So, let me come straight to the issue at hand here without rolling around the unnecessary points. Well, how many of you are the ones coming from populated areas and face the hurdles of noise pollution, especially amid the Covid-19 situation and growing demand for work-from-home scenarios?
Noise pollution is a huge issue, especially when we have many classes, meetings, and webinars to attend. Moreover, not just work-life, noise pollution tends to have an adverse effect on personal lives, affecting sleep, concentration, focus and leaving people moody and stressed.
Soundproofing thus appears as a primary requirement. Starting with soundproofing the window helps reduce the interfering sound and leads you towards restful nights, lower stress, and better virtual interactions and meets.
I have also applied a few of the ways to soundproof my window during my soundproofing journey. That was when I came up with a list of best solutions, which you can also utilize according to your ease. The most effective soundproofing solutions for windows are as follows:
- Use Acoustic Seals
- Attach Acrylic or glass over the existing window
- Install Storm windows
- Get some Noise-reducing curtains
- Install Noise-reducing Blinds
- Soundproofing using the Furniture
- Use self-adhesive Seal strips or weatherstrips
- Vinyl sound barriers
- Absorption panel of Carbon
- Outer barriers
How to Soundproof a Window?
1. Acoustic Seals
Cracks and crevices around the windows, walls, and doors pave the way for the sound to enter. There are more cracks mainly around the borders and joints between the window and the walls. Now, no matter what noise reduction way you go, this is something that you indeed have to consider and repair.
It would be best to start by looking for some specific acoustic sealants, fitting your budget while meeting the needs. Using acoustic caulk is undoubtedly a preferable choice, as, unlike conventional caulk, it will stay for longer and remain flexible.
2. Acrylic
Attaching acrylic or glass over the existing window panes or door might also serve great for you to help with soundproofing. For this process, you must install a metallic frame on the existing window and then use magnets to attach a glass or acrylic sheet over it.
However, it would help if you only went for acoustic or laminated glass to get a more significant acoustic difference and soundproofing. Furthermore, for minor noise issues, you can also go for an acrylic or glass sheet.
There is just one catch with this measure: the window’s appearance will transform, thus changing the home’s charm.
3. Storm Windows
Installing storm windows outside the home is another fantastic choice for soundproofing a room. Just having an extra layer of glass helps dampen sound and increase the windows’ insulating benefits. The thickness of the installed storm windows also matters a lot, and if the frames are all sealed well, then there will surely be better effects.
Just make sure that you are using the best window with good material and sufficient thickness to meet your demands.
4. Soundproof curtains
There are several noise-reducing and cancelling curtains available in the market that many people choose. These are also referred to as the thermal curtains and are helpful while planning the most effecting soundproofing.
There is only one issue with this option: they also block air and thus raise the amount of condensation, leading to mould growths between the window and the curtains. This might also lead to several damages, including the rotting of window frames, and thus increasing the repairing costs for you.
But, since this article is not only to make you aware of the benefits, I will say that you must avoid this measure unless you are financially doing incredibly. This is because minor noise-reduction effects are not worth the cost incurred while getting the curtains and maintain the repairing.
Furthermore, you will not even get the right to choose the best curtain designs for your room or home with this measure.
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5. Noise-reducing Blinds
Here is one more tip for getting effective soundproofing results. You can try keeping more material between the window and the indoor or can install any blinds. The best blind alternatives for soundproofing are the honeycomb cell shaded.
The honeycomb-like structure allows the trapping of more air and prevents noise from entering in. You can also go for the double cells for better soundproofing results.
There are other decent soundproofing alternatives in this section of blinds, including insulating blinds and Timber window shutters. As we know that wood is porous and are thus also helpful for better acoustic solutions.
6. Soundproofing using Furniture
The simplest soundproofing way is to keep the perfect set of Furniture near the windows. It does not cost any amount unless you are all in for buying new Furniture and assures practical noise-reducing benefits.
Placing a thicker and heavier rug next to the window can be another option for absorbing some sound waves. You can also keep a heavier couch or a chair by your window. The heavier and thicker materials help capture some sound waves and thus help reduce the vibratory impacts while assuring better soundproofing solutions.
