Keeping the Peace: How to Soundproof Windows

Noise pollution degrades the value of recording studios, offices, and your home. Not to mention, it is annoying. You can eliminate noise pollution in any room or building with soundproof windows.

When it comes to noise pollution, your windows let in the most ambient sound from outside. This is because most windows are not designed with noise reduction in mind. But this articles tells you how to soundproof windows of any type.

How to Soundproof Windows

To decrease the noise pollution in your home or business, the first place to start is to soundproof the windows. There are a few cheap and easy ways to reduce the sound pollution from the windows, and there are some more expensive options.

Cheap methods range from a few dollars to a few hundred. Expensive solutions can run upwards of $1000.

Here are some effective methods of making soundproof windows in your home, office, or studio:

Seal Up Air Gaps in Windows

Sound waves travel over the air, so any gaps in your windows is an avenue for sound pollution. The first way to soundproof windows in any room is to seal up any air gaps. There are a few common methods of sealing up the air gaps in windows.

The first place to look for air gaps is at the tops and bottoms of windows that slide up and down. Use high-density foam tape to seal up the gaps and prevent air from leaking through crevasses. High-density foam tape adheres to the surface coming into contact with the window.

For gaps in corners of windows and hard-to-tape surfaces, use acoustic putty. Acoustic putty is great for sealing up awkwardly shaped surfaces. You mold acoustic putty to make a tight seal around air gaps.

To soundproof windows that are near a highway, train, or other reverberant, use Green Glue Noise-proofing sealant. Green Glue is specially made to stop sound vibration from passing through to the opposite surface. The glue sets over two days and is perfect for filling up cracks in window frames.

Sealing the windows air gaps is the quickest and cheapest way to help soundproof your windows. But the age and state of your windows may require a more substantial soundproofing solution.

Install a Double Pane Window

If your window frame is degraded beyond repair, or if you are working with a large budget, install double-pane soundproof windows. Double-pane or double glazed windows have two layers of glass, like an airplane window. They offer superior sound insulation, temperature control, and, they make any room look more expensive.

The other benefit of double-pane windows is the seal between the glass and the frame. The seal on these windows is extra sound resistant, thanks to the space between each pane. Sound passes through the first layer and is deadened before it makes its way through the second.

Install a Soundproof Acrylic Glaze

If you are not in the market to buy brand new windows, install a soundproof acrylic window glaze. This soundproofing treatment makes an airtight seal between the frame and glass with a fitted piece of acrylic.

If you have basic DIYer tools on hand then all you need is a soundproof window glaze kit and your own acrylic.

Acrylic window glazes are transparent and go unnoticed. But they offer less soundproofing than a custom window plug. Be sure to thoroughly seal any air gaps in your window frame before installing the acrylic glaze or window plug.

Final Thoughts

These are a few basic ideas of how to soundproof windows in your home or building. Sound studios and recording studios should look into window plugs as well. For the best soundproofing, pursue all three window treatment options.

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