Exterior Design Factors
Are you thinking about renovating or building your own home? Before you start any work, do your research and consider consulting a qualified contractor. Also, check local building regulations and codes.
Finding the weak links
To decide which elements of a residential façade need to be upgraded, both the nature (construction) and size (area) of each element needs to be considered. If the façade of your home is dominated by windows, then installing newer, better windows may reduce noise levels significantly. If walls dominate the façade of your home, then upgrading the windows would be an inefficient use of resources and improving the exterior wall structure would be a better option.
Exterior walls
Because walls make up so much of the exterior surface of your home, it is necessary that they be well insulated in order to control noise.
Walls can vary in their sound insulation
capacity based on the nature and weight of
their exterior finishes. Making a wall heavier
by applying additional layers of gypsum board,
cement stucco or brick is great for noise management.
Another way to increase wall quality is to eliminate rigid connections (provided by studs). This can be done by constructing "staggered studwalls".
See a diagram showing how noise can enter a residence.
Windows
Sound can easily enter a home through exterior windows. There are many ways that you can alter a window in order to improve sound protection in your home.
Window treatments
The simplest noise solution is to close the
windows whenever possible. Next, ensure
that the perimeters are well sealed. Also,
heavy curtains can help block higher
frequency noise that leaks through cracks
or gaps around older windows. They will
also absorb sound within the room. For
both thermal and sound insulation, the
best results can be achieved by installing
a widely spaced storm window. Another
more functional option would be a double-glazed window with thick glass and the
widest possible air gap. In other words, the heavier the glass and the more airspace
between it, the better the noise control.
Window baffles
If windows must be open, even partially, noise penetration can be minimized by
attaching a noise screen or 'baffle'. Noise baffles, which can be attached to the
exterior of a window or building, prevent noise from passing directly through the
window.
Doors
Doors, like windows, need to be heavy, well insulated, and tightly sealed. For this reason, exterior doors should be made of solid wood or metal with sound and thermal insulation. A perimeter seal should also be installed to help reduce the amount of sound that squeezes through the cracks. For the best results, an additional storm door can be installed on the outside of the primary door. Another option is to create a mud room or entryway which provides a sound insulating area. The door can also be re-oriented so that it doesn’t face the noise source.
Balconies
While balconies are welcome spaces in apartments and condominiums, they can increase sound intrusion to uncomfortable levels. Sound waves echo off adjacent buildings and can be directed into suites. In order to limit noise exposure on highrise balconies and within adjacent rooms, one can:
- Hang heavy curtains over glass doors and/or windows.
- Increase the effective height of solid railings.
- Apply sound-absorbing material to the interior surfaces of the balcony.
Ducts
Caulk or otherwise seal all holes and cracks around vents to be airtight. Vents are
best located on the side of the home that does not face the noise source and a baffle
or sound shield is effective at deflecting sound away from the opening. Even when
vents are properly located and have a baffle, they will allow sound to enter; this is
why the ducting should have a sound asorbing liner. This liner will help to dissipate
the sound energy that does enter before it reaches the occupants of the home.
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