Effective Soundproofing Windows For A Quieter Home

Noise pollution can be a real nuisance, especially when you're trying to relax in the comfort of your own home. Luckily, there are several ways to reduce unwanted noise and make your home a peaceful sanctuary. One of the most effective ways is to address the weakest link in your home's sound insulation – the windows. Here's a guide on how to reduce noise pollution through windows and bring serenity back into your space.

Install window inserts

If you're looking to reduce noise pollution in your home, installing window inserts is a great option. Here's a detailed guide on everything you need to know about window inserts for noise reduction:

Benefits of Window Inserts

Window inserts are an effective solution to reduce unwanted noise entering your home. They are designed to fit inside your existing window frames, creating an additional barrier to block out sound. Here are some key benefits of window inserts:

• Noise Reduction: Window inserts can significantly reduce outdoor noise, such as traffic, loud neighbours, or construction. They can reduce noise by up to 70-80%, creating a quieter and more comfortable indoor environment.
• Cost-Effective: Window inserts are a more affordable alternative to replacing your windows. They offer a great balance between cost and noise reduction, with prices starting at $27 per square foot.
• Easy Installation: Window inserts are simple to install and can be a DIY project. Most people can install them in just a few minutes, and they don't require any mounting hardware.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Window inserts are designed to blend in with your existing window frames, maintaining the appearance of your home. They are unobtrusive and nearly invisible, so you won't even know they're there.
• Energy Efficiency: In addition to noise reduction, window inserts provide thermal insulation. They help regulate the temperature in your home, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.

Types of Window Inserts

There are different types of window inserts available, and the most suitable option will depend on your specific needs and budget:

• Acrylic Window Inserts: Acrylic window inserts, such as those made from rugged, quarter-inch acrylic glazing, are a popular choice. They create a tight seal and a dead air space between the insert and the window, effectively blocking sound.
• Soundproof Window Inserts: These inserts are specifically designed for noise reduction. They use thick, sound-absorbing materials and can offer an STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating of up to 49, indicating excellent noise reduction capabilities.
• Climate Seal Acoustic Window Inserts: Climate Seal window inserts are customizable and easy to install. They offer high-performance acoustical ratings, UV light filtration, and increased thermal efficiency.
• Indow Acoustic Inserts: Indow Acoustic Grade Window Inserts can block up to 70% of noise coming through your windows. They blend in with your existing window frames and allow natural light to enter your home.

Installation Process

Installing window inserts is a relatively straightforward process and can often be done by homeowners themselves. Here are the general steps to install window inserts:

• Measurements: Take accurate measurements of your window dimensions, including the width and height. You can use a laser measuring device for precise measurements.
• Ordering: Provide the measurements to the window insert manufacturer, who will custom-make the inserts to ensure a snug fit.
• Preparation: Clean the window frames and remove any existing caulk or residue. Ensure the area is free of obstructions and secure any valuable items nearby.
• Installation: Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Window inserts typically press or slide into place, creating a tight seal around the window frame.

Considerations

While window inserts are an excellent noise reduction solution, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Air Gaps: Ensure there are no air gaps around the window inserts, as this can reduce their effectiveness. Acoustic caulk can be used to seal any gaps.
• Noise Source: Identify the main source of noise entering your home. If noise is coming through the structure of your property, window inserts may not be as effective.
• Window Functionality: Check that your windows can still open and close properly after installing the inserts. Some inserts may require breaking the seal to open the window.
• Condensation: In humid or damp locations, condensation and mould may form between the insert and the window. Ensure proper ventilation to mitigate this issue.

Window inserts are a great way to reduce noise pollution and create a peaceful indoor environment. By following the guide above, you can make an informed decision about installing window inserts and enjoy a quieter, more comfortable home.

Replace single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows

If you're looking to reduce noise pollution, one of the most effective solutions is to replace your single-pane windows with double- or triple-pane windows. This is especially true if you're experiencing moderate outdoor noise pollution, such as the occasional lawnmower or passing car. Single-pane windows provide no air barrier, allowing virtually all outdoor sounds to pass through the glass and into your home.

Single-pane windows have a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of between 26 and 28, meaning they only reduce noise volume by about half. In contrast, double-pane windows, which consist of two pieces of glass with air between them, have an STC rating of 26 to 35, resulting in greater noise reduction. For example, a passing car emitting 70 decibels (dB) of noise would be reduced to 42 dB with a single-pane window, but only 35 dB with a double-pane window—a 7-dB difference, which equates to an 87% reduction in perceived volume.

While triple-pane windows are generally more effective at blocking noise due to their additional pane of glass and gas-filled air spaces, double-pane windows can still be just as effective, if not more, at reducing noise. This is because double-pane windows often have thicker air spaces, allowing them to cushion more sound. Additionally, the overall noise reduction depends on the thickness and quality of the glass. Thicker glass reduces more sound, and laminated glass, which consists of two layers of glass with a plastic layer in between, is more effective at keeping out sound than tempered glass.

