Frequently Asked Questions
Getting Started with Soundproofing
What’s the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment?
Soundproofing stops noise from getting in or out of your space by blocking sound transmission through walls, windows, and doors. Acoustic treatment, on the other hand, improves the sound quality inside a room by reducing echo and reverberation. Think of soundproofing as building a barrier, while acoustic treatment is about controlling how sound behaves within your space.
How can I reduce noise in my home without major renovations?
Start with the easiest wins: seal gaps around existing windows and add a secondary acoustic window and install an acoustic door being solid core and acoustic seals. For walls, you can direct fix Barrierboard over your existing plasterboard forgoing major demolition work. These solutions give you significant noise reduction without having to undertake a complete rebuild.
How much does soundproofing cost in Australia?
Costs vary depending on your acoustic needs as well as the size of the area you’re treating. A single window might start from roughly $1800, while whole-room solutions cost more. The good news? The investment pays off in improved sleep quality, better concentration, and increased property value. We’re happy to provide a quote once we understand your needs.
How long does it take to soundproof a room?
For acoustic windows, we can usually manufacture and install Soundblock magnetic acrylic systems within 2 to 3 weeks, and 6 to 8 weeks for Soundout sliding aluminium windows. Installation is often completed within a day. Barrierboard wall treatments may take a week to schedule but installation can often be completed in a few days, depending on the room size. We’ll give you a clear timeline when we quote your project.
Can I soundproof my home myself, or do I need professionals?
Unless you have trade skills we would not recommend DIY of our products. Solutions like Barrierboard wall lining can be installed by a skilled handyman or gyprocker but do require gap free finishes. Windows and doors require precise measurements and professional fitting to achieve the noise reduction you’re after. We offer both supply-only and installation services depending on your location.
Will soundproofing my home add value to my property?
Absolutely. Homes with effective soundproofing are increasingly sought-after, especially in busy urban areas. Buyers pay a premium for peace and quiet, particularly near major roads, trains, flight paths or entertainment districts. It’s an investment in both your current quality of life and future resale value.
Understanding Noise & Sound Levels
How do you measure noise reduction?
We use two main measurements: STC (Sound Transmission Class) and decibels (dB). STC rates how well a material blocks sound—higher numbers mean better soundproofing. A reduction of 10dB cuts perceived noise in half, while 20dB reduction makes noise about four times quieter.
What’s a good level of soundproofing for a bedroom?
For comfortable sleep in an urban environment, you want to reduce external noise to around 30-35dB inside your bedroom. Traffic noise typically sits at 70-80dB outside, so you need solutions that provide at least 35-40dB of noise reduction. Our acoustic windows combined with proper sealing typically achieve this level of protection.
Why can I still hear noise after soundproofing?
Complete silence is nearly impossible without building a recording studio. However, if you’re not getting the reduction you expected, it’s usually due to air gaps, flanking paths (noise travelling through connecting structures), or low-frequency sounds while reduced are still audible. Let us assess your situation—there’s usually a solution we can implement to take sound from invasive to background noise, so our brains filter noise out more easily.
Windows & Doors Solutions
What’s better for soundproofing—acrylic or aluminium windows?
It depends on your noise type. Soundblock acrylic magnetic windows work brilliantly for mid-to-high frequency noise like voices, music or general neighbourhood sounds. For lower frequency traffic noise, especially heavy vehicles, our Soundout aluminium windows with laminated glass perform better. We’ll recommend the right option based on your specific noise problem.
How effective are Soundout aluminium windows for reducing traffic noise?
Our secondary window systems can reduce up to 65% of perceived noise, which makes a dramatic difference to your comfort at home. Traffic noise is mostly lower frequency, which is why we typically recommend our aluminium double-glazed systems for properties on busy roads. They’re specifically designed to handle those deep rumbling sounds.
Can I still open my windows after installing acoustic windows?
Yes! All panels slide in our Soundout aluminium glass sliding windows and doors to access the outer window/door for opening and/or cleaning.
Our magnetic acrylic panels require lifting off when you want fresh air or need to clean. Both systems are fitted inside your existing reveals, so your original windows still function normally. You get soundproofing when you need it and ventilation when you want it.
