More homeowners in Singapore have been soundproofing rooms in their houses or HDB flats, not to keep their noise in, but rather to keep the noise out.
As we emerge into a post-pandemic world where hybrid work-from-home arrangements have become the norm in most industries, it’s safe to assume that living in a peaceful environment is now a priority for most of us, especially during office hours. Maintaining that serenity in the home can be a real challenge, especially if you’re dealing with noisy neighbours or living near active construction sites – external activities beyond our control.
Here are some of the ways you can soundproof your HDB flat or home to minimise incoming sound pollution, by targeting different surfaces such as the ceilings, windows, and walls.
How Can I Make My Room Soundproof in Singapore?
| Soundproofing walls | Installing acoustic foams and sound-absorbing panels to reduce noise |
| Soundproofing windows and doorways | Sealing gaps beneath your doors and around your window frames |
| Soundproofing the ceiling | Adding false ceilings to muffle and diffuse incoming sounds from above |
| Soundproofing the floor | Using carpets or padding to block sounds from units below |
| Installing bass traps | Dampening sound pollution with bass traps at critical spots of the house |
1. Soundproofing the Walls
The majority of your noise woes from neighbours probably come through your apartment walls. Homeowners looking to renovate or soundproof their homes should expect to budget between $2,000 to $5,000 for professional soundproofing installations. For instance, putting in acoustic foams and panels would increase air resistance and lower the amplitude of ambient sounds leaking into rooms.
Another more affordable method is to increase the thickness of your shared wall by adding drywall, which can be a DIY project that you do on your own. Residents renting their units can consider hanging thick woven tapestries to muffle and diffuse the noise coming through the walls, or even purchase floor-to-ceiling bookcases that do wonders without the need for permanent changes to the rental flat.
2. Soundproofing Windows and Doorways
Other distracting noises can float in through gaps in your doors and windows, such as children playing along the corridors or your friendly neighbourhood karaoke queen or king. Sealing the tiny gaps beneath your door and around your window frames can help to shut out such noises and keep your living space quiet. These can be simple fixes with the use of felt rolls or silicone strips at a low cost, installed either by a handyman or by yourself.
If you are in a particular active estate, try adding an extra layer of padding with soundproof curtains and floor mats to absorb unwanted sound pollution.
3. Soundproofing the Ceiling
In some extreme cases, you may have to consider soundproofing your ceilings if the household above your flat is constantly making a lot of noise. This can be achieved by installing a false ceiling to muffle sound pollution with the airspace it creates, where you can also add acoustic panels or foam padding. These acoustic mats and foam insulating pads will maximise results, and you will no longer be disturbed by your noisy neighbour.
4. Soundproofing the Floor with Carpets
Sounds travel by bouncing off surfaces, such as walls and even your wooden floors. Noises from beneath your flat or within your home can continue reverberating throughout your rooms, affecting your productivity and comfort. To keep noise levels at bay, consider carpeting in your work or rest spaces like bedrooms or study rooms, and they will help to mute ambient sounds.
Large rugs can set you back between $200 to $450 (you can browse e-commerce platforms for tons of options), or you can consider a collection of smaller eclectic rugs from small, bespoke businesses and online retailers.
5. Installing Bass Traps
A unique solution to your noise problems would be to install bass traps in crucial parts of your house. Suppose you have a neighbour that practices their musical instruments regularly. In that case, bass traps are professional acoustic sound absorbers that target low-frequency noises and aim to reduce the general noise level of your room.
Originally designed for music studios, they are tailored to reduce unwanted noises from leaking rooms (e.g. through shared walls between HDB flats in Singapore). They are the top-tier option to soundproof your room and can help to silence nearby construction noises if you live near upcoming BTO estates or private residences. Affordable options on online retailers can go for about $15 to $50 dollars per bass trap.
Should I Soundproof My Flat in Singapore?
You may be seriously considering the five soundproofing methods we’ve shared to protect your HDB flat or home from unwanted disturbances in Singapore, but there are several other factors that could affect your tranquillity at home. An uncooperative neighbour, a new BTO project being built across the road, or even extensive renovation works by the Home Improvement Programme can greatly affect your peace and comfort for those working from home during office hours.
A good first step would be to identify where your noise troubles stem from and try out simple and more affordable solutions first. Making small improvements like installing rugs and soundproof curtains can bring about big changes to your day.
Need Help with Soundproofing Your Flat? Contact Sendhelper
If you need help with installing soundproof solutions in your HDB flat or home, you can get help from handyman services on Sendhelper.
Sendhelper is a home services brand provider that can aid you in managing your home. Simply select the kind of services you require and the Sendhelper app will help to connect you with available handymen and their service quotes. Not only can you find a handyman, but also you can also hire cleaners, cooks, and even certified professionals to provide home caregiver services.
Simply download the Sendhelper app on the App Store or Google Play and find all the help you need right at your fingertips.
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