When deciding between double- and triple-pane windows, it's important to consider not only noise reduction but also cost, weight, and energy efficiency. Triple-pane windows tend to be more expensive, heavier, and more energy-efficient than double-pane windows. They have u-factors that are 20-30% better and lower visible transmission ratings, making rooms darker. However, the difference in cost may not be as substantial as some companies quote, and the increased weight may not impact the ease of operation thanks to counterbalance mechanisms.

Ultimately, the decision to choose double- or triple-pane windows depends on your specific needs and budget. If you live in a particularly noisy area, such as near an airport or train station, triple-pane windows may be worth the investment. However, if you're looking for a more cost-effective solution, double-pane windows with thick, laminated glass and a high Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) rating can still provide significant noise reduction.

Seal gaps with acoustic caulk

Acoustic caulk is a latex-based product that is designed to plug air gaps and provide a noise insulation barrier. It is more flexible than regular silicone caulk and won't shrink or form new cracks over time as you operate your windows. It is also ultra-durable, lasting for several years before it requires re-caulking.

To use acoustic caulk, first, remove any existing caulk with a putty knife. Then, clean the area with a cloth and a non-abrasive soap. Place masking tape around the frame to avoid making a mess with the caulk. Next, apply the caulk at a 45-degree angle slowly and evenly. Finally, smooth the caulk with a butter knife or spoon and remove the masking tape.

Acoustic caulk is a cheap and effective way to reduce noise pollution and can be used in conjunction with other methods such as weatherstripping under doors and around windows. It is best to use it to seal small gaps, as larger gaps may require other solutions.

Hang sound-dampening curtains

Sound-dampening curtains are a great way to reduce noise pollution from entering your home. They are designed to absorb and muffle sound, often also functioning as blackout curtains to offer greater privacy and keep light out.

Pony Dance Blackout Insulated Soundproof Curtains

These curtains offer excellent sound reduction, reducing sound by 10 decibels during testing. They are made from lightweight polyester panels and come in 30 colours and 18 sizes, making it easy to find the ideal match for most windows. They are easy to install and can be hung using a rod pocket or tab system. The fabric holds up well in the wash, although it does tend to wrinkle, requiring steaming to fully remove creases.

BGment Insulated Blackout Soundproof Curtains

These curtains are an affordable option that still offers effective noise reduction. They are made from triple-weave polyester fabric, which looks attractive and blocks out a significant amount of sunlight, although not 100%. They are surprisingly lightweight, and during testing, the room stayed noticeably cooler during the day and warmer at night. They come in 38 colours and 22 size options, making them a good option for those with non-standard window sizes. They are easy to install and care for, as they are machine washable and dryer-safe.

RYB Home 100% Blackout Soundproof Curtains

These curtains are a good upgrade option for those looking for heavier-duty sound-dampening curtains. They feature a detachable felt-fabric liner located between two layers of triple-weave fabric, giving them excellent sound-reducing properties. They reduced noise by 10 decibels during testing and also block out all sunlight and UV rays. They come in a variety of colours and sizes, including customizable dimensions if ordered directly from the brand. They are machine washable but require steaming to remove wrinkles.

Moondream 3-in-1 Blackout Thermal Soundproof Curtains

These multilayered curtains are a top pick for blocking sound, light, and providing thermal insulation. They feature a layer of blackout fabric, a thermal lining, and a thick cotton fabric backing, creating a heavy soundproof curtain. They reduced noise by up to 6 decibels during testing and also noticeably reduced the temperature in the room. They come with a reinforced grommet top for easy installation and are rustproof. However, they are dry-clean only and are available in a limited range of sizes.

H.Versailtex Linen Blackout Soundproof Curtains

These thermal-insulated curtains are designed to reduce energy costs by preventing warm or cool air from escaping the home. They are made from a sturdy polyester blend that mimics the look of textured linen and are available in 21 attractive colours and patterns. They successfully moderate room temperature and reduced sound by up to 5 decibels during testing. They are machine washable and can be tumble-dried on low heat. They come in six sizes, which may pose an issue for those with non-standard window sizes.

Sound Escape 3-in-1 Soundproof Curtains

These made-to-measure curtains incorporate advanced technology to reduce outside noise by up to 21 decibels. They are crafted using high-quality, carefully selected noise-reducing and anti-reverberation materials. They are available in nine contemporary colours and can be customized to fit any window or door. They also provide thermal protection, resulting in a temperature difference of up to 12 degrees Fahrenheit.

Install double-cell shades

Double-cell shades are an excellent option for reducing noise pollution entering your home through your windows. Also known as honeycomb shades, they consist of two layers of cells or hexagonal tubes made of fabric stacked on top of each other. This design serves multiple purposes: blocking out light, preventing indoor heat gain in the summer, retaining heat in winter, and absorbing sound that vibrates into a room to reduce echo.

Compared to single-cell shades, double-cell shades offer increased insulation and noise-blocking properties. The unique cells within the shades trap light, UV rays, and sound. While they cannot make a home completely soundproof, they have been proven to significantly reduce noise—by over 50%.

When installing double-cell shades, you can also choose between light-filtering, room-darkening, or blackout options. Additionally, you can select top-down/bottom-up cellular shades, which offer more light and noise control than traditional bottom-up lift blinds.

Frequently asked questions