Do acoustic windows help with insulation and energy costs?
They certainly do. The air gap, optimally 70-100mm, that makes them effective for sound also provides excellent thermal insulation. Many of our clients notice reduced heating and cooling costs after installation, as well as a reduction in condensation, especially with our aluminium double-glazed systems. It’s a bonus benefit on top of the noise reduction.
Will acoustic windows look ugly or obvious from outside?
Not at all. From the street, you won’t notice them—they’re installed inside and custom-made to match your existing frames. Our Soundout aluminium frames are powder-coated to complement your décor. Visitors rarely notice them until they are pointed out.
Do I need council or strata approval for acoustic windows?
Generally, no as our windows are installed inside your home without changing the building’s external appearance, council and strata approval typically isn’t required. We’ve installed secondary windows in hundreds of heritage-listed buildings and strata properties across Australia without any issues.
How do I clean and maintain acoustic windows?
They’re as easy to maintain as regular windows. The Soundblock acrylic panels lift off for cleaning with a mild soap and warm water using a microfibre cloth. Avoid paper towels, abrasive materials, and harsh chemicals like ammonia or acetone, which can scratch or damage the surface, making it cloudy.
Soundout Aluminium windows can be cleaned with regular glass cleaning products and the frames just need occasional wiping down. There are no special maintenance requirements.
Can acoustic windows help with early morning or late-night noise?
That’s exactly what most of our customers need them for; shift workers, parents with young children, or anyone who wants a good night’s sleep. By blocking external noise when you need quiet the most, they make your home genuinely restful regardless of what’s happening outside.
Wall & Ceiling Soundproofing
What’s the best way to soundproof a wall between units or townhouses?
The most effective approach is adding mass and creating separation. Install Barrierboard (a high-density plasterboard) over your existing wall, ideally using isolation mounts and channels to decouple the new wall from the original structure. Seal all gaps with acoustic sealant for best results.
Can I soundproof a wall without losing too much room space?
Yes, though you’ll lose some space, typically 32 -64mm. For shared walls in apartments or townhouses, adding just Barrierboard, high density batts and resilient mounting makes a huge difference to your peace and privacy.
Should I remove my existing plasterboard before adding soundproofing?
No need. Adding Barrierboard over your existing wall actually improves performance because mass is one of the key principles of soundproofing. More layers mean better noise blocking. We only recommend removal if there’s damage or moisture issues that need addressing first.
How much noise reduction can I get from soundproofing my ceiling?
Ceiling treatments can stop or significantly reduce footstep noise and sound transmission. For impact noise from upstairs neighbours, combining a secondary isolated ceiling treatment together with acoustic underlays on their floor gives the best results—though obviously that requires their cooperation.
Will soundproofing my ceiling make my room feel lower?
Initially it may but given time you will become use the new height. You’ll typically lose 64-80mm in ceiling height depending on the system. In standard Australian ceiling heights (2.4-2.7m), this is rarely an issue. We design solutions that balance acoustic performance with maintaining a comfortable room height.
What’s the best acoustic treatment for noisy upstairs neighbours?
Unfortunately, impact noise from above is caused by sound travelling via the structure. Ideally it is dealt with by adding impact isolation materials under the flooring itself. If that’s not possible, we can add mass and isolation to your ceiling, though treatment will vary depending on the building structure. A timber framed building requires more treatment than a concrete structure.
Floor Soundproofing
How do I stop my floors from being noisy to the people downstairs?
Acoustic underlay is your answer. Installed beneath carpet, timber, or tile flooring, it absorbs impact noise from footsteps, dropped objects, and furniture movement. Different underlays suit different floor types, and we’ll match the right product to your flooring and budget.
Can you soundproof existing timber or tile floors?
If you’re keeping your existing flooring, options are limited without lifting it. However, thick rugs with acoustic padding may help. For a permanent solution, we can install acoustic underlay during a renovation or when replacing flooring. It’s worth planning this work when you’re updating those surfaces anyway.
What’s the difference between acoustic underlay and regular underlay?
