Why is it important to tackle noise pollution?

Old houses and properties in need of renovation often have original and authentic features, but unfortunately the previous generations didn’t know much about sound insulation. As a result, noise pollution is a common problem in old buildings, especially in urban areas and densely populated neighbourhoods. What you can do about it? Read on and find out.

It’s well-known that persistent disturbance from noise in your environment has a negative effect on both your health and comfort. This might mean interrupted sleep, stress or even elevated blood pressure. By addressing noise pollution, you can significantly increase your quality of life.

You can start insulating against noise by improving the insulation of your exterior walls, for example with cavity wall insulation or cladding. This greatly reduces ambient noise. Solid, well-insulated walls are able to block vibrations from traffic or neighbourhood noise much better than non-insulated walls. What’s more, this also improves your walls’ thermal insulation, which is good news for your energy bills. Be sure to use high-density insulation materials (mineral wool, cellulose) for maximum acoustic effect.

Another good way to keep out noise is new windows. For example, you can replace single or double glazing with acoustic glazing. This glass is coated in a special film that absorbs sound vibrations and dampens significantly more noise than high-efficiency glass. Moreover, it provides five times the insulation of single glazing and is two to three times more effective than ordinary double glazing. You should also pay attention to the window frames and their installation: properly-installed frames with closable rubber seals keep out draughts as well as noise.

The best results are achieved by improving your facade and windows at the same time. Sound insulation is only as strong as its weakest link: there’s little sense insulating a wall if there are large gaps around the old windows. You should therefore take a comprehensive approach: install cavity or exterior wall insulation, high-efficiency glass, and perhaps additional soundproof doors or shutters.

Although there aren’t any subsidies specifically for sound insulation, these improvements are considered to be energy-saving investments. This means that if you live in Flanders, you can apply for a renovation subsidy for wall and glass insulation through ‘Mijn VerbouwPremie’ [My Renovation Grant]. Get advice from an expert: they can measure noise levels to identify the main ways noise is coming inside and suggest targeted solutions.

Note that these tips are especially relevant to anyone that owns or renovates a property in a noisy environment such as a city or along a busy road. Even if you rent your house or flat, you can take measures to dampen noise a little, such as hanging thicker curtains and installing draught strips. Unfortunately, any changes to the structure have to be carried out by the owner, so you should definitely talk to your landlord about what’s possible.

Many people are annoyed by very specific types of noise pollution. Strangely enough, these don’t include ongoing street noise from honking cars and wailing ambulance sirens. 

So what does irritate us? The top five annoying noises are:

• Lawn mowers: There’s nothing more irritating than being woken up at the weekend by your neighbour enthusiastically working on their garden.
• Construction and renovation work: Noise from machinery and tools during construction.
• Garden parties and barbecues: Noise pollution from music, loud conversations and laughter – especially if the party goes on into the small hours of the morning.
• Children playing outside: While this certainly doesn’t apply to everyone, excessive shouting and laughter can cause annoyance.
• Pets, especially the neighbour's barking dog.

Housing, work, life: they all bring challenges. At KBC Brussels, we like to keep you up to date with the latest developments in housing, energy, sustainability and mobility, so be sure to read our articles on sustainable insulation. If you’ve got bigger building or renovation plans, our partner ‘Impact us today’ can help you with your project, and we’re also happy to tell you more about our renovation loan and energy loan.

Loan type: Instalment loan. Subject to your credit application being approved by KBC Bank NV. Lender: KBC Bank NV, with registered office at Havenlaan 2, 1080 Brussels, Belgium, VAT BE 0462.920.226, RLP Brussels.