Noise Control Becoming Big on Home Front

Noise Control Becoming Big on Home Front

Almost 80 percent of homeowners say their daily life is disrupted by superfluous noise, yet only 20 percent have some form of noise control in place within their homes. That's creating a niche for some companies.

Companies have developed products to stifle sounds between rooms. The products can cut by well more than half the amount of noise that transmits through walls. That's especially important as more homeowners set up home offices and need quiet to concentrate.

Ideally, noise control is made part of the initial planning of the home, because it can be difficult to retrofit existing spaces for noise control. Key steps--such as adding more insulation--should be taken in the early phases of construction.

Source: Belleville News-Democrat (IL) (12/17/05)