Acoustic underlay is specifically engineered with materials that absorb impact vibrations rather than just providing cushioning. Standard underlay might make floors feel softer, but it doesn’t meaningfully reduce noise transmission to rooms below. Acoustic versions use dense, flexible materials designed for sound control.
Doors Soundproofing & Door Seals
Why do I still hear noise through my door after soundproofing the walls?
Doors are often the weakest link in soundproofing because they’re lighter than walls and have gaps around the edges. Even a small gap lets noise through. You need either a solid core or acoustic door together with perimeter acoustic seals and a face fix or morticed bottom drop acoustic seal. Sometimes a secondary door may be required to create an airlock effect.
What makes an acoustic door different from a regular door?
Acoustic doors are heavier (more mass), feature specialised seals that compress when closed, and often include internal cores designed to dampen sound. A solid timber door helps, but a purpose-built acoustic door achieves far superior noise reduction. However, an acoustic door will likely require a new door jamb and reinforcement of the wall to support the acoustic door’s added weight.
Can I improve my existing door’s soundproofing?
To an extent, yes. Add acoustic door seals, install an automatic drop seal at the bottom, check that it closes firmly, potentially adding mass with a secondary layer if the wall is able to support the weight. However, if noise is a serious issue, replacing a standard door with a solid core door or acoustic door together with a full set of acoustic seals is more cost-effective than trying to upgrade a hollow core or semi-solid door.
Acoustic Treatments & Panels
Will acoustic panels stop noise from neighbours?
No. Acoustic panels and acoustic foam are designed to absorb sound reflections within a room—they improve how your space sounds internally but don’t block external noise. For neighbour noise, you need soundproofing solutions like Barrierboard secondary walls and ceilings, acoustic secondary windows and/or acoustic door treatments.
Where should I put acoustic panels in my office or meeting room?
Focus on first reflection points—typically the upper wall facing the main sound source and the ceiling above where people sit or speak. Corners also accumulate sound, so panels there help reduce bass build-up. We can assess your space and recommend optimal placement for your specific usage.
What’s Stratocell Whisper foam, and when should I use it?
It’s a premium closed-cell LDPE (low density polyethylene) acoustic foam with an NRC 1.0 (Noise Reduction Coefficient) meaning it absorbs virtually all the sound that hits it, and bonus TL 13.8dB (Transmission Loss). Most acoustic absorbers only have NRC, not TL. Unlike open-cell foam, Stratocell Whisper is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications including areas where UV, moisture, high-humidity and other challenges like dirt and grime exist. Stratocell Whisper is used in restaurants, pools, industrial and infrastructure settings, and anywhere you need excellent sound absorption with durability.
Do acoustic panels work for home theatres?
They’re essential for home theatres! They prevent sound from bouncing around the room, which creates echo and muddies dialogue. Acoustic panels deliver cinema-quality sound in your home by controlling reflections and creating a balanced acoustic environment.
How many acoustic panels do I need for my space?
It depends on room size, ceiling height, surface materials, and what you’re trying to achieve. As a rule of thumb, covering 40-60% of wall and ceiling surfaces usually provides a noticeable improvement. We offer acoustic assessments to determine the exact coverage you need for optimal results.
Specific Noise Problems
How do I soundproof against aircraft noise near flight paths?
Aircraft noise is challenging because it’s loud, low-frequency, and comes from above. Our aluminium sliding secondary windows make the biggest difference, combined with ceiling treatments if you’re in a high-impact zone. Many clients in Sydney’s approach paths have been thrilled with the results—turning unbearable roaring into manageable background noise.
Can you help with barking dogs or noisy neighbours?
Yes. Dog barking tends to be mid-frequency sound that travels through windows—acoustic windows typically reduce the sound but the explosive nature of dog barks usually means some residual can be heard. For neighbour noise through walls, Barrierboard systems plus proper sealing works well. We’ll assess your specific situation and recommend the most effective solution.
What’s the best solution for pubs, restaurants, or cafes near my home?
Late-night venue noise is usually a combination of music bass (low-frequency) and crowd noise (mid-to-high frequency). Acoustic doors and aluminium sliding secondary acoustic windows handle both frequency ranges well. If noise comes through walls as well, combined window and wall treatment may be needed. We’ve solved this problem for hundreds of clients in entertainment districts.
