Train & Tube Noise Soundproofing Solutions
There are solutions available for anyone who is living near a train station or train tracks, including high-tech customised soundproof technologies that work by blocking noise from entering your home – making nuisance noise from trains a thing of the past.
Noise Pollution From The London Underground
Although many homeowners in London have issues with noise caused by tube trains, the majority of noise complaints come from central areas where the trains run underground, as ground-borne noise is a more major problem. As opposed to airborne noise (caused by over-ground trains), ground-borne noise pollution will require extensive structural work if it is to be combatted effectively.
The Night Tube
TfL have recorded sound with a volume of up to 52dB inside homes that sit along the route of the night tube. Even louder levels have been recorded when two night tube trains cross paths near the residence. This far exceeds the World Health Organization’s recommended maximum noise level of 35dB for a good night’s sleep, and is much louder still than the WHO’s 45dB peak noise event recommendation.
Findings from the Environment Committee found that those disturbed by the night tube complain of:
- A lack of sleep
- Constant headaches
- Hearing damage and tinnitus
- Anxiety
- A reduction in concentration levels throughout the day
Tube Train Noise Solutions
There are multiple products that you can install to reduce the noise pollution that emanates from tube trains. Each system should be customised to suit your property, as well as the specifics of the noise complaint itself.
As with any soundproofing project, your soundproofing is only ever as effective as your weakest link – so that, for example, if you suffer from train noise you may not achieve a satisfactory result by only installing soundproof windows – particularly if the floor is actually one of the property’s major weak points.
Soundproof Floors
Our soundproof floor systems tackle train noise in two ways:
- Decoupling the floor from the rest of the structure – thereby preventing soundwaves from passing up through the floor and into your property
- Filling and plugging any gaps in the floor through which sound can penetrate
Acoustic Mats
Installing acoustic mats reduced the impact of noise transference.
Floor Decoupling / Floating Floors
This is a process that separates the floor from the structure of the building itself, which prevents soundwaves from travelling with ease up and across the entire property.
Acoustic Sealants
High quality sealants are used to plug any gaps around the floor, which are a common cause of noise pollution in the home.
I WANT TO SOUNDPROOF MY FLOORS >
Soundproof Windows
Typically, the weakest point for noise pollution in any home is the windows, which let in a great deal of airborne noise from trains – especially if the train is above ground and passing by your home. Specialist soundproof windows can reduce noise by up to 51dB, and iIn more severe cases (and where space permits) a two window solution will offer the most dramatic reduction in the level of noise.
Not sure what a reduction of 51dB sounds like? Use our handy Noise Tool to hear the difference for yourself.
Acoustic Glazing
Specialist acoustic glass has been designed and engineered to both dampen and dissipate oncoming soundwaves.
Increasing Air Gaps
An air gap is the term used to describe the gap between the sheets of glass within a window unit – or the gap between two windows when installing a secondary window unit behind the original one. The greater the air gap, the greater the reduction in noise transference.
Acoustic Foams
Acoustic foams are used during the installation of soundproof windows. Acoustic foam works to plug any gaps between the window and the wall, preventing any sound transfer.
Soundproof Walls
Walls are prone to both airborne and structure-borne noise, and poorly constructed walls are a real weak point in a property in terms of its soundproofing. Poorly constructed walls are an entry point for noise from the tube trains below via flanking, as well as those at ground level.
To reinforce existing external walls – and for effective soundproofing against train noise pollution – the walls must be decoupled from the structure as a whole. The process of decoupling uses dense acoustic plasterboards, mineral wool (where space permits) and the wall’s surface is isolated from the brickwork with specialised resilient bars that have been designed to prevent noise transference. While this does have a small impact on the available space in a room, it does make a considerable difference to the level of noise pollution – offering respite for those suffering from train noise – particularly when used in conjunction with soundproof windows.