Reduce Traffic Noise in City Homes: The Best Wall and Window Solutions
The Urban Noise Challenge
City living comes with convenience—but also relentless traffic noise, honking, construction sounds, and street chatter that invade homes. Over time, constant exposure disrupts sleep, reduces focus, and affects mental well-being.
The solution lies in scientifically designed wall and window soundproofing systems using SoundBlanket® MLV, BassBloc®, acoustic finishes, and window treatments to create a quiet, comfortable indoor environment.
Step 1: Wall Soundproofing to Block Airborne Noise
Walls are the largest barrier between your home and the city outside. Standard concrete or brick walls (STC 35–40) often fall short in urban environments.
Recommended Wall Build-Up:
Layer 1 – SoundBlanket® MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl)
STC:
2.5 mm → STC 29 (basic noise control)
4 mm → STC 32 (city apartments)
8 mm → STC 36 (high-traffic roads)
Size: 32 x 4 ft rolls (10 m x 1.2 m)
Density: 2100 kg/m³ | ASTM/EN/ISO certified
Function: Adds dense sound-blocking mass behind drywall or plaster.
Layer 2 – BassBloc® (Low-Frequency Absorber)
NRC: 0.85 (20 mm) or 0.95 (40 mm)
Stops low-frequency vibrations caused by heavy vehicles or subways.
Layer 3 – Acoustic Panels or Felt (Optional for Interiors)
Echsorbix® Felt Panels (NRC 0.90): Adds premium finishes while reducing internal echo.
Fabric-Wrapped Panels: Aesthetic options for bedrooms and living rooms.
Result: A combined STC 55+ wall, meeting standards used in hotels and premium apartments.
Step 2: Window Soundproofing – The Key to Urban Silence
Windows are the largest point of noise entry, often responsible for up to 50% of outdoor noise leakage.
Best Solutions:
Soundproof Curtains (STC 27)
Blocks up to 80% of traffic noise.
Heavy, multi-layered (4500 GSM) with NRC 0.20.
Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms needing immediate relief.
Double-Glazed Windows
Two layers of glass separated by an air gap significantly improve STC.
Ideal for urban-facing bedrooms and living rooms.
Acoustic Window Seals
Silicone or EPDM seals fill gaps, preventing whistling noise and leaks.
Pro Tip: Pair double-glazing with soundproof curtains for maximum noise reduction in high-traffic locations.
Case Study: High-Rise Apartment in Mumbai
Problem:
Persistent honking and construction noise disturbed sleep and work-from-home productivity.
Result:
Reduced noise levels by ~15–18 dB, transforming the apartment into a peaceful retreat despite its prime city location.
Solution:
Installed SoundBlanket® MLV (4 mm, STC 32) and BassBloc® (20 mm) behind bedroom walls.
Added double-glazed windows with soundproof curtains in living areas.
Additional Tips for City Home Noise Control
Seal Electrical Outlets
Use acoustic putty pads to block wall cavities.
Install Door Seals
Hollow doors leak hallway sounds; use EPDM perimeter seals and bottom sweeps.
Acoustic Ceilings
Add BassBloc® above false ceilings in multi-story apartments to damp footfall and upstairs noise.
Why Choose ASTM-Certified Materials?
SoundBlanket® MLV
Tested STC 27–40 (2–10 mm) for reliable noise blocking.
BassBloc®
NRC 0.85–0.95 for low-frequency absorption.
Echsorbix® Panels
NRC 0.90 for surface acoustic treatment.
These materials are ASTM/EN/ISO certified for safety and performance, ensuring measurable results.
FAQs
A: No. Curtains help reduce noise and echo but must be paired with MLV and sealed windows for significant reduction.
A: Treat all external-facing walls with MLV and BassBloc for full effect.
A: Yes. MLV, BassBloc, and felt panels are designed for non-invasive retrofit installation without structural changes.
Conclusion: Turn City Homes into Quiet Retreats
With SoundBlanket® MLV, BassBloc®, acoustic panels, and soundproof window treatments, city homeowners can achieve hotel-grade quietness even in high-traffic zones.
Contact MMT Acoustix today for custom wall and window soundproofing solutions designed for urban living.