How do I reduce echo and noise in my restaurant or café?
Installing acoustic ceiling panels or tiles makes the biggest difference. Our Stratocell Whisper sheets and/or Planobevel tiles have transformed noisy, echoey restaurants into comfortable dining spaces. Combined with wall panels, where appropriate, you’ll reduce the cacophony that drives customers away and creates stress and ordering mistakes for staff.
Can soundproofing help with home recording studios?
Definitely, but you need both soundproofing (to prevent sound escaping) and acoustic treatment (to make recordings sound good). The approach depends on your recording type and neighbours’ proximity. We can design a solution that keeps the peace while helping you create great recordings.
Materials & Products
What is Barrierboard, and how does it work?
Barrierboard is high-density plasterboard specifically designed for soundproofing. It’s significantly heavier than standard plasterboard, and that extra mass blocks more sound from passing through. It’s built in decoupler structurally disconnects the sheets for an even better result. It’s rebated for easy joining, installs like regular plasterboard, and can be finished with standard painting and plastering techniques.
Is Reapor suitable for outdoor acoustic applications?
Yes, Reapor recycled glass acoustic panels handle Australian weather conditions beautifully. They’re ideal for outdoor entertaining areas, pool surrounds, or building exteriors where you need sound absorption without degradation from sun, rain, or humidity. They’re eco-friendly too, made from recycled glass.
What acoustic underlay works best under timber floors?
For timber floors, we recommend dense rubber-based or composite underlays that balance impact noise reduction with structural support. The specific product depends on whether you’re installing floating floors or fixed boards. We’ll match the right underlay to your timber type and installation method.
Can acoustic materials help with air conditioning or mechanical noise?
Absolutely. Mechanical noise is often persistent and annoying despite not being particularly loud. Acoustic barriers around equipment, vibration isolators, and closed cell sound-absorbers like Stratocell Whisper will significantly reduce HVAC noise. We’ve worked with countless commercial and residential buildings to quiet noisy mechanical systems
Technical Questions
What does NRC 1.0 mean?
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) measures sound absorption from 0 to 1.0. An NRC of 1.0 means a material absorbs 100% of sound hitting it—none reflects back. Our Stratocell Whisper foam achieves this rating, making it one of the most effective sound absorbers available for controlling echo and reverberation.
Do I need an acoustic assessment before starting soundproofing?
Not always, but it helps for complex situations or commercial projects. An acoustic assessment involves measuring noise levels, identifying transmission paths and calculating the expected performance of different solutions. For residential projects, we can usually recommend effective solutions based on your description and a site visit.
Will soundproofing materials meet Australian fire safety standards?
Yes, all our products meet Australian fire safety standards. Fire safety is non-negotiable. We only supply products with appropriate certifications for your application.
How long do acoustic windows and soundproofing materials last?
With proper care, decades. Our acrylic windows don’t yellow or craze like cheaper products, our aluminium frames are powder-coated for longevity, and materials like Barrierboard last the life of your building. We’ve had acrylic windows performing perfectly after 20+ years. Same too with Stratocell Whisper acoustic absorbers. Quality materials pay off in the long run.
Local & Practical
Do you service all of Australia, or just specific cities?
We’ve been helping Australians solve noise problems for over 25 years, with experience across Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and regional areas. While we’re based in Sydney, we travel for projects and can arrange solutions directly or through our associates throughout Australia. Get in touch to discuss your location and requirements.
How quickly can you come out for a quote and assessment?
Usually within a week for metro areas. We’ll arrange a time that suits you, measure up, discuss your specific noise issues, and provide a detailed quote. A consultation fee will apply, and we provide you with a detailed solution so you can make an informed decision. Should you go ahead we refund your consultation fee.
What happens if the soundproofing doesn’t work as expected?
We stand behind our recommendations and workmanship. If you’re not getting the envisaged noise reduction, we’ll investigate and make it right. Usually, any issues come from unexpected noise paths, and we can address these. Our goal is your peace and quiet.
