COLUMN: Gail Mayhugh

DEAR GAIL: We recently moved into a new home and are surprised at how much noise we hear from the street that runs behind our property. We thought that it would be great not to have neighbors looking into our yard, but now we're upset because we didn't consider the noise. It's not so noticeable in the family room, but it's very noticeable is our master bedroom. Any suggestions? -- Janet and Jon.

DEAR JANET and JON: Not to worry, there are solutions to help reduce the noise you're getting from the traffic behind your home.

Although your home is new, one option would be to replace your master bedroom windows with windows that are soundproof. Window manufacturers claim these windows will reduce noise by as much as 95 percent.

There also are soundproof windows, which are second windows made to fit inside the frame of the existing windows, on the inside of the room. They open and close just like regular windows, and manufacturers claim they reduce noise levels by 75 percent to 95 percent.

Manufacturers say it is best to have at least 6 inches of air space between the windows to provide the most noise reduction. The air space acts as a barrier against noise entering the room through the window. Also, consider adding gaskets and seals around the windows to help prevent noise from coming through any openings.

Another option is to place a shutter on the outside of the window. It will block some of your light, but it will help with the noise. You also can have exterior roll-up shutters installed, which you just close at bedtime.

There also are several noise-reducing window treatment options. Layers work best.

Start with your sun and light control treatment. A pleated or fabric Roman shade will absorb some of the noise, as well as provide excellent sun and light control during the day. Fabric is a good noise-absorbing material. To block as much noise as possible, consider mounting the shade on the outside of the window, extending 3 to 6 inches beyond the sides. If you like the idea of a Roman shade, use a thermal or blackout lining for added control.

To further decrease the noise level, continue the layers. Place floor-length sheers with three-times fullness over the shade. During the day, you can have the shade up with the sheers across the window for privacy. I would then add a layer of thermal or black-out-lined drapery panels on a traverse rod that you can close at night.

Let the sheers and drapery panels extend past your windows and onto the walls for more sound control coverage. Also, by having the extended panels, you can open and stack them back onto the wall during the day to let in as much light as you want. (Stack back is the width that the drapery panel will take up on the wall when completely pulled open.)

For both Roman shades and drapery panels, I suggest using thermal or blackout lining. This is what is used in commercial applications, such as hotel rooms, and it's great for noise reduction. Think of how quiet your hotel room is once you close the drapes, even when the hotel is located along a noisy highway.

I hope these ideas will help you get a good night's sleep.

Gail Mayhugh, owner of GMJ Interiors, is a professional interior designer and author of a book on the subject. Questions may be sent by e-mail to: gail@gmjinteriors.com. Or, mail to: 8170 S. Eastern Ave., Box 4-275, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Her Web address is: www.GMJinteriors.com.

Real Estate home