Friday, December 15, 2023
Soundproofing

How to Block Noise from Neighbor’s Yard

How to block noise from neighbor’s yard? This is a burning question. Investing in our peace and quiet is a vital step toward a happy, peaceful home in today’s hectic world (more about noise pollution). However, when houses are so close together, a neighbor’s yard might be right next to our bedroom, living room, kitchen, or office. Consider what would happen if events like parties occurred in their backyard on a daily basis, it would certainly disrupt your peace. Sometimes, you can’t do anything about it and just wish for them to shut up.

Good thing for you, there are many ways to block the noise coming from your neighbors’ yard. Let us first describe the types of noisy neighbors.

Types of Noisy Neighbors

Whether your problem is a nonstop barking of their pet, a loud stereo banging at your house, a shouting kid, or an activity that just annoys you. Here are the types of noisy neighbors and their distinguishing characteristics that earned their name.
1. The Sweet Angels They’re sweet, nice, and polite, and the only reason their noise bothers you is that they don’t know you can actually hear it. All it takes is a friendly hint from you; they’ll be mortified to learn that you caught any of their noise and will make sure it doesn’t happen again.
2. Careless Sloths This type of noise neighbor doesn’t really care about other people as opposed to the sweet angels.
They go about their day, cleaning up, mowing the lawn, completely oblivious to how much noise they make and how it affects everyone in the next house.
Don’t get me wrong: these people are mostly polite and pleasant to be around, but they have a tendency to get carried away, resulting in a lot of disruption, whether caused directly by them or indirectly.
3. Mind Your Own Business These people normally mind their own business, go about their business, and do so in a loud manner, expecting you to inform them if it affects you.
Everyone knows how it feels to wake up in the morning, drink coffee, and get ready for work, only to hear the horrible sound of a lawnmower. Or, sleep in the evening while listening to a delightful barbecue party happening next door.
4. The Karens People who believe they have the legal right to do whatever they wish. If it’s a spoiled wealthy teenager, a disrespectful celebrity, or just an impudent individual, dealing with this kind of person can be very irritating when it comes to maintaining your peace of mind.
They don’t give a damn what you want or why you’re upset, and they’ll barely agree to interrupt what they’re doing if you request politely. What’s worse than an obnoxious next-door neighbor? An obnoxious disruptive neighbor who is difficult to deal with.
5. Satan’s Spawn Just as you think things can’t get any worse, you realize you’re missing your old neighbor, who is at least twice as bad as the previous one.
These people take pleasure in irritating you because they believe they are more powerful than you, making you feel helpless to avoid them. Conversely, they will simply dislike you and want to see you suffering. You certainly know some people who would take offense if you made some kind of complaint about them.

Talk to Your Neighbors

One of the best things you can do to restore your peace and quiet is to speak with your neighbor. And sometimes what you need is the right dialogue. It’s possible that they were unaware of it in the first place. So pay your neighbor a visit and discuss the noise issue with them. Ask them politely if they could turn down the noise, particularly if it’s a regular occurrence. They would be able to find a way to reduce the noise and avoid causing you problems this way (read about how to deal with noisy neighbors on blog.nationwide.com).
If self-help and talking don’t go the long way, and it’s not enough to resolve any neighbor conflict. A situation can call for police intervention, particularly if a law is being violated. A direct danger to you or your family would be the most serious example. If you feel physically threatened—perhaps your neighbor has a history of abusive behavior—call the authorities. This might also backfire in the worst-case scenario (How to make a noise complaint?).
Then you might hear about the same issues all over again. If this is the case, you must take action on your own behalf. This involves soundproofing and noise insulation in your house.

So, How to Block Noise from Neighbor’s Yard?

Soundproof The Windows

The first problem you must address is your windows. Most of the thinnest spaces of your home that noise can enter are the window. There’s even a good chance you have a window that is directly right at your loud neighbor’s backyard.

1. Seal Up The Cracks And Gaps In The Window

Check the windows for minor holes and openings, since this is where the noise is most likely to enter. It’s why, if you see any openings, you can close them immediately. What you’ll need to successfully close these tiny holes with a sealant (buy some at homedepot.com). Be sure they’re well sealed to prevent noise from getting in (how to seal gaps around windows on 4feldco.com).

2. Install a Soundproof Curtain

You can also mount soundproofing curtains for an extra noise buffer after examining and closing the gaps. Soundproofing curtains are much thicker and dense than regular curtains, allowing them to absorb sound more easily and thereby reduce noise. All you have to do to put them up is hang them on a curtain rod like regular curtains.

Sound-absorbing curtains help to muffle sound and vibrations that enter the room through a window or door, as well as reduce echo in larger rooms and hallways. They’re made of material – usually fiberglass batting with an aluminum lining on one side – designed specifically for absorbing sound waves. We have a comprehensive guide about Noise Reducing Curtains here. Check some noise-reducing curtains at homedepot.com.

