Road noise action checklist
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1. Measure & map
- □ Note quietest vs loudest rooms and times of day
- □ Identify source: highway / street / exhaust / mix
- □ Optional: log dB with a meter at the pillow and at the window
2. Seal the envelope (cheap)
- □ Door sweeps on exterior doors
- □ Weatherstrip operable windows & doors
- □ Close gaps with acoustic caulk where appropriate
- □ Cover mail slots / pet doors at night if they leak sound
3. Treat the room
- □ Heavy curtains on the noisiest facade
- □ White noise / fan for sleep masking
- □ Soft earplugs for peak events
- □ Soft furnishings (rug, bookshelf) to reduce slap-echo indoors
4. Upgrade path
- □ Get quotes for interior acoustic window inserts
- □ If replacing windows, ask for laminated glass + OITC/STC in writing
- □ One-room focus (bedroom) before whole-house spend
5. Document & escalate
- □ Keep a 2-week log (dates, times, plate if exhaust, sleep impact)
- □ File bylaw/police complaint for illegal exhausts
- □ For highways: contact city transportation / DOT about barriers & studies
- □ Talk to neighbors — group requests carry more weight