Are external noises disrupting your tranquility at home? Maybe you’re tired of having outside noises waking you up every hour and want to have a good night’s sleep. Or maybe you want to watch a movie without being constantly startled by outside noise. Either way, the solution is to make your home less inviting for street noise. But how to soundproof windows? We’ve got a few tips and tricks, so keep reading!
Key Takeaways
- Window inserts, exterior storm windows, and secondary glazing are effective at reducing outdoor noise without replacing the windows.
- Acoustic caulk, heavy curtains, and noise-reducing blinds are simple and budget-friendly methods for sealing gaps and absorbing sound.
- Advanced options like mass-loaded vinyl and soundproofing panels are perfect for rooms that don’t need natural light – recording studios or home cinema rooms, for example.
- Upgrading to double-pane windows can significantly reduce noise pollution.
1. Install Window Inserts or Exterior Storm Windows
If you’re looking to cut down on noise without the hassle of replacing your windows, you should definitely consider window inserts. They create a dead air space between the original window and the insert, which significantly diminishes outdoor noise.
Inserts are made from top-notch materials like acrylic glass and aluminum, so they have quite a long lifespan.
One of the best things about these inventions is how easy they are to install – if you’re looking for a quick solution, this is it! There’s no need to make any changes to your existing windows, and you don’t need any screws, nails, or adhesive to install a window insert – all you have to do is press the insert into place, and that’s it!
Storm windows are also window inserts, except that this term usually refers to the inserts that are installed on the outside. Storm windows are made of glass, flexible plastic sheeting, or rigid plastic panels. Like interior inserts, storm windows are custom-made to fit your windows perfectly. There’s no need to worry about their installation – you should just pop them into place. You can remove them anytime.
2. Upgrade to Double Pane Windows
Let’s talk about double-glazed windows – they’re definitely the heavy hitters when it comes to keeping outside noise at bay. But why are dual-pane windows so good at keeping your house quiet? The thing is that these windows have two glass panes separated by various insulating materials. Naturally, their primary purpose is improving the energy efficiency of a window, but they also make it more difficult for outside noise to enter your house, as there are more layers it needs to go through.
In this regard, it’s worth mentioning a window’s sound transmission class (STC) scale, which measures how well a window blocks sounds. The higher this rating, the better. For comparison purposes, single-pane windows have an STC rating of 26, while double-pane windows have an STC rating of 28.
In essence, the bigger the gap between the glass panes, the better the window blocks noises. That’s why Magic windows are an excellent solution in this regard – while other window companies on the market have IGUs with gaps of only ½ – ¾ of an inch, our IGUs have a 1-inch gap filled with 30% more inert gas. Therefore, they take the lead when it comes to soundproofing.
While installing these noise-reduction windows can be quite expensive, the investment is worth it in the long run. Besides the fact that they contribute to a quieter environment – and, therefore, better sleep and health – these windows can also lower your energy bills and help you feel more comfortable in your house when it’s very hot or cold outside.
3. Install Laminated Glass
If you have the possibility to replace the glass, go for laminated glass – it features a polyvinyl butyral layer, which has an excellent acoustic performance, as it blocks sound waves effectively.
In addition, laminated glass is much more difficult to break than standard glass. And even if it does break, that polyvinyl butyral layer keeps the glass pieces together.
4. Use Acoustic Caulk
Now, the first thought that probably comes to your mind is, “What is the difference between acoustic caulk and regular caulk?” Well, acoustic caulk consists of latex. Regular caulk, on the other hand, is usually made of silicone. In other words, regular caulk hardens once dry, which means it can also crack. Latex caulk, on the other hand, stays flexible, which is better when it comes to soundproofing.
You don’t need to be a window or even a DIY expert to use acoustic caulk – so this is definitely a quick and affordable solution you can take care of yourself. And the best part? It costs only $20!
You should apply acoustic caulk around the window frames, aiming to fill the air gaps. This won’t only soundproof your windows but also prevent drafts and water infiltration. Just don’t forget to avoid flexible window parts and make sure not to apply caulk on weep holes.
5. Hang Soundproof Curtains
Hanging soundproof curtains is another excellent method to block approximately 20%-40% of exterior noises – however, it’s worth considering that they’re likely not very effective at dampening loud noises caused by heavy traffic, for example.
These curtains have several layers of heavy, dense fabric combined with insulating materials. Some products also feature a layer of sound-absorbing foam. As sound waves reach the curtains, they get trapped between these layers, so your room stays quiet.
Another thing to consider if you like this idea is that you’ll have to clean your curtains regularly. This can be quite time-consuming and difficult given their weight, so you may need to seek professional help if you don’t have time for this.
6. Install Secondary Glazing
At first thought, one would say secondary glazing is the same thing as double glazing. Nonetheless, there’s a major difference between them: double-glazed windows are Insulated Glass Units, meaning they are manufactured using two glass panes kept together by various materials, while secondary glazing implies adding a layer of glazing on the interior side of your existing windows (usually single-pane windows). By adding this additional glazing layer, you’re creating a large gap that dramatically reduces noise.
