How to reduce noise let into bedrooms from breezeways?

[lindner00]

We've got breezeways above all of our bedrooms doors. We love the look of them but our house is really noisy with the timber flooring everywhere so I want to try to figure out a way to put some glass or perspex on it so we can keep the look (and the light) but reduce the noise significantly. 

I don't really want to install the glass inside beading or make a frame etc. I would rather not have anything that is permanent in case we change our mind after our kids are a bit older. I also know that these breezeways can collect a lot of dust so I want to be able to clean up the glass or perspex every now and again. 

I've got some ideas on how I can do this but I wanted to see if anyone else had done something like this before to get some inspiration. 

Thanks

[EricL]

Hello @lindner00 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us and thanks of sharing your question about reducing noise from your breezeways.

I suggest looking at Clear Acrylic Sheets and cutting them down to size. I propose holding them in place with the use of Rolltrak Clear Flyscreen Swivel Clip - 8 pack. To keep the clip in place, I recommend using Pinnacle 4.0 x 25mm White Countersunk Timber Screw or similar.

Using this method, it will allow you to install and remove the acrylic sheet at your leisure when you want to clean it. You won't need to use tools except for the first time that you install it. After that you simply twist the clip out of the way when you want the acrylic sheet out.

Should you change your mind in the future, the clips can be taken out and the holes filled in sanded then painted over.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[lindner00]

Thanks so much Eric. That is exactly what I was looking for. I've been debating whether to use glass or the acrylic sheets. But those little swivel clips are perfect. 

I was leaning towards glass was because I just felt like it would be a cleaner look than the acrylic but that is mainly because I don't know how to cut the acrylic. Is there a specific type of tool or saw that you'd recommend or is this something that Bunnings can cut on the big saw? I just wasn't sure how clean of a cut you could make on those sheets vs if I got a profession glazier to make the glass, I know it would look really good. 

[EricL]

Hello @lindner00 

From a safety point of view, it would be better to use an acrylic sheet. Should the panel accidentally fall, it will not shatter into dozens of dangerous pieces. I'm sorry, but Bunnings does not offer a cutting service for Perspex or acrylic panels.

In order to cut the acrylic panel, I suggest using either a jigsaw and fine-toothed blade or a score and snap knife. 

The general steps when using the score knife is to mark the line you wish to cut and then clamp a piece of timber as a guide on it. Cut a narrow groove in the sheeting with the knife by running it against the timber. Place the sheet over a hard edge with the groove-side up. Clamp the sheet in place and then snap the sheet at the groove. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric