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Housekeeping

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How can I soundproof my dd's window TODAY?

31 replies

schroeder · 25/04/2011 09:35

My neighbours 2 doors down love to sit in their garden and get drunk when the weather's fine. They talk loudly, shout and there's is some dubious singing too. They start about 5pm and finish between 12-2! During this time my dd (8) tries to get to sleep. [busad]

I'm going to look into secondary glazing, but I have no idea how much it will cost and we're pretty skint. In the meantime though what can I do so it's a bit quieter tonight (and next weekend too)?

She has a large sash window with thick thermal lined curtains at the moment.

OP posts:
PigletJohn · 04/04/2012 00:09

what are the old floors actually made of?

PigletJohn · 04/04/2012 00:29

oops, sorry, you said doors.

Modern hollow doors, and thin internal doors, are not much good at muffling sound.

I am very fond of panelled fire doors, which are a bit thicker, and much heavier. They form a much better barrier to sound, especially noticable on a bedroom or bathroom.

The soundproofing can be improved by injecting expanding foam (preferably the fireproof grade) between the door linings ("door frame") and the wall, where it will prevent the passage of noise, as well as draughts, dust or smoke through the gap; and fitting the "brush pile" edge seals which do the same. As fire doors are thicker and heavier, they need better hinges (lift-off hinges are very convenient) and often a new door lining. Door linings are very inexpensive, and are available in a variety of sizes. I would always recommend getting a local joiner in to fit them, he will do it faster and better than a DIY handyman. My old dad got a hernia from hoisting a heavy door around.

I bought this sort, made by Premdoor, as like the painted 6-panel style, but there are other suppliers. I don't like the fake woodrained ones.

It is much easier to paint a new door lining than an old one. You will need new architrave as well. Fire door linings have a groove for the furry strip.

The foam holds the lining firmly in the wall, and prevents it rattling or coming loose when slammed by teenage daughters. Noise comes through gaps.

BoffinMum · 04/04/2012 17:55

Oh god, PigletJohn, maybe it would just be easier to move house. Wink

PigletJohn · 04/04/2012 20:58

ask around to find a local joiner and ask how much he would charge to fit a fire-door and frame. I think I pay mine about £140/day at day rates. Rates per job are higher as he bears the risk of problems.

should be less than a day's work, and if he does several they will work out less each. He should do at least two in a day. If he was working for a builder they'd probably make him do four or five, but you want a careful job.

Be sure to include your preferred locks and knobs so it is all done at once, and say you want lift-off hinges. He must measure on site and you are safer asking him to supply the doors and linings so it's not your problem if they're the wrong size.

BoffinMum · 06/04/2012 21:11

I do know an excellent joiner, but I am thinking we are going to have to prioritise what we do otherwise it's going to cost us £££.

What would you do on a limited budget? Soundproofing underlay, soundproofing ceilings with the special plasterboard as you suggested, or start fitting special fire doors?

PigletJohn · 06/04/2012 21:31

underlay will be the cheapest and easiest, apart from sealing any holes.

taking floors up will be more work. You could include it as and when rooms are redecorated. It will be easier if you do not have fitted carpets and much much much easier if you do not laminate or similar flooring.

replastering ceilings will be more mess. You could include it as and when rooms are redecorated.

the doors will makes less sound travel out of the bathroom and bedroom. If you do them when the hall and landing are redecorated it will fit in.

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