Being the largest and the most isolated room of the house, the garage makes a perfect location for loud activities, such as band practice, engaging in a hobby, etc. However, the noise you make is not a negligible problem, both for your household and your neighbors. That’s why soundproofing your garage is so important. On the one hand, it will keep outdoor noise outside, so you can work without distractions, while on the other hand, your neighbors will be pleased to hear you finally “turned down the volume” like they asked you to.

A room inside a room

The most effective way to soundproof any room is to make it double i.e. to build a room within a room. It might sound tricky, but the most important thing is that these two rooms should have minimal contact. Make three layers of drywalls and insulation to make sure it’s as effective as possible. First, hang a drywall inside the perimeter of the garage and add insulation. Then, frame another wall to fit the first one and then repeat the process. This framing can be done with wooden pallets or something similar, so it’s not that expensive as it might seem.

Mind the absorption and diffusion

In acoustics, absorption is a process in which a material or an object takes in sound energy and soaks up any unwanted frequencies. Diffusion, on the other hand, sends the reflections off in different directions and breaks up the sound; so, the best way to soundproof a room is to combine these two. This can be achieved by simply carpeting your garage and putting a nice sofa there, but you can take it to another level and cover your walls with absorption panels. You can purchase these or make them yourself – either way, your garage will be much better soundproofed and the acoustics in it will become much better.

Seal the door(s)

Regardless of how many doors your garage has, they can be a potential area for sound leakage. For starters, installing some kind of heavy door can be a good investment – it will lower the chances of sound escaping through it. If this is not an option, you can always make your current doors heavier and soundproof the edges. Check the seals and secure them with sealing strips to make sure your doors can be shut tightly. As for adding some weight to your door, there are special vinyl materials on the market that can ensure that effect and make sure your doors are well-insulated.

What about the windows?

Many people avoid putting windows on the garage simply because they let sound out easily. But, if you’re going to turn your garage into a workshop, then having at least some daylight is a must. There’s no need to block your windows and turn your garage into a prison cell when you can install double glazed windows. These kinds of windows are not just good for soundproofing, but for insulation and saving some money on the heating and cooling bills, as well. They work well in many different climates – for instance, installing double glazed windows in Melbourne is a must because of the city’s temperate oceanic climate and frequent temperature variations.

Don’t forget about ventilation

Once you sealed all the leaks and made your garage very well-insulated, it’s important not to forget about ventilation. This is important not just for breathing but also for preventing mold from accumulating – without proper ventilation, moisture in your garage will damage your equipment or whatever you decide to keep in there. Having an air vent is necessary, but the trouble is that they can let sound out, too. Make an MDF acoustic box and place it over your vent and you won’t have to worry about it.

Once you’ve done this, you can be sure that your garage is completely soundproof. Now, it’s your turn to relax and engage in your favorite activity. It’s time to make some noise without disturbing anyone!