How to Soundproof a Window

Dealing with environmental noise can be tough—especially for people who work from home. From construction work and city maintenance to commuter traffic and the collective noise from people as they go about their day, all of these things can distract you and impact your peace of mind.

While you can’t control what goes on outside, you can always block the noise from coming into your home.

Soundproofing your windows will not only keep noisy neighbours from interrupting your work or disturbing your sleep, but you’ll also gain privacy whenever you’re on a call with clients. It’ll also improve your health and productivity levels because there are fewer distractions.

There are several ways you can go about this. You can seal gaps to reduce noise, add window treatments or inserts, or get customized, high-quality windows to block or reduce environmental noise. In this article, you’ll learn how to soundproof a window, so you can enjoy some peace and quiet in your space.

Let’s get started!

Why Is Soundproofing Windows Essential?

Studies show that exposure to prolonged or excessive noise can cause a wide range of health problems, including stress, fatigue, a lack of sleep, and, in extreme cases, cardiovascular disease. That’s where window soundproofing comes into the picture to prevent this from happening.

Window soundproofing removes or reduces unwanted noise from a house, office, or commercial space. Although there are different areas you can target when it comes to soundproofing your home or place of business, windows are more often the primary target when it comes to soundproofing.

This is because other areas of a structure are made from concrete or bricks, and the dense material doesn’t allow sound waves to pass through easily. However, when it comes to glass, sound waves can travel through much quicker, especially for single-pane glass found in older windows. Moreover, some windows are not sealed properly, allowing for more sound waves to pass through them.

Soundproofing windows often involves a multi-pronged approach. Depending on each case and the outside environment around your home, you might need to replace your windows entirely and install updated soundproof windows. In other cases, you may only need a window insert to reduce noise pollution.

Here are the options you can consider:

    1. Seal Gaps With Acoustic Caulk

Gaps around your windows give way for the outside noise to enter your property.

A simple, effective, and inexpensive way to seal small gaps is to use acoustic caulk, which is a noise-blocking, latex-based sealant. This substance easily bonds with most window frames and wall materials, including wood or drywall. It’s also durable and can last for several years.

Just remember to remove old silicone caulk with a putty knife that might be on your window before applying a new layer.

    2. Add Soundproof Window Treatments

If the environmental noise isn’t that severe, consider buying window treatments that are specifically designed for noise reduction. These are made from vinyl or similar materials that can absorb sound but are heavier than average curtains and require special mounting hardware to be secured in place. You can count on curtains and blinds to add another layer of soundproofing, aside from other sound reduction methods you might want to try out. Because curtains are budget-friendly, they’re a popular choice for those who are keen on soundproofing windows.

While blinds or shades aren’t as effective as soundproof curtains, their cellular construction still provides good insulation while also blocking outside noise from getting into the room.

    3. Install Window Inserts

If you live in a location that has heavy noise pollution, window inserts will be your best friend. These are glass inserts that are installed about five inches from the interior surface of the window. The added air space effectively blocks noise from the outside.

Most window inserts are made with laminated glass, which further decreases the transmission of sound. These also work well when placed in front of single-pane glass windows that have a lower STC rating.

    4. Consider Replacement Windows

A window’s ability to reduce noise is measured using the STC scale. The higher the number is, the fewer sound waves that can enter through the window.

For instance, a single-pane glass window typically has an STC rating of around 27. A dual-pane glass window usually has an STC rating of 28. Even though dual-pane windows block out more soundwaves, the difference in their STC ratings is not that significant.

On the other hand, soundproof windows rank 45 or higher on the STC scale. This is because they’re made from thicker, laminated glass and have larger air gaps between the panes.

So, if you’re going to upgrade, you might as well choose soundproof windows. Although they cost more, they at least guarantee excellent results in terms of noise reduction.

Get High-Quality, Customized Window Replacements

That wraps up our guide on “how to soundproof windows.”

When it comes to top-notch window replacements, Burano Doors has got you covered. Offering premium products at affordable prices, we’ve become known as a trusted manufacturer and seller of modern doors and windows in Canada.

Adding aesthetic appeal and practical value to your home with windows that perfectly match your needs is now easier than ever.

If you want to learn more or have questions for us, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us today for a FREE estimate!