There is nothing quite like the noise of a busy airport. Unfortunately, many homeowners are subject to that noise day and night, even when they are in their homes. Noise disturbances can disrupt the comfort in what is supposed to be the most comfortable place you can go: your home sweet home. That’s why, if you live near an airport, you may need to soundproof your home.
The basics of soundproofing against airport noise. If you live near an airport, then you are familiar with the gravity of airport noise. It’s not exactly the same as your neighbor’s occasional garage band practices; no, airport noise is perpetual, and above-average loud. For this reason, soundproofing against airport noise requires some special considerations. When it comes to soundproofing against the noise of aircrafts, you have to use a multifaceted approached. This means attention to your walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, and attic space (if applicable), using green glue, acoustic panels, mass loaded vinyl, and RSIC clip pieces as well.
Will the airport cover the costs? Chances are, it will. It has long been a requirement that airports must pay to soundproof homes that live in the vicinity of noisy takeoff, landing, and flight paths. These areas are indicated by “noise maps” developed by scientists on behalf of airports. For example, the Charlotte-Douglas International airport recently sent letters to over 161 homeowners in Charlotte, offering to pay to soundproof their homes. Arizona’s international airport in Tuscon spent an entire 20 years in the process of soundproofing homes in the airport’s noise map, culminating in a total of 1,121 soundproofed area home. Those who live in the city of Los Angeles my receive soundproofing under LAX’s Residential Soundproofing Program (RSP).
Noise map shrinkage. You can’t assume that you live in an area that lies within an airport noise map just because you live near an airport. Additionally, noise maps are updated regularly, as aircraft manufacturers update their mechanics and technology to create quieter planes. Therefore, it’s possible that a noise map that covers your locality may shrink to preclude it in the future. For that reason, it is important that you take advantage of government-required soundproofing from your local airport if your home life is negatively affected by airplane noise.
Do you need soundproofing for your home that is close to an airport? If you think you do, then the better question is probably this: Will the airport pay to soundproof your home? Fortunately, the likely answer is yes, it will. Just keep in mind that it is better to find out sooner, than later, so if you think that you might qualified for airport-paid soundproofing, make that call to your local airport today.
