Soundproofing in Prefabricated Homes: What You Need to Know

Soundproofing is a major concern for many homebuyers. After all, who wouldn't want to live in a quiet and comfortable home? But how well do prefabricated homes actually block out noise?

Factors That Affect Soundproofing

• Wall Materials: Prefabricated homes use a variety of wall materials, each with different soundproofing qualities. Generally, denser materials are more effective at blocking sound. Concrete walls, for example, are a good choice. A 150mm thick concrete wall can achieve a sound reduction of 45 decibels. Steel frame walls, on the other hand, are lighter and less effective at blocking sound. However, their soundproofing can be improved by increasing the wall thickness and adding sound-absorbing insulation. Other options include brick and drywall, each with varying levels of sound insulation.

• Wall Thickness: Thicker walls generally provide better sound insulation.

• Wall Structure: Multi-layered wall systems, such as double-layered walls with sound-absorbing material in between, can be very effective at blocking sound transmission.

• Windows and Doors: Windows and doors are common pathways for sound. Choosing well-insulated windows and doors is crucial for effective soundproofing.

• Floors: In multi-story prefabricated homes, the soundproofing of the floors also plays a role in overall noise reduction. Thicker floors generally provide better sound insulation. A 150mm thick concrete floor, for example, can achieve a sound reduction of 60 decibels. Similar to walls, multi-layered floor systems with sound-absorbing materials can further improve soundproofing.

Soundproofing Tests in Prefabricated Homes

To give you a clearer idea of how well prefabricated homes block sound, here are some typical sound insulation measurements:

• Airborne Sound Insulation: 40-50 decibels (dB). This means the walls can effectively block out noises from outside and sounds from neighboring homes.

• Impact Sound Insulation: 60-70 decibels (dB). This indicates how well the floors can reduce noises from footsteps, jumping, and other impacts from above.

How to Improve Soundproofing in Your Prefabricated Home

If you're particularly sensitive to noise, here are some steps you can take to enhance the soundproofing of your prefabricated home:

• Choose Sound-Insulating Wall Materials: Opt for materials like concrete, solid brick, or specialized soundproofing panels.

• Increase Wall Thickness: Adding to the thickness of your walls, or using a multi-layered wall system, will further reduce sound transmission.

• Install Soundproof Windows and Doors: Look for windows and doors specifically designed for sound insulation, such as double-paned or triple-paned glass windows and solid-core doors.

• Upgrade Floor Soundproofing: If you're building a multi-story home, consider sound-insulating floors or adding sound-absorbing materials to the existing floors.

• Add Interior Soundproofing: You can also improve soundproofing by adding sound-absorbing materials to the walls and ceilings inside your home, such as acoustic panels or sound-dampening insulation.

Key Considerations When Choosing Materials

When selecting materials for your prefabricated home, keep the following in mind:

• Your Soundproofing Needs: If you require a very quiet environment, perhaps because you work from home or are sensitive to noise, then thicker walls, doors, and floors made from sound-insulating materials are a must.

• Your Budget: Thicker and more specialized soundproofing materials typically come at a higher cost. Balance your soundproofing needs with your budget.

• Your Home's Structure: The type of structure of your prefabricated home can also influence the type and thickness of materials needed for optimal soundproofing.