundproofing materials, commonly seen on movie theater walls. You can install them yourself or hire a manufacturer's workers.

V. Ground sound insulation

The floor itself isn't a noise source, but without soundproofing, noise can easily travel to the downstairs neighbors, leading to complaints. If possible, consider noise reduction treatments for the floor.
  1. Choose solid wood flooring : Solid wood flooring has better sound insulation than engineered wood flooring, which in turn is better than laminate flooring.

  2. Laying a carpet : If the floor is already covered with wood flooring or tiles, you can lay a carpet on top, which also works well.

  3. Embedded sound insulation felt : When laying wood flooring, embed sound insulation felt underneath, then lay a dustproof film, and finally lay the wood flooring.

VI. Soundproofing of drain pipes

Bathroom drain pipes are a typical source of noise in a home. The sound of flushing is especially noticeable late at night, and in homes with ensuite bathrooms, poor sound insulation of the drain pipes can wake someone up in the middle of the night. Therefore, it's essential to soundproof the bathroom drain pipes during renovations.
  1. Material selection : It is recommended to use a combination of rubber and plastic insulation pipes and damping sound insulation felt for better sound insulation effect.

  2. Installation method : Tight wrapping is required. Generally, glue is applied during installation, especially at the joints. Finally, wrap a layer of tape around the surface. Soundproofing bathroom drain pipes can be done DIY. Measure the pipe's outer diameter, buy suitable materials, and it should cost around 300-400 yuan for one bathroom.

Are you suffering from poor sound insulation in your home, making it difficult to fall asleep every night due to noise, resulting in a sharp decline in sleep quality and severely impacting your mental state and quality of life the next day? Don't worry! The article above details six crucial noise reduction measures during the renovation process. Whether you are someone sensitive to noise or someone who has just purchased a new home and is preparing for renovations, you should definitely take a close look to help you create a quiet and comfortable living space and completely say goodbye to the torment of noise.