How to Soundproof Windows for a Quieter Home

There are lots of things you can do to make your home more comfortable and enjoyable. One of those is to soundproof windows — and that’s the topic for our next blog post.

Maybe you live in a busy neighborhood, with all the noises and intrusions that may bring. Even if your home is in a quieter zone, you may still value peace, quiet and privacy.

Either way, as a homeowner, you’ll appreciate this article on how to soundproof windows. In it, we’ll talk you through ways to sound proof windows, including apartment windows, and the best methods to achieve this. You’ll also benefit from our insights on noise reduction windows and tips on achieving a quiet and serene indoor space.

Keep reading to find out what you can do to create a quieter and more harmonious home.

Why soundproof your windows?

Your first question may be why is it a good idea to soundproof your windows? Is it a practical consideration, or is there more to it? As well as reducing noise, window soundproofing brings a range of other benefits. These include:

• Better health and wellbeing: Did you know that many scientific studies provide evidence that quietness is good for the body and mind? A quiet home environment can yield benefits such as lower blood pressure, improved sleep, and better concentration and focus.
• Better productivity: Are you one of the many people who work or study from home? If so, you’ll already know that a quiet environment is optimal to achieve your goals.
• Enhanced privacy: Your home is your sanctuary. Part of feeling peaceful and secure is knowing that noise is not going to intrude on your space or leak out either. Soundproof windows and you’ll keep other people’s noise out and your own private conversations inside.
• Energy efficiency. Soundproofing your windows not only keeps out unwanted noise — it also helps to regulate indoor temperature, and this in turn can reduce your energy bills.
• Property value: Soundproofed windows can be attractive to potential buyers. They’ll appreciate the many benefits of reduced sound inside a property, especially in noisy communities.

Ways to make windows soundproof

Wondering how to make windows soundproof? It may not be as complicated as you think! There are lots of different ways to go about soundproofing your windows to create a cozier environment inside your home.

• Soundproof window treatments: One of the simplest and low-cost options is to hang heavy drapes and blinds. You can even buy specially-designed soundproof drapes, made from particularly dense fabrics. These can dampen down noise a lot.
• Window plugs: These are customized foam or wooden inserts, made to fit directly into your window opening. They’re not a permanent fixture and can be inserted and removed as necessary, providing a temporary solution to noisy environments.
• Acoustic panels: Boards or panels around the window area can also help to reduce noise transfer. They’re normally used in conjunction with other methods.
• Soundproof window inserts: These are removable glass or acrylic panels that fit directly over your windows to block noise transfer.
• Weatherstripping and sealants: This is a simple way to reduce noise, while at the same time making your home more energy efficient by preventing draughts from entering. Choose special acoustic caulk or weatherstripping to your window frames to plug any gaps where sound can enter.
• Replacement windows: Choosing double- or triple-glazing windows to replace single-pane windows to cut down on noise pollution and improve energy efficiency at the same time.

You can use any of these methods by themselves or in combination, depending on how much soundproofing you need and whether you want to hit other goals, such as improving energy efficiency.

Best window soundproofing methods

As we’ve already seen, there are lots of ways to cut down on noise pollution. Let’s take a look at the best methods to suit your budget and aspirations.

Best low budget options

If you’re looking for a quick fix, start by using acoustic caulk or weatherstripping to fill in small gaps around your window frames, which can appear if your windows are older.

Both are easy to apply, even for novice DIY-ers — and you’ll get instant results! You also won’t have to invest too much money, so this method is great if you’re on a restricted budget.

Best medium to higher budget options

We’ve got a couple of ideas if you’re on a more elevated budget and want a longer-lasting solution to soundproof your windows.

Soundproof window inserts are super easy to install and they’re value-for-money too. These inserts are usually made from acrylic or glass and fit snugly into your existing frames, over your windows. Sound is trapped in the space between the insert and the original window, blocking noise.

