Whether it’s highway traffic, boisterous neighbours or birds chirping, if your windows aren’t soundproof, some outside noise will inevitably interfere with your daily activities. Traditional doors and windows are not made to be waterproof or soundproof, so they don’t always provide the peaceful comfort of indoors. Noise seeps into the interior of the house, just like water does.
This is why modern urban cities require excellent noise and sound insulation. This article outlines some smart tips for soundproofing your windows.
Install Window Inserts
The best approach to reduce unwanted noise is to use soundproof window inserts. Glass inserts are inserted into the window frame about 5 inches in front of the interior face of a window. Compared to double-pane windows, the air space between the insert and the window prevents most sound waves from passing through the glass. The best inserts are constructed of laminated glass, a thick glass made of two layers of glass with a layer of plastic in the middle that effectively muffles vibrations.
Double/Triple Pane Windows
Replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows if you experience moderate outside noise pollution. In contrast to double-pane windows, which have two pieces of glass with air in between them, single-pane windows only have one piece of glass in the window frame.
Because single-pane windows don’t create an air barrier between the outside and the glass, almost all external noises can pass through, making the indoors noisy. For best results, you can also go ahead with triple-pane windows.
Acoustic Caulk
If you have good double or triple-paned windows but still hear excessive outside noise, there might be sizable air gaps around your windows that let sound in.
Filling up these spaces with acoustic caulk is an easy approach to sealing them. Most window frame and wall materials, including wood and drywall, are easily joined together using acoustic caulk. Acoustic caulk is more flexible than conventional silicone caulk and is extremely robust, lasting for years before needing to be re-caulked. It won’t even shrink or develop new cracks over time.
Quilted Fiberglass Panel
The thicker and denser the material, the better it will be at reducing outside noise. Fibreglass panels with quilting are significantly denser and thicker. The panel’s weight is excellent because it tends to lay flat on a window frame when hung with hooks from above. A quilted fibreglass panel is less aesthetically pleasing but more effective at absorbing sound than soundproofing curtains.
uPVC Windows
Soundproofing your home can be accomplished greatly by using materials that reflect and absorb sound. Using uPVC windows and conservatories, you can accomplish this in a variety of ways. Double-glazed uPVC windows are great for soundproofing and provide a barrier from heat, cold, and noise.
Additionally, a single-pane uPVC window with laminated glass can improve noise reduction. These glasses, also called safety or acoustic glass, are designed to reduce noise transmission. Lastly, using high-quality uPVC frames can improve heat insulation and limit sound transmission for a calmer, cooler indoor environment.
Double Cell Shades
Rows of fabric cells or hexagonal tubes are piled on top to make cellular shades, sometimes called honeycomb shades. Double-cell shades feature two layers of cells instead of just one, which allows them to absorb more sound than single-cell blinds. However, they are most suitable for people exposed to low noise pollution levels.
Final Thoughts
Before beginning any soundproofing projects, addressing any major issues or renovations your house might need is crucial. You should consider repairing damaged walls or doors before investing in soundproofing techniques. If you have the budget, installing new windows might be all that’s required to solve your noise issue.