7. Seal strip of self-adhesive foam
Applying a self-adhesive tape is a more straightforward soundproofing method, just like the acoustic caulk where there is a joint between the window and the wall. You must apply the foam tapes at the joints to cover any opening around the window. For this, you must only go for the foam of higher quality and more density for getting a more considerable acoustic difference.
This tape can also be removed, and this is the best soundproofing mechanic for a temporary need. This is also among the most cost-effective option. However, there is only one catch to focus on, that if you leave the tape for a long time, it might come off pulling some paint or timber with it.
The foam tapes and Weatherstripping are specially designed to stick well with the surface, meaning that they come off while taking some surface with them.
8. Vinyl Sound Barrier
If you have any window in your house that mostly stays out of sight and covered, then you can go for a heavy-duty soundproofing technique for it. You can choose Mass loaded Vinyl with numerous applications, and it is perfect for assuring soundproofing engine compartments and protecting homes and vehicles.
The component used for this purpose is made of Vinyl and PVC, providing the material with the characteristic ‘flow effect’ and heavy material like calcium carbonate and barium sulphate.
Mass loaded Vinyl dampens the sound effect like that of the drums, engine, and anything else that results in vibrational effects. You can either hang it directly over the window, just like the curtains, or paint it to get the best soundproofing effects.
9. Absorption panel of Carbon
Another efficient sound barrier that is preferred in the modern era is the carbon panel. They are perfect for absorbing low-frequency sound waves like that of machinery and thunder. This can be applied over the window just like the foam panels for dampening all the unwanted noise, meaning that it also works for blocking light.
The significant difference here is that a carbon panel has a higher-quality material and will result in better soundproofing effects.
Carbon panels are a bit more costly and thus are not easily affordable by everyone. However, if you are a person with higher sensitivity towards low rumbling noise and low-frequency sound, or if you want an improved sound quality at your place, then this is the perfect soundproofing technique for you.
10. Exterior Barriers
Not all the techniques are to be implemented from the inside. Instead, you can go for the soundproofing approaches from outside too. You can try creatively placing any scraps or anything to make some difference.
This is a perfect option as it improves the aesthetic of your home’s interior without forcing you to make any change that seems unattractive from inside.
11. Install Soundproof Window Inserts
Soundproof window inserts are glass panels that are inserted into the existing window frame creating an extra layer of sound insulation, this layer helps in reducing noise transmission from outside to the inside of the room.
Cost of Soundproofing a Window
Not everything costs the same in the market, and thus it applies to the soundproofing techniques too. Some options are more affordable and suitable for some people, but not for others. Before going for any option, you must understand the cost required for it and check whether it meets your budget.
Here is a chart of costs for all the above-mentioned soundproofing techniques:
| Soundproofing technique | Cost |
| Acoustic Seals (Insulation Caulk) | $10 – $20 |
| Acrylic (8″ x 12″ Clear Acrylic Sheet) | $9 |
| Storm Windows | $100 – $400 depending on the frame material |
| Noise-reducing curtains | $20 – $30 |
| Noise-reducing blinds | $50 – $60 |
| Soundproofing using furniture | None, unless you plan to buy new furniture |
| Seal strip of self-adhesive foam | $5 – $20 |
| Vinyl sound barriers | $40 – $60 (Depends on the size) |
| Absorption panel of Carbon | $750 –$900 |
| Outer barriers | Depending on the material you use |
Conclusion
I would recommend using some basic soundproofing items like Caulk, Noise-reduction blinds, Seal strips and Vinyl sound barriers for soundproofing your windows. Soundproofing a window would run you through $75 – $300 depending on the quality of material used.
No matter which method you select, you will surely experience some acoustic differences at your place. This will help you rest, focus more, be stress-less, and get a peaceful working environment. It would help if you chose the right option according to your needs and its cost for getting better soundproofing results.
Let me know in the comment section below,
What do you think is the best method for soundproofing a window?