How to Soundproof Windows: 7 Tips & Tricks

Are you exhausted of hearing the hustle and bustle of the road exterior? The perpetrator is frequently the window. Even though it’s wonderful to be in a position to search outside the house and see what is heading on, you may possibly just want to see it, not hear it.

The excellent news is that there are a few various approaches that you can successfully soundproof home windows to aid you get extra peace and silent inside. Here are seven various options for you to think about.

The 7 Tips to Soundproof Windows

1. Double Glazing

double pane window
Image Credit: rawf8, Shutterstock
Cost: High
Effectiveness: High
Ease of Installation: Challenging

This is the go-to option for several people who want to soundproof their home windows, but there is no denying that it’s pricey and challenging to set up.

A double-glazed window is a windowpane that has two glass panes about three inches apart from each other. These windowpanes value a lot more than normal one-pane windows, but they do a a lot better job of stopping sounds from coming via.

This method requires getting model-new home windows, which is a significant downside.

Pros
  • Effective method
  • Permanent solution
  • You can’t visually tell a difference
Cons
  • Challenging to install
  • Expensive

2. Window Inserts

window with insert for soundproofing
Image Credit: Radovan1, Shutterstock
Cost: Moderate
Effectiveness: High
Ease of Installation: Moderate

Window inserts are excellent if you really do not want to replace your existing home windows but want the same rewards of a double-pane style. A window insert is merely one more window that you place in entrance of the present window.

In contrast to replacing the windows entirely, it’s a reduce-price installation. However, you require to have a window with further counter space for this style to work, and be informed that you’re heading to drop a good portion of that area.

So, although this may well be a excellent decision for some individuals, it basically will not operate for other individuals. Get a search at your windows, however, and see if you have the added room. If you do, then you are likely not likely to locate a much more effective remedy than this.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Effective method
  • Not as expensive as double-pane windows
Cons
  • Only work in select designs
  • You lose window counter space

3. Caulk

caulking outside window
Image Credit: Greg McGill, Shutterstock
Cost: Low
Effectiveness: Moderate
Ease of Installation: Easy

If you have more mature home windows on your property, you may reward from basically recaulking the windows. There’s a window caulk that’s exclusively for assisting soundproof home windows.

You do initial require to check if the home windows already have a strong seal. If the home windows required recaulking, then it helps make a massive big difference. But if you currently have effectively sealed home windows, we don’t advise having them out just to use a soundproofing caulk.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Low-cost option
  • Can make a big difference
Cons
  • Only moderately effective
  • Won’t work with properly sealed windows

4. Plugging the Window

installing-the-windows-with-gun-silicone_StepPro_shutterstock
Credit: StepPro, Shutterstock
Cost: Low
Effectiveness: High
Ease of Installation: Easy

If you don’t care if you have a window or not and just want to get rid of the noise, why not plug the window? You can use reasonably economical resources to do this, and you will get better final results in comparison to any of the other strategies on this list.

Even much better, it is easy to do in contrast to some other approaches, so there’s no purpose that you can’t do it your self. The only disadvantage is that you are dropping the window totally. You will not get any all-natural light and you will not be able to see outside the house. But if that’s not a massive deal for you, this is clearly the way to go.

Pros
  • Low-cost option
  • Easy to install
  • Effective option
Cons
  • You lose the window

5. Thick Curtains

thick red curtain
Image Credit: DJ Paine, Unsplash
Cost: Moderate
Effectiveness: Low
Ease of Installation: Easy

Although this isn’t always the most effective strategy, it may well shock you how significantly a solid established of curtains can muffle noise when they are closed. Get a thick set of soundproofing curtains for the most visible outcomes.

Yet another perk is that you can match the curtains to the room’s overall décor, as there are several fabric alternatives and designs to select from.

But the downside is that whilst curtains can aid, they’re not as successful as some other choices. Also, when you open up the curtains to see by means of the windows, you drop many of the soundproofing results.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Adds to the décor
  • Many options available
Cons
  • You lose natural light
  • Not the most effective method

6. Storm Windows

man installing storm window
Image Credit: Michael OKeene, Shutterstock
Cost: High
Effectiveness: High
Ease of Installation: Challenging

If you do not have the place to insert one more windowpane within your house, you may want to consider incorporating storm home windows to the outside the house. It’s an expensive alternative, and the set up is not always the best, but there is no denying the soundproofing benefits.

You also get the reward of added insulation, which must aid decrease your energy bills. If you’re in a pinch and do not have the area within to incorporate added window levels, storm home windows may be just what you need to peaceful issues down.

Pros
  • Effective method
  • Provides extra insulation
Cons
  • Expensive
  • Not the easiest to install

7. Thick Blinds

silhouette of a person near the window with blinds
Image Credit: Yanal Tayyem, Unsplash
Cost: Moderate
Effectiveness: Low
Ease of Installation: Easy

Incorporating thick blinds is like incorporating soundproofing curtains, but they are not as daring. That said, while they supply a subtler appear, they also really don't provide as excellent of results.

Even soundproofing-specific blinds only give little soundproofing positive aspects when compared to most other choices. Nevertheless, they can incorporate to the décor and are effortless to set up, so they’re value taking into consideration.

Pros
  • Easy to install
  • Can add to the décor
Cons
  • Not the most effective option
  • Moderately expensive

Conclusion

Maintain in mind that if you’re soundproofing a window, you really do not just want to stick with one particular choice. You can combine a few alternatives for even better results. For occasion, you can caulk a window and then set up thick curtains.

However you decide to add soundproofing factors to your home windows, you’ll be able to preserve that outdoors noise exactly where it belongs — outside.


Showcased Graphic Credit history: Roxanne Joncas, Unsplash

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