How to Soundproof Windows & Reduce Noise
One way to reduce noise pollution for any window in your home is to install double or triple glazing fittings that will increase energy efficiency as well as soundproofing capabilities.
Doing this will both increase sound insulation capabilities as well as energy savings potential.
Opting for laminated glass window inserts may also be costly; therefore, it may not be an appropriate option if renting.
Window Inserts
Noise pollution from street traffic, noisy neighbours, and barking dogs can seriously detract from your family’s quality of life and create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Soundproof window inserts offer a simple solution for mitigating exterior noise by being easy to install and cost-effective—not to mention they help increase energy efficiency and lower utility bills! Choosing appropriate materials and properly installing windows are key components of effective soundproofing.
Installing barrier panels, which consist of an acoustic foam panel fitted over your existing window frame to absorb and block unwanted sounds, is the ideal way to decrease window noise levels. They come in various sizes to suit different window sizes and types; an alternative option would be applying acoustic caulk or self-adhesive strips along the edges of window frames, but these methods won’t last as long or be as effective.
Permanent solutions may include installing soundproof window inserts. These inserts are specifically designed to fit inside existing window frames and create a barrier against outside noise, blocking it off more effectively than ever. Available in vinyl and glass materials, respectively, vinyl inserts may prove more durable than foam, while energy efficiency may reduce utility bills significantly.
Indow Acoustic Grade Inserts can reduce outside noise by as much as 70% and are designed to fit with existing window trim and frame, providing easy installation and sound protection with an STC rating of 45+.
Replace single-pane windows with multi-pane ones to increase sound reduction even further, typically offering 40–50 STC ratings and designed with multiple panes of glass to provide insulation and decrease outside noise. However, always consult a professional before selecting and installing any windows of this nature.
Sound-Resistant Blankets
Your home should be an environment in which you can unwind and relax, yet constant outside noise such as traffic, neighbours’ voices, or construction can detract from this goal. Luckily, there are several DIY solutions to soundproof your windows to reduce unwanted sounds, such as passing traffic.
Noise insulation blankets provide an affordable and effective solution to reduce unwanted sound from entering your house through windows. Featuring fibreglass batting insulation cores designed to absorb sound waves as they travel through curtains, these blankets also come coated in an acoustic vinyl layer, which helps isolate noise levels further.
Blankets used at construction sites to comply with noise ordinances come in different sizes to suit any project size, with NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) or STC (Sound Transmission Class) measurements being the best way of measuring the sound absorption capabilities of these blankets. The higher these figures are, the better at absorbing sound their performance is.
Hang these blankets from the frame of your window as permanent sound barriers, or suspend them like curtains to block out light and provide some additional privacy. They’re easy to install and removable if desired or when needing cleaning, plus they come in different colours to match any decor!
Carbon absorption panels offer another high-tech DIY soundproofing solution for windows. Similar to foam plugs, carbon absorption panels fit directly into your window frame to block unwanted noises while attenuating light from outside sources. Another advantage of carbon absorption panels is that you can remove them whenever necessary from your window without any permanent effects—great if your needs change over time!
For permanent soundproofing solutions on your windows, consider investing in double or triple glazing windows. These multi-paned windows contain multiple panes of glass separated by an insulative layer of argon gas to effectively minimise outside noises while keeping the inside quieter. Although more costly than their single-pane counterparts, double and triple-paned windows offer much greater peace and tranquilly for your home.
Weather Stripping
Sealing up window gaps is one of the best ways to lower noise from windows, as this will block outside sound from entering and reduce air leakage and energy costs. Acoustic caulk is an ideal choice as it plugs air gaps while providing an effective noise barrier, plus it comes in different colours and styles, so you can find something perfect for your decor!
Carbon absorption panels are another reliable solution to window soundproofing, easily installed and removed when necessary. Crafted out of quilted fibreglass, these sound barriers act as sound absorbers on both sides to significantly decrease echos. They are conveniently available online or locally from hardware stores at an affordable price.
For an economical approach to window noise reduction, weather stripping kits provide all of the insulation solutions you’ll need—in multiple sizes and multi-packs with self-sticking tape for simple application to frames and sills of windows. Simply follow their instructions for applying weather stripping around window frames and sills.
Weather stripping is made from foam or silicone and designed to stop rain from getting through while also blocking noise. To use it effectively, simply clean around your window jambs with a non-abrasive soap and water mixture before cutting the strip to the size of your window and attaching it firmly with tape or glue. Allow for some set time before taking note of reduced exterior noise levels!
If you want an even more permanent soundproofing solution, upgrade to double or triple-pane windows. This will significantly lower outside noises while improving energy efficiency, plus the additional layers of glass will help prevent heat loss during the winter.
Curtains
Curtains offer an inexpensive way to reduce outside noise in your home. Although curtains won’t entirely block out high-frequency sounds like honking car horns or sirens, they can help significantly with noise reduction by dampening sound waves’ intensity by absorbing soundwaves through heavy fabric’s ability to absorb them and dissipate vibrations across its surface. In turn, this reduces volume.
Although curtains claim to be soundproof, it’s important to remember that no curtain can completely block out noise entering it. Manufacturers generally refer to this phenomenon as sound reduction or noise cancelling instead, and curtains that fall close to the floor and extend all the way up towards the ceiling can help minimise noise levels by blocking more sound energy from penetrating through them.
One of the best ways to soundproof your windows is with acoustic window inserts. Installed into existing window frames, these inserts offer more effective noise reduction than double-pane windows alone. Constructed of laminated glass, it features an intermediate layer that acts as a buffer against outside noise and vibrations while sealing gaps between your frame and wall, thus helping reduce exterior noise levels and air flow.
Blackout curtains can help reduce outside noise by blocking it from coming inside your home and emitting through its windows, though they won’t do much for noise from other sources such as traffic or noisy neighbours.
Sound-deadening blinds offer another solution, coming in various colours and styles with additional features such as privacy liners, moisture resistance, light-blocking capabilities, privacy liners, and moisture resistance. To choose sound-deadening blinds that best meet your needs, start by measuring your window frame height and width from side to side before adding 16 inches so they extend from floor to ceiling. The denser the fabric used, the better it will absorb noise!
