How to Soundproof a Window?
Do you want to block the noisy sounds from the outside world like of the sound from your neighborhood, street traffic, noise from the nearby playground, etc. coming from your window? Do you want your room to be quiet & peaceful?
Then you must be looking for a solution. And the solution is by Soundproofing a Window.
I promise that after reading this, you’ll definitely have a solution for the problem i.e. How to Soundproof a Window.
In this article, I will tell you the best ways to Soundproof a Window.
5 Best Ways to Soundproof a Window
Contents
#1 Seal any cracks or air gaps
Sound can enter your home if your window isn’t sealed properly. Cracks, air gaps or crevices are often present around the borders of the window. Mostly where your wall & window are together joined.
If there are cracks or any air gaps present on your window, then sound may leak from there. Then the solution is to seal those air gaps.
But how to seal those cracks or air gaps present in your window? Well, the most effective ways to seal those gaps are by using Acoustic Caulk, Acoustic Putty or High-Density Foam Tape.
What are these?
Acoustic Sealant
It is an acoustic sealant used to fill up cracks and air gaps, they are easy to use and dries up within 48 hours. This can work to seal those cracks or air gaps and limit the passage of sound through the window.
You can use Green Glue Noise proofing Sealant to fill those air gaps.
Acoustic Putty
Acoustic Putty can be molded to fit in on any shape and size. It is a dense layer or you can say insulation putty which works well to insulate the sound. You can use Acoustical Putty Pads for this purpose.
High-Density Foam Tape
High-Density foam tape has an adhesive layer, it can be applied to most of the surfaces easily.
It is of high density, so it is an ideal solution for sealing the windows. An ideal solution to block the noise or you can say Soundproof a Window.
High-Density Foam Tapes can be easily stuck to the bottom of an up & down sliding window.
Lot of people use M-D Building Products 2311 High Density Foam Tape to seal the top and sides of the window.
#2 Consider Sound Deadening Curtains
Buying curtains which are dense and heavy curtains can really help reduce the noise. Those soundproof curtains aren’t much fancy or designed, but they are sound deadening curtains. If you really love the quiet & peaceful room, then you’ll surely consider one.
These curtains add a layer of sound insulation which helps to reduce the passage of noise.
But where will I find the Best Soundproof Curtains? Check these out –
Moondream Soundproof Curtain
Moondream Soundproof Curtains are heavy & thick and can reduce sound up to 70% or 7dB. These curtains are also best for blocking & keeping out the light.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Moondream, 3-in-1 Sound Insulation Curtain, Blackout Curtain and Thermal Insulation, Patented... | 390 Reviews | Check Price |
Nicetown Noise Reducing Curtains
These noise-reducing curtains have triple weave design and are really dense. Great at keeping out noise, cold & light.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | NICETOWN Gray Blackout Curtains for Bedroom 84 inches Long - Thermal Curtains & Drapes Grommet Room... | Check Price |
Now you might be thinking that does soundproofing curtains really helps in reducing noise? Find the answer if they really work or not and pick up the Best Sound Deadening Curtain according to your need.
#3 Make your own soundproof curtains – DIY (Do it Yourself)
If you don’t like those acoustic curtains or the design of those soundproof curtains, they the best way to deal with this is to make your own soundproof curtains (the way you like it).
Before choosing the material to hang over your window, you should note these important points:
- More heavy, thick & dense material it is, the better it will be.
- Heavy fabrics like synthetic, velvet, velour & suede are effective, still looks attractive to look at. Warning! these materials are highly flammable.
- Material needs to reach from above the window height to the ground.
- Ideally, we want to pleat (do multiple folds) any curtain material, this makes a thick barrier and blocks the noise.
- Look for the extra curtain size, at least look for the double width (2x) of the window. We can also consider 3x times bigger for the best work.
- Since the curtain we’ll make is going to be heavy. So we need a strong curtain rod like this double rod set (at least 1 inch in thickness). As a rod of standard size would not be enough to withstand.
There are many materials we can use for this. So now, let’s take a look at the materials available and how we can use.
Sound Blackout Curtains
Double set of thick blackout curtains. Make sure to purchase a large size like this as we want to make multiple folds to it.
Moreover, to seal the air gaps we could add Velcro strips to the edges. Means we can attach the curtain to the wall.
Space Divider
If size is an issue, then these space dividers are a great alternative, good for blocking light & noise.
For furthermore results, we can add more mass to the curtains. How? By adding window liners or blackout panels which acts as another sound insulation layer. These can be easily attached to the existing curtains.
Moving blankets
These are well padded & really thick. They are designed to protect cargo in transit. These are effective at sound absorbing. By using two or more layer of moving blankets over a window can really help you stop noise to come into your room.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | US Cargo Control Moving Blankets Heavy Duty 80"x72" MBSUPREME95 Supreme Mover (95 lb/Doz Weight),... | Check Price |
Movable blankets weighing 7.5 pounds each. Can reduce the noise at a cheaper price than those of specially designed acoustic panels.
