You might think that learning how to soundproof a window is hard, but to be honest, doing so may only take a few hours of your time. Of course, you can avoid this sort of work by installing soundproof windows, but you may need professional help.
If you’d rather make your existing windows soundproof on your own instead, here are some tips you can follow to get started.
How to Soundproof Windows Yourself
There are many ways to soundproof your windows—each with its own pros and cons. To start, however, you’ll need to install something that can absorb and dampen the sound.
1. Add a Soundproof Window Seal
As you look closely at your windows, you might notice a few tiny gaps and cavities that noise can potentially pass through. It’s important that you seal these gaps quickly to block the path of any unwanted soundwaves.
If you live in a modern building, gaps may not be as much of a problem because modern window frames should be sturdily built, but it’s a good idea to check for them anyway.
The best way to cover any gaps would be to seal the windows completely, but this is very impractical. Thankfully, there are a few other ways that you can get the job done. Let’s look at some simple and cheap ways to get rid of these air gaps!
Seal All the Gaps With Green Glue
First, make sure you identify all the cracks and spaces around the window by sliding one hand along its edges. If you feel any air coming in, a gap or crack must be present in that space. Be sure to mark any gaps or cracks you find, so you don’t have to go through the same process twice.
Once you’ve identified the correct areas to seal, you can use a Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant, which has been specifically designed to fill cracks and gaps, to do so. This sealant is easy to apply and will dry within 48 hours.
2. Choose Thick Blinds
One way to reduce the noise level in your home is to install blinds, because they can reduce the amount of echo in a room. I don’t think that thick blinds are as effective as sound-deadening curtains, but they can offer a minimal amount of sound-blocking.
If you’re thinking of using blinds on your windows, then I recommend that you choose blinds that are made of thick material. For my home office, I used Calyx Interiors Cordless Honeycomb blinds. They had an impact on the amount of sound I was able to hear, but the difference wasn’t huge. However, I appreciate the fact that these honeycomb blinds are able to let in a little light, because I don’t want my office to be too dark.
3. Replace The Windows
As alluded to above, if you’re willing to spend a fair amount of money, then you can consider replacing your windows. This will probably cost you about $850, or even more, depending on what you must pay for professional labor. At the same time, this is one of the most effective ways to go. Double-pane windows can significantly reduce the amount of noise that can be heard in a room, and they can reduce heat transmission as well.
You’ll likely be able to find a professional at your local hardware store or elsewhere who specializes in windows. Regardless of who you hire, though, make sure they complete the installation correctly. If they don’t, and there are still cracks in the sealant around the windows, the sound will find its way back in.
4. Consider Hanging Sound-Deadening Curtains
Although sound-deadening curtains aren’t 100 percent effective, they can be very helpful at taking the edge off the sound that’s coming from outside a window. These curtains tend to look appealing, and they can even be used to conceal any soundproofing foam that’s been used on a particular window.
These curtains will also help reduce the presence of echo within a room. They’re made of high-quality material that soaks up any sound, which will make the room they’re in seem much quieter and more peaceful.
If you want to get the most out of your soundproof curtains, you’ll need to get more panels than normal so that they can cover each window thickly. If you’re interested in thick soundproof curtains, I recommend that you check out the NICETOWN Blackout Curtain Panels for the bedroom. Due to their triple-weave design, these curtains are extremely dense, so they’re great at keeping out sound, cold air and light.
5. Use Window Foam
When it comes to soundproofing your windows, using window foam is one of the cheapest options on our list. Window foam comes in many different shapes (such as triangular, wedge-shaped or pyramid-shaped), but the shape(s) you choose don’t really matter. When selecting a foam, the most important factor to consider is the thickness. For positive results, make sure that the foam is at least two inches thick.
Keep in mind that although foam is quite cheap, it may not make as much of an impact as other soundproofing methods. Plus, the presence of foam may negatively affect the aesthetic appearance of your windows.
6. Rearrange Your Furniture
You can help reduce the amount of noise coming from your windows by placing certain pieces of furniture near the windows. While this won’t make a big difference, it can help enhance the noise-reducing benefits of the other soundproofing methods you choose to use.
You can start by rearranging your existing furniture, or even adding some new pieces. If you want to block a window completely, we recommend that you place a closet, a heavy couch or a desk in front of it. But if you don’t want to lose the light that comes through a particular window, you can instead place furniture around the window or next to it. These materials will absorb some of the soundwaves that are trying to force their way through the window.
If you use your existing furniture, this won’t cost you a penny, so there’s no reason not to try it out.
Conclusion
Above, we’ve given you a lot of methods that you can make use of in order to soundproof your windows in a fairly cost-effective manner. Let me remind you, though, that each option on the list may not be 100 percent effective, so you should consider combining three or more options for the best results possible. This will all depend on the amount of noise you’re dealing with and your individual budget.
If you’ve found this article helpful, you may also want to read my guide to soundproofing a room from outside noise.
image: Pixabay