Naturally, secondary glazing doesn’t include glass only; it also has a frame, which is usually made of vinyl or wood, or it can be magnetic. It’s recommended to install the secondary glazing system at a distance of 150 mm from the primary window for optimal sound insulation.
On the other hand, you may want to consider that secondary glazing may affect your window’s Visible Transmittance rating, meaning it will let less natural light in.
7. Install Soundproof Windows
Another method you can rely on to improve the sound-dampening properties of your existing window is equipping it with a soundproof window.
Soundproof windows usually consist of laminated glass and are added to the current window, just like with a window insert. Windows with an additional layer of soundproof windows can reach an STC rating of 54.
8. Install Noise Reducing Blinds or Shades
Noise-reducing blinds and shades, particularly cellular shades and thermal blinds, are great at soundproofing windows. Cellular shades trap air within their honeycomb structure, providing insulation and reducing external noise. Timber Venetian blinds and Roman blinds also have soundproofing properties.
You can also install Magic’s thermal blinds – they’re made of an insulating material that improves a window’s energy efficiency by 40% and contributes to blocking outside noise. In addition, our blinds are opaque, thus providing complete privacy both during the day and at night. They’re fully retractable, so you can keep them hidden within the window frame during the day to enjoy plenty of natural light and fresh air, and you can open them before going to sleep to avoid noise pollution.
Furthermore, consider using several window treatments, especially if you live close to busy streets, for example. You can pair Magic’s thermal blinds with some noise-reducing curtains. Or you can install cellular shades on the inside and shutters on the outside.
9. Apply Window Foam or Soundproofing Panels
Window foam is a cost-effective DIY solution for soundproofing windows. All you have to do is place foam panels on the windows that need to be soundproofed.
Soundproofing panels, such as carbon absorption panels, are particularly effective at absorbing low-frequency sounds, which are often the most disruptive. While carbon panels can be more expensive than other soundproofing solutions, their effectiveness in reducing noise makes them a worthwhile investment. They absorb sound waves and prevent them from bouncing around the room and causing echoes.
Nonetheless, applying window foam or soundproofing panels is definitely not the most aesthetic solution. And it’s probably suitable only for spaces like home recording studios.
10. Incorporate Mass-Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a highly effective material for soundproofing windows. It acts as a barrier to dampen sound vibrations and block noise from entering your home. To ensure maximum effectiveness, you should apply MLV tightly against the surfaces that need to be soundproofed.
However, as with window foam, mass-loaded vinyl isn’t the best solution for bedroom or living room windows, for example. After all, mass-loaded vinyl is a black rubber-like material that fully covers your windows, so this method is only used in rooms where no natural light is needed, like home cinema rooms, for instance.
Looking for Replacement Windows? Book Your Free Consultation with Magic!
If your windows have exceeded their lifespan, many of the soundproofing solutions we’ve mentioned above are only short-term solutions. Eventually, your windows will deteriorate beyond repair, and you won’t be protected against exterior noise – and weather, for that matter, which will take its toll on your energy bills.
Therefore, if you’re looking for replacement windows, you can book a free consultation with Magic to discover all the revolutionary features of our products, among which:
- Our patented Parallex hardware system, which makes our casement windows crank- and hinge-free, improves their functionality, and limits their maintenance requirements;
- Our Hybrid Fusion Frame – a state-of-the-art technology that combines aluminum, steel, and vinyl for superior durability and energy efficiency;
- Our retractable insect screens, solar shades, and thermal blinds;
- Our Hi-Flo drainage system;
- Our in-house glass production, which allows us to customize your windows based on climate, home design, and personal preferences;
- Our 40-year warranty, which attests to how much we believe in our products!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop sound from coming through my windows?
You can use acoustic caulk to seal any gaps, which will reduce the amount of noise coming through your windows. This will significantly decrease the amount of sound transmission. You can also install noise-reducing curtains or blinds, such as Magic’s thermal blinds.
How to soundproof windows with a low budget?
The most budget-friendly method you can use to soundproof windows is applying acoustic caulk, which usually costs between $10 and $20. You can also hang heavy curtains or install window inserts.
Do soundproof window inserts work?
Window inserts are highly effective for soundproofing – they create a barrier of dead air that reduces outdoor noise by 50% or more.
Can double-pane windows really make a difference in noise reduction?
Double-glazed windows can reduce noise pollution because they have two layers of glass and various insulating materials between them. Magic’s insulated glass units (IGUs) feature a 1-inch gap filled with 30% more inert gas, making them exemplary when it comes to soundproofing.
How to soundproof windows without replacing them?
You can soundproof windows without replacing them by installing window inserts, storm windows, and secondary glazing. You can also hang noise-reducing curtains that absorb sound, thus keeping your room quieter.
How to soundproof windows in a rental?
To soundproof windows in a rental, use acoustic caulk to fill any gaps around them. This will also help you make sure that they’re insulated properly. You can also install secondary glazing or window inserts – they can be easily removed if they aren’t needed anymore.