5 Ways: How to Soundproof Window From Outside Noise

How to Soundproof Window From Outside Noise? If you have the same question then here we explain 5 ways to soundproof a window.

Whether it’s highway traffic, loud neighbors, or birds chirping, if you don’t have sound proof windows, some noise from the outside world is certain to disrupt your daily activities, especially if the racket intrudes when you’re in a bedroom or other location designed as a sanctuary or work space. 

While you can’t control what happens outside, you can block or at least lessen noise by soundproofing windows using the techniques described here, either alone or in combination. Continue reading to find out how soundproofing windows might help you achieve inner calm!

5 Simple Ways to Soundproof Windows

Here are most effective way to soundproof a window: 

• Seal the Air Gaps
• Add Soundproof Curtains
• Install a Quilted Fiberglass Panel
• Add Storm Windows
• Add An Extra Layer Over the Glass

Soundproofing windows in your home might help you sleep better by dampening noise or even blocking out ambient noise in your home office. Window inserts are arguably the most successful of the following five techniques to soundproof windows, but their effectiveness will cost you $300 to $800 each insert.

Replacing older single-pane windows with modern double-pane windows, which range in price from $350 to $900 (and often more), is another excellent, albeit costly, solution. 

Sealing window gaps with acoustic caulk, which costs $10 to $20, is a less expensive option to soundproof windows. Sound-reducing window treatments, which start about $20 per, are another inexpensive option.

1. Seal the Air Gaps

If you have good double or triple-paned windows but still hear a lot of noise from outside, check to see if there are any big air gaps around your windows that are letting in sound.

To accomplish this properly, remove the trim from around your windows temporarily. This will allow you to reach the outside edge of your window frames.

Use a high-quality acoustic sealant to fill any cracks, holes, or gaps. Acoustic sealants are polymers that are specially developed to fill holes and prevent sound waves from propagating through open air.

Take note of what you’re doing. It is critical not to apply sealant in areas where it may interfere with the proper operation of your windows. This method can potentially be used in conjunction with other methods to provide more sound protection. This is the #1 way on how to soundproof window from outside noise.

2. Add Soundproof Curtains

Soundproof curtains, like window plugs, are rather simple to install, especially if you already have curtain rods. They’re more appealing than a wood-backed window plug because they’re made of fabric. They are, however, not nearly as effective in blocking out undesirable noise.

Curtains can just absorb noise, as opposed to a window plug, which can both absorb and prevent noise. The absorbency of the curtains is determined by the thickness of the curtains, the density of the fabric, and whether or not an inner liner is used to add layering and extra thickness.

Sound curtains will not cure your noise pollution problem on their own, but they can give some extra protection when used in conjunction with other solutions. In addition to the enhanced noise absorption, they can make unsightly solutions like window plugs more appealing by hiding them behind curtains.

Purchasing soundproof curtains that are longer than you need allows you to fold them over to add another layer and improve the thickness of coverage. This is the #2 way on how to soundproof window from outside noise.

Read More:

• How to Soundproof a Door: Top 7 Techniques That Work!
• 7 Super-Secret Tips on How to Soundproof a Bedroom

3. Install a Quilted Fiberglass Panel

It is better to use denser and thicker material to reduce outer noise. The curtains are quite thin. Quilted fiberglass panels are mostly thicker and denser. 

When hung with hooks from above, the panel’s weight is perfect because it likes to lay flat on a window frame. This addresses another issue with curtains. They tend to let in sound at the top and bottom where the curtain folds do not tightly clasp the window.

Metal strengthened eyelet holes are included with the panels. Install heavy-duty hooks around the window frame and insert them into the eyelets to hang the panel. Fix the edges of the panels with strong velcro to increase their effectiveness. This creates a tight seal around the outside of the window, allowing even less sound to pass through.

While a quilted fiberglass panel absorbs substantially more sound than sound deadening drapes, it is less appealing. However, you can install both and conceal the panel with curtains. This is the #3 way on how to soundproof window from outside noise.

4. Add Storm Windows

Installing storm windows in front of wood windows, particularly older single-pane windows, can improve their ability to block noise. The extra layer of glass and the air gap between the two windows act as additional sound barriers.

Ours is a more expensive fix than some of the other ways on this list, and it may be beyond the abilities of some homeowners, but it can be a valuable safeguard against noise. If your difficulties are severe enough, you should contact a contractor and request a price. However, expert DIYers and the daring can complete the task.

There is one major drawback. Storm windows are not suggested if you have plastic replacement windows. In some situations, heat can accumulate between the two windows to the point where the plastic window’s frame bends, bows, or sags, irreversibly destroying the window. This is the #4 way on how to soundproof window from outside noise.

5. Add An Extra Layer Over the Glass

Attaching an acrylic sheet to your current window glass is another technique to provide a layer of protection. The method isn’t quite as good as storm windows because the air space between the layers is narrower, but it’s still pretty effective and much easier and less expensive.

Make sure you obtain a thick enough plexiglass sheet. Soundproofing will be limited by thin plexiglass. However, don’t go too thick or the sheet will become extremely heavy. Something in the 38″ to 12″ thick range should suffice. Use window-grade acrylic as well. This will not fade or discolor when exposed to sunshine. This is the #5 way on how to soundproof window from outside noise.

Conclusion

This is the end of the blog which is how to soundproof window from outside noise. Whether you live in an urban area where blasting horns drive you insane, or in a rural neighborhood where early-rising roosters make a cacophony, sometimes you just need escape from the racket, and improving the soundproofing of your windows is one way to do that.

You can choose to replace your windows entirely, or you can layer in some sound-blocking elements—either way, comfort from outside noise isn’t difficult to obtain. However, you’re on your own with that drum equipment your in-laws bought for the kids, though soundproofing your doors could be a good start!

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