City living comes with convenience—but also relentless traffic noise, honking, construction sounds, and street chatter that invade homes. Over time, constant exposure disrupts sleep, reduces focus, and affects mental well-being.
The solution lies in scientifically designed wall and window soundproofing systems using SoundBlanket® MLV, BassBloc®, acoustic finishes, and window treatments to create a quiet, comfortable indoor environment.
Step 1: Wall Soundproofing to Block Airborne Noise
Walls are the largest barrier between your home and the city outside. Standard concrete or brick walls (STC 35–40) often fall short in urban environments.
Recommended Wall Build-Up:
Layer 1 – SoundBlanket® MLV (Mass Loaded Vinyl)
STC:
2.5 mm → STC 29 (basic noise control)
4 mm → STC 32 (city apartments)
8 mm → STC 36 (high-traffic roads)
Size: 32 x 4 ft rolls (10 m x 1.2 m)
Density: 2100 kg/m³ | ASTM/EN/ISO certified
Function: Adds dense sound-blocking mass behind drywall or plaster.
Layer 2 – BassBloc® (Low-Frequency Absorber)
NRC: 0.85 (20 mm) or 0.95 (40 mm)
Stops low-frequency vibrations caused by heavy vehicles or subways.
Layer 3 – Acoustic Panels or Felt (Optional for Interiors)
Echsorbix® Felt Panels (NRC 0.90): Adds premium finishes while reducing internal echo.
Fabric-Wrapped Panels: Aesthetic options for bedrooms and living rooms.
Result: A combined STC 55+ wall, meeting standards used in hotels and premium apartments.
Step 2: Window Soundproofing – The Key to Urban Silence
Windows are the largest point of noise entry, often responsible for up to 50% of outdoor noise leakage.
Best Solutions:
Soundproof Curtains (STC 27)
Blocks up to 80% of traffic noise.
Heavy, multi-layered (4500 GSM) with NRC 0.20.
Ideal for bedrooms and living rooms needing immediate relief.
Double-Glazed Windows
Two layers of glass separated by an air gap significantly improve STC.
Ideal for urban-facing bedrooms and living rooms.
Acoustic Window Seals
Silicone or EPDM seals fill gaps, preventing whistling noise and leaks.
Pro Tip: Pair double-glazing with soundproof curtains for maximum noise reduction in high-traffic locations.
Case Study: High-Rise Apartment in Mumbai
Problem:
Persistent honking and construction noise disturbed sleep and work-from-home productivity.
Result:
Reduced noise levels by ~15–18 dB, transforming the apartment into a peaceful retreat despite its prime city location.
Solution:
Installed SoundBlanket® MLV (4 mm, STC 32) and BassBloc® (20 mm) behind bedroom walls.
Added double-glazed windows with soundproof curtains in living areas.
Additional Tips for City Home Noise Control
Seal Electrical Outlets
Use acoustic putty pads to block wall cavities.
Install Door Seals
Hollow doors leak hallway sounds; use EPDM perimeter seals and bottom sweeps.
Acoustic Ceilings
Add BassBloc® above false ceilings in multi-story apartments to damp footfall and upstairs noise.
Why Choose ASTM-Certified Materials?
SoundBlanket® MLV
Tested STC 27–40 (2–10 mm) for reliable noise blocking.
BassBloc®
NRC 0.85–0.95 for low-frequency absorption.
Echsorbix® Panels
NRC 0.90 for surface acoustic treatment.
These materials are ASTM/EN/ISO certified for safety and performance, ensuring measurable results.
FAQs
A: No. Curtains help reduce noise and echo but must be paired with MLV and sealed windows for significant reduction.
A: Treat all external-facing walls with MLV and BassBloc for full effect.
A: Yes. MLV, BassBloc, and felt panels are designed for non-invasive retrofit installation without structural changes.
Conclusion: Turn City Homes into Quiet Retreats
With SoundBlanket® MLV, BassBloc®, acoustic panels, and soundproof window treatments, city homeowners can achieve hotel-grade quietness even in high-traffic zones.
Contact MMT Acoustix today for custom wall and window soundproofing solutions designed for urban living.