Video: How To Soundproof A Window From Outside Noise And Noisy Neighbors

Soundproof the Walls

You should also reinforce the walls. The thinner the area, the easier it is for noise to pass through. The sound emanating from your neighbor’s yard is more vulnerable to your wall. These are the things you can do to soundproof the walls.

1. Soundproofing Paint

Sound-proofing paint is usually denser than regular paint and contains more latex. It also has a rubbery surface, which contributes to its ability to reduce noise. There are a variety of shades to pick from to complement your home’s decor. This technique is only effective with specific noises and is not a foolproof solution (read about sound-proofing paint on soundproofpanda.com).

2. Acoustic Panels

Acoustic panels or foams are another perfect way to soundproof the walls. These are common foams used in music studios. They double as sound absorbers and can help to enhance the sound quality of your house. Around the same time, they will keep outside sounds out of the building. What you’ll need is glue or adhesive tape to attach them to your frame, just like that (more about acoustic panels on thehometheaterdiy.com).

3. Vinyl

You may also use mass-loaded vinyl instead of acoustic panels. It has the appearance of wallpaper and is made of vinyl. Metal particles are also infused into it, increasing its density. Mass-loaded Vinyl can serve as a second layer of insulation for your wall, reducing excessive noise. You can buy vinyl wallpaper at www.worldofwallpaper.com.

Video: How to Soundproof a Wall – 7 Easy DIY Ways!

Soundproof The Doors

It’s time to concentrate on your doors, which are yet another weak thin spot in your home. But for exterior doors, most doors have a solid core. This is what allows noise to get by easily. What can you use to soundproof your doors?

1. Door Sweep Sealant

The large distance between the bottom of the door and the floor must be sealed. However, this difference is too large for weatherstripping tape to function. Door sweeps, on the other hand, should be used to keep the noise down. As the name suggests, it sweeps the floor as you shut the door, providing the required barrier. It’s also very affordable and simple to set up.

2. Soundproofing Blankets

The noise can be reduced by sealing the gaps. Even so, if you want to make it better, you can also thicken the door. This can be accomplished by draping soundproofing blankets over your frame. Soundproofing blankets are much heavier than standard sheets and are very good at absorbing sound.
Naturally, soundproofing the home is insufficient (more info about how to make a room soundproof from outside noise on silencewiki.com). If at all practicable, block the noise before it enters your house.

Video: 15 Best Ways on How to Soundproof a Door

Soundproof the Backyard

There will be little to no sound inside your home as a result of this method. So, how are you going to do it?

1. Fence Your Yard

If your home does not yet have a fence, it might be time to construct one, particularly if you have daily conflicts with your neighbors. Thicker boards will be needed for outstanding sound barrier fences. These boards must be nailed to heavy rails, which are in turn protected by heavy posts.
To put it another way, if you want to successfully suppress sounds, you’ll need a heavy fence. However, before you begin constructing a fence, consult with legal authorities to ensure that you are not violating any regulations. You will also be aware of the limitations in this manner.

Quickbuilt Acoustic Fence System Installation Video

2. Use Plants and Trees as Noise Blockers

Planting noise-blocking plants is one way to reduce noise before it enters the yard. It’s not only environmentally friendly, but it’s also aesthetically appealing. Check Plants.com to choose one.
It’s good to wake up and see your backyard from your window. High-frequency sounds can be absorbed by plants. These are the noises that irritate them the most, and they may involve your neighbor’s yard activities. Shrubs are another plant that can be used to reduce noise. Plants that are evergreen, in fact, are the safest because they can offer noise reduction during the year. If you like trees, look for ones with thick roots that cover the ground.

Video: Trees that Block Sound and Road Noise

3. Add Some Water Features

If the sound of running water or a pouring waterfall soothes you, you should try adding several water features. A water fountain, waterfall, or other artificially flowing water supply may be installed in your yard or even within your house.

Video: Pondless waterfall to block traffic noise

4. Try a White Noise Machine

Aside from water features, white-noise machines are another choice (more about white-noise machines). The great thing about white-noise machines is that they can be placed right next to you. There is no need to install something. If you want to read when your neighbor is having a party, just set the white noise machine on a table beside you and switch it on. You may also acquire appliances with white-noise features, such as an air conditioner or humidifier (read about white noise).

Video: Reducing Backyard Noise – 7 Ways That Work!

Flick Emil Henricus

I'm a 34-year-old freelance musician and soundproofing specialist, DIY enthusiast, blog author, and Silence Wiki founder originally from the Netherlands. I've been a musician for over 15 years now - playing all sorts of instruments but especially guitar and saxophone. As a soundproofing specialist, I help people with their acoustic needs in order to make them happy! I also enjoy DIY projects around the house or wherever else they are needed - thanks to my wife who always has great ideas!

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