Perhaps the best and longest-lasting option is to replace single-pane windows with double- or triple-glazed windows. They comprise two or three layers of glass with an insulating gas like argon or krypton in between, which absorbs sound and stops energy leaks too.

By upgrading to double- or triple-glazed windows, you can achieve a noticeable reduction in the amount of noise that leaks in and out of your home.

If you’re considering upgrading your windows, it’s best to call in the professionals. Why not reach out to us here at Plum ProExteriors? We’re offer a premier window replacement service throughout Massachusetts and New England and can give advice and guidance on reducing noise with new, energy-efficient windows. We’re here at your service, so be sure to contact us!

How to soundproof apartment windows

Do you live in an apartment and are bothered by noisy neighbors? Or maybe you are located in an urban area and just can’t escape from the everyday sounds around you. Soundproofing your windows can be just the solution you need to make your interior quieter, calmer, and more pleasant to live in.

Soundproofing apartment windows works just as well as soundproofing windows on a house — exactly the same principles apply! You’ll benefit from better energy efficiency at home and a reduction in bills, too.

You can also use a combination of other methods to keep unwanted noise at bay, for example using hanging soundproof drapes or using inserts while you’re waiting to replace your single-pane windows.

To find out about replacing your apartment windows with soundproof windows, turn to our team. We’ll be pleased to come out and give you a free, no-obligation quote and talk you through the next stages.

Soundproof vs. sound proof windows

You may have already done some reading around soundproofing windows and come across terminology that’s a little confusing.

Maybe you’re wondering what’s the difference between “soundproof” versus “sound proof” windows.

Generally speaking, “soundproof windows” are noise cancelling windows. Their purpose is to block out noise thanks to features such as double or triple panes or insulating gas in between panes.

“Sound proof” windows refer to techniques used to modify your existing windows to block out sound. These methods can include using weatherstripping, acoustic caulk or sealants to fill in small gaps where the window has come away from the frame or installing inserts within your window frame to insulate against noise.

Which approach you take will depend in how permanent you need the results to be. Soundproof windows, which are usually double- or triple-glazed, are a long-term solution that can provide noise insulation for many years to come. They offer other benefits, such as increased energy efficiency, too.

On the other hand, when you sound proof your existing windows, you’re simply modifying what you already have. The solutions are usually temporary, and you may need to perform the same tasks on a regular basis.

Confused about which option to go for? Turn to the Plum ProExteriors team, and we will advise you on window installation and replacement, helping you choose the best option for your specific needs. 

Extra noise reduction tips

Old, poorly constructed, or inefficient windows can be a major source of noise pollution in your home. But besides modifying or replacing them, there are lots of other things you can do to cut down noise:

• Get acoustic panels: These thin panels are made from sound-absorbing materials and can be affixed to your walls at low cost.
• Create a natural barrier: You can plant dense hedges or trees outside your property to create a sound-absorbing barrier. This works well if your house is close to a road.
• Get new doors: Your doors can also let in noise. Replacing your old doors with modern doors can make a huge difference to your comfort levels inside.
• Carry out simple repairs: Small cracks in walls and floors can let in a surprising amount of noise, especially if you live in an apartment. Lay down heavy carpets or rugs to prevent noise from leaking upwards from a lower story or from downstairs neighbors.
• Choose soft furnishings: You can also dampen noise with soft furnishings like cushions, throws, and upholstered chairs and couches.

Final thoughts on quiet spaces

A quieter home is a more pleasant environment in which to live, work, and relax. One of the most efficient ways you can achieve a more tranquil space is through blocking the noise that leaks through old, inefficient windows.

You can opt for a “patch up” approach, sealing up any gaps and using devices such as inserts, to create a quieter environment.

Or why not consider getting a quote to replace your windows with noise blocking, energy efficient ones? Come and talk to us at Plum ProExteriors — we can guide you through the different types of windows available in a wide variety of styles and materials to suit your home.

Think of window replacement as an investment not just in your property — but in your physical and emotional wellbeing too!