Ideas for Street Noise Reduction?

Question

Having trouble renting a unit due to street noise. Anyone have any tactics or ideas for reducing street noise inside a unit facing busy street?

Beau Fannon · Answer

My my first thought is that the insulation in your wall must be so old that it has completely deteriorated. That's not a cheap fix but it might be cheaper than your long-term carrying cost of an empty unit.

My second thought is that sounds like an excellent place for some super thick curtains.

My third thought is this might be a great time to advertise your unit at the deaf school here in town.

Matt T. · Answer

Hardy Board siding absorbs a lot of noise. Anything with mass with help.

Marian Smith · Answer

Not sure if it works but Lowes carries quietrock or you can create a similar product adding another layer of sheetrock with green glue.  Rock wool insulation is also supposed to dampen sound.

Allison Stewart · Answer

Seems like your best (or easiest) option is to just lower the rental rate if you can't get anyone to rent at your current rate.

Stephen Stokes · Answer

Thanks @Matt T. Unit has Hardy siding already

Stephen Stokes · Answer

@Beau Fannon absolutely excellent idea to advertise directly to the deaf school as the school is not far away! Thank you for the input!

Dan Maciejewski · Answer

Usually the new windows really help.  You could try installing blackout/noise reduction drapes.

Have you dug deeper on the objections about the noise?  Is it something a small price reduction could fix?  Pricing a rental is as strategic as pricing a sale.  You have to be seen as a value over your competition.  Either be a better product or a better price, otherwise your customers will go somewhere else.

Stephen Stokes · Answer

@Beau Fannon Duplex unit, laminate flooring, double pane (new) windows, 2 windows face street, basic street noise (not sure how else to describe from busy traffic passing at 50mph).

Beau Fannon · Answer

And is this a single family home, an apartment building, or a high-rise condo?

Beau Fannon · Answer

Are are we talking high pitched screeching noises, low end rumbles that shake the building, or both?

Additionally, are the window single pane, double pane, or triple pane? Is the unit carpeted or bare floor? How many windows and what size face the busy street?

Ideas for Street Noise Reduction?

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