Don’t get confused between Soundproof Blankets and Moving Blankets, I know you might be confused right? Even I was confused too, so I have cleared this confusion in this article on Soundproof Blankets.
#4 Consider Adding a Second Window
Adding a second window is a better solution, much easier and cheaper than completely replacing your window for soundproofing. To reduce the noise or sound that pass through the window, you can attach a layer of acrylic over the window.
If you are confident enough with your DIY skills, or on a budget, then you can do it yourself. Else you can do this by using custom designed soundproofing window kit.
You will need to make an airtight seal over the existing window with a layer of acrylic. It will let pass light into the room as it is transparent, so this won’t block light during the day.
Magnet seal Soundproofing Window Kit
For making your own interior sound control window. It comes with the fitting that is needed to make your soundproof window.
But this doesn’t come with acrylic, so you need to purchase one. Don’t worry, as this kit have the guide which will guide you through the whole process.
#5 Make a Window Plug or use an Acoustic Barrier
A window plug is a soundproof sponge that is designed to absorb sound by fitting it into the window sill. It is thick & dense to that will block light too.
How to make a Window Plug
1. First of all, we need to see how much deep the window sill is, so we have to measure the window frame. For a 2-inch deep window sill, we need 1 inch thick of acoustic mat.
2. Similarly, For a 4-inch deep window sill, we need 2 inches thick of acoustic mat.
3. Make sure to leave an air gap, so that the window plug does not press against the window pane.
Acoustic mat
4. Soundproofing or acoustic mats absorb vibrations and noises. These are commonly used to soundproof cars so that it reduces the irritating noise from the engine.
5. They can be easily applied as they have an adhesive backing, also these are present in a variety of thickness. An advantage of using these mats is that it can block heat.
6. Now, the acoustic mat needs to cover an area of 1 inch, wider and longer than the window sill. Overlap this, make sure there is no air gap. Make it a little big, so that it should fit comfortably into the window sill area.
7. For best results, we can add more extra layers of the soundproof mat. The thicker, the better it will be. But don’t forget to leave an air gap.
8. Now the window plug needs a backing board.
9. This will help us in two ways. First, there are chances to fit the handles. Second, more mass will be added which will work as sound insulation to our plug.
10. The size/dimensions of the backing board should exactly match the size/dimensions of the window sill. So that the acoustic foam will be sticking out 1 inch all around the sides.
11. Now as for the material, we want to use something as dense as material, but not too heavy. At least not that heavy that require more people to put our window plug.
12. Medium density fiberboard is dense, but it is quite heavy. Other fiberboards are also the same. Acoustic mat has an adhesive (sticky) backing, but contact cement can be used too.
13. We have the acoustic mat, that is stuck to the backing board. We can also make handles, in order to make the window plug easy to fit in & remove it.
14. Something like safety handles or cupboard handles would be a good choice.
15. If desired, We can add another layer of the acoustic mat to the back of the window plug.
Acoustic Barrier
An acoustic barrier is a noise barrier (also called a sound wall or sound barrier) to limit or reduce the noise or sound. It is ideal for absorption of sound.
It is filled with dense material. So, An acoustic barrier would really form a good & well effective layer of noise/sound insulation. We can attach mass loaded vinyl with some strong Velcro over the window.
Mass Loaded Vinyl
It is highly dense and very good sound absorber. The high-quality vinyl barrier used to block sound. Only 1/8 inch thick, doesn’t take much space and also weighs only 1 pound per square foot.
| Preview | Product | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Soundsulate™ 1 lb Mass Loaded Vinyl MLV, Soundproofing Barrier 4' x 10' (40 sf) - Made in USA | 42 Reviews | Check Price |
Specially designed to block the sounds between Walls, Soundproof Floors, Soundproof Ceiling, Machinery, Automobiles, Pipes Machinery and more.
Fiberglass Panel
You can also use highly dense fiberglass helps to reduce the sound. These can be easily attached with hooks, to a curtain rod.
Consider entirely replacing the Window (last solution)
If the problems still persist, and you have no idea how to insulate windows from the noise with any of the previous methods. You may have to replace or upgrade them with good soundproof windows.
The advantage is that it is completely hassle-free, but the disadvantage is that it is an expensive solution and will require a contractor to install the soundproofed window.
This solution is the best one and also the most expensive one (may cost up to $700+ including labor). But the choice is yours. In order to find some peace, you have to take this step.
However, If you decide it to completely replace your window, then make sure that the person who will install the window should completely seal the edges all around the window.
Sound can pass even if there are small cracks all caps are present.
You can check it by trying to talk with someone who is on the other side of the window.
And make sure that, the window is opening and closing properly. There shouldn’t be any damage while trying to open or closing the window. Even a simple crack and gap will let the sound get through easily.
Hope the above-mentioned ways helped you to soundproof your window.
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