Soundproofing A Window

Quite often we get calls about soundproofing a window. Our customers have issues with sound from traffic & highway noise, neighbors, barking dogs, HVAC and other machinery, etc. coming into a residential or commercial space. Typically, the complaint is that sound is coming in through the existing windows. Soundproofing a window helps to reduce distracting noise.

Soundproofing is one of our two core strategies at Acoustical Solutions to create ideal acoustic environments, the other being sound control. For a deep dive to untangle these often confused aspects of acoustic, see this article. When it comes to soundproofing windows, it’s important to understand soundproofing because windows create a tricky issue.

Soundproofing, also known by the more obvious phrase sound blocking, is how we stop sound from transmitting from one side of a material to the other. Generally speaking, the more dense a material is, the more effective it is at reducing sound transmission. For example, if two spaces were separated by a thin curtain, anything said on one side of the curtain will be heard essentially without any loss on the other side. If, however, the two spaces were separated by 6 inches of concrete wall, you wouldn’t be able to hear anything on the other side.

This is why soundproofing windows can be tricky. Windows, by design, are portals between the interior and exterior to allow in light. The same physical properties of a material that allow light in also allows sound in, leaving us in a conundrum. That said, there are ways in which to beef up the soundproofing capabilities of a window so that light can come in but exterior sounds can be drastically cut down.

All structures are meant to be confined to their own individual purposes, but windows and doors allow a connection not only to the outside world, but to nature. The more we research sunlight, the more we understand how critical it is to health and wellness. Considering that much of modern life occurs indoors, windows then become our critical link to sunlight, helping illuminate all types of spaces with natural light that generates wellness.

The issue, as mentioned previously, is windows also allow in sound, which, depending on the locale, can be a huge distracting issue. Here are some of the most common types of external noise:

Like our structures, our roadways are a critical aspect of modern life. Where once we may have lived within walking distance of everything needed, now transportation is critical to life, and transportation is loud. Cars driving through the street at all hours of the day, louder pickup trucks, work vehicles, trash trucks, and even semis create a cacophony of noise and low-end rumblings that easily make their way through windows to distract from interior activity.

Similarly, our modern world is connected thanks to air travel, where we as passengers can connect with far away places and even the freight associated with our businesses can move about, bolstering the economy. Airplanes and their jet turbines are marvels of engineering, but they are incredibly loud. If the space you’re looking to soundproof is near an airport where aircraft are taking off or flying into land, these sounds are inescapable, creating an additional need for windows capable of blocking exterior noise.

Like car motors and aircraft engines, we rely on portable landscaping equipment to tend the nature-space in our cities and neighborhoods. Even with the advent of electric motors powered by batteries, this equipment remains loud in operation. And like sunlight, it’s important to have greenspace to maintain our connection to the natural world for general well-being, meaning we simply cannot get rid of this noise, but need to find a way to deal with it when it comes to windows.

Beyond mechanical noise, there are many other things in the exterior world we may not want infringing on our space. This includes barking dogs, fighting cats, or even loud neighbors! Thankfully, these types of noises tend to be much weaker than the aforementioned issues, and therefore can be significantly blocked by the application of soundproofing techniques to windows.

Another reason to soundproof windows isn’t just to block exterior sound, but to block your sounds from leaving to the outside world. Whether it be conversation, music, machinery, or your own barking dogs, you may want to maximize your own privacy by soundproofing windows to ensure noisy neighbors or people passing by are less aware of the goings on in your space.

So how do I go about window soundproofing? Below I will outline some ways to block sound from entering an interior window.

Soundproof windows will typically have multiple layers of glass with air gaps in between. Milgard and other suppliers carry soundproof lines that can replace your existing windows.

The PrivacyShield® Window Seal Kit easily installs over the existing windows. These magnetically mount to the surface of the window trim or install in between the jambs of the window. The kit provides both acoustic and thermal insulation and is removable for access for cleaning or maintenance. The PrivacyShield® Window Seal Kit is compatible with a wide range of window styles.

A custom sized window panel can be created using our AudioSeal® Clear Sound Barrier. The barrier can be manufactured in a size up to 48″ wide. The clear vinyl panel is then applied using Velcro to the perimeter frame of the window. The clear barrier panel will need to extend past the visible glass and adhere to the perimeter molding to create a good seal and air gap. This option may not work with all styles of windows.

PrivacyShield® ABSC-25 Barrier Septum Soundproofing Blankets are typically manufactured with grommets for hanging and velcro on the vertical edges. This allows blankets to hang temporarily over a window or opening. These can be sized up to 48" by 25' (some limitations may apply). It may take multiple blankets to cover larger windows. Blankets may be made to overlap with mating Velcro, allowing for a good sound seal and to hold the blanket in place. The blanket panel will need to extend past the visible glass or window frame and adhere to the perimeter molding to create to seal any potential air gaps.

If there are any small gaps between the window and the interior wall, sound from outside can enter your home. Soundproofing a window, in this case, requires caulking — specifically with acoustical caulk. This caulk is a noise-proofing, latex-based product that helps reduce outside noises. The caulk bonds with most window frame and wall materials and is more flexible than regular silicone caulk. You want to remove any old silicone caulk before applying a thin bead of the acoustical product.

Another option for dampening outside noises is to hang sound-dampening curtains. These curtains use thick, heavy fabrics like velvet and are lined with sound-absorbing materials like vinyl. Sound-dampening curtains are best suited for minimizing light sound pollution and eliminating echoes, like crickets and birds chirping, rather than louder noises. You can find curtains in a variety of colors, and they are typically around $20 to $60 per panel.

Another option for soundproofing a window is to install cellular shades, or honeycomb shades. These shades consist of rows of cells or hexagonal tubes of fabric that are stacked on top of each other. Double-cell shades absorb more sound than their single-cell counterparts, putting them on the same level as sound-dampening curtains. The shades also help block out light and provide some insulating properties.

Weatherstripping can degrade over time, and when that happens, the soundproofing quality of your windows can lessen. By replacing the weatherstripping tape around the windows, you can improve soundproofing and also prevent heat or cold air from escaping. Weatherstripping is available in different materials, including foam, rubber, and silicone. What material is best for your window depends on factors like the amount of friction the window will receive, weather exposure to weather, and the overall appearance of the window.

You can build your own soundproof window plug to really soundproof a window. Window plugs are a combination of inexpensive wood, acoustic foam, and soundproofing material. Window plugs fill the opening of a window, effectively creating a plug that blocks out both light and sound. They are an excellent temporary solution, as you can plug the window when you want to block noise and take it off whenever you don’t. We can also use two panels back-to-back to fit in wide window casings, or an Alphasorb® Barrier Acoustic Panel.

Another cheap and effective method of soundproofing windows is to install shutters. The shutters go on either side of the window and serve multiple purposes: adding privacy, providing protection from the elements, and providing extra soundproofing. While shutters can be installed on your home’s exterior and interior, exterior shutters are the most common. Vinyl and wood are two of the most common shutter materials available in many different colors.

There are many options to consider for soundproofing a window, and they all have their own advantages and disadvantages.

When considering your different options, pay attention to the level of noise you struggle with, and consider talking to an expert today to find out what options may work best for you.