Noise pollution is almost impossible to avoid if you live in a busy area or near an airport, but by learning how to soundproof windows, you can restore peace and quiet for you and your family.
However, many homeowners and renters ask the question: How can you soundproof windows? Minnesota Exteriors has decades of experience as a home improvement contractor, and we are here to help protect your home or multi-family property from excessive noise, weather damage, and more. In this article, we’ll cover the following:
- Common Types of Noise Pollution
- What is Soundproofing
- How to Soundproof Windows
- Noise Reducing Window Options
- Window Soundproofing FAQs
Need help replacing noisy windows or doors? Our team at Minnesota Exteriors can help.
Common Types of Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is any unwanted or excessive sound that disturbs or even harms either people or animals. We’re all familiar with common types of noise pollution, such as barking dogs or a car horn, but some forms of sound, like low-flying aircrafts, can reach sound levels high enough to cause hearing damage.
Sound waves are often measured in decibels, with everyday sounds ranging anywhere from 30-80 dB. However, repeated exposure to anything over 80 dB can be considered harmful to human ears.
While the type of noise pollution you experience depends on where you live, some common types are listed below.
Traffic Noise
With how many cars, buses, and trucks are out on the road nowadays, even in smaller towns and cities, road noise is nearly impossible to avoid. While most of these sounds are only a minor disturbance, in the middle of a large city, these sounds can easily get up to over 100 dB, and they can persist throughout the day and night.
Soundproof home windows can help ensure that you won’t have to deal with loud traffic during any time of the day or night.
Construction Noise
Minnesotans are no strangers to construction noise, whether it’s towns and cities expanding, roads being paved or repaired, or new homes being built. The tools and machines used on construction sites can quickly expose you to potentially dangerous levels, with sound levels often reaching over 130 dB.
Investing in sound-dampening for windows can help protect your ears from these harmful and significantly disruptive sounds.
Aircraft Noise
Similar to how common road traffic is, aircraft noise is an increasingly common sound in our world today. While airplanes are a modern marvel for quick travel, they do tend to be overly loud, with engines regularly reaching 140 dB and higher. And, if you live near an airport, this sound almost never lets up, prompting many homeowners to want to learn the best way to soundproof windows.
Railway Noise
Trains are great for transport, but the sound from these locomotives, not to mention the rumbling and shaking they produce, often becomes overwhelming for those living near the tracks. Train noises can range from 80 to 130 dB, so it’s important to protect your ears from potential long-term damage by looking into soundproofing existing windows.
Nightlife Noise
Loud bars, noisy restaurants, or crowded outdoor areas can all contribute to nightlife noise pollution. While vibrant nightlife can boost local economies and social life, it also raises challenges around noise pollution and community livability. If you live near a noisy area, this can easily disrupt your sleep and everyday quality of life as well.
What is Soundproofing?
Soundproofing is the process of blocking noise from entering a space. Many people soundproof specific areas of their homes, such as their office or bedroom, whereas others look to soundproof the entire home. This can include methods like DIY soundproofing windows or other more expensive avenues for noise reduction.
Generally, in order to soundproof a space, there must be a dense material put in between the area creating the noise and the area you want to protect from sound. For example, many people soundproof their offices by investing in specific wall panels that are made of a thick, dense material. These are specifically crafted to help dampen any noise coming in.
Thinking about window sound insulation? It can seem like a large undertaking, but it’s an important step in keeping your home or apartment protected from aggravating noises. Partnering with a professional window company and replacing your windows with more soundproof options can ensure your home stays quiet and improve the overall quality of life for you and your family.
Soundproofing apartment and townhome windows helps keep your tenants happy – and can even increase overall rent prices.
How to Soundproof Windows
Noise pollution can quickly take a toll on your everyday life, but there are several actions you can take to create a sound barrier for windows and other areas in your home.
Depending on your time and budget constraints, you can either opt for temporary fixes or look into full window replacements or repairs. However, it’s important to note that while budget-friendly options might be great for the short-term, they often won’t fully fix the problem, meaning you may have to spend more time and money later on to find relief from the noise.
There are a few common solutions to soundproof windows listed below.
Seal Any Window Cracks and Gaps
If your windows have any cracks around the edges or gaps from where the window isn’t sealed properly into its frame, this can contribute to increased noise pollution in your home. Without any material to block the sound, these gaps can easily make your home much louder than it should be.
There are multiple options you can turn to in order to fix this problem, such as weatherstripping and acoustic caulk.
Weatherstripping
While primarily used to help ensure dirt, wind, or excess heat/cold does not come into the home, weatherstripping can also be a solution for soundproofing a window. It is usually made of plastic or foam and is easy to install. These are also not that costly, ranging anywhere from $10 to $30, making it possible for almost anyone to use this method for reducing excessive noise.
Acoustic Caulk
If you want to go even further for sound dampening, acoustic caulk is specifically made to noise-proof your home. This type of caulk bonds with most window frame materials, including vinyl, fiberglass, wood, and more. Make sure you remove any old caulking before applying the new caulking to get the most effective seal.
Acoustic caulk is more flexible than regular caulk, helping ensure you can get into all the nooks and crannies. Acoustic caulk averages around $15-25 per tube, depending on its professional grade, making it an affordable solution.
Add Sound Absorbing Blinds or Curtains
Another option to dampen sound is to install sound-absorbing blinds or curtains. These are made with thick, sound-dampening materials and fabrics in order to reduce outside noise (and light). While this option is often more expensive than caulk or weatherstripping, it can also be a more effective option for reducing noise pollution.
These heavy curtains are easy to both obtain and install, making it simple for you to minimize noise and light.
Install Sound Inserts
Sound inserts are specific noise-reducing options that go on the inside of your window. These create an extra layer that sound has to pass through before coming into your home.
These are great options for effectively and efficiently reducing noise, but they are much more costly and difficult to install without professional help than other avenues. Also, if you live in a more humid or wet area, these often aren’t as effective, as the condensation between panes can quickly create mold or other problems.
Adjust Furniture Placement
One of the simplest ways to reduce noise coming in from your windows is to place heavy furniture in front of the window itself. Items like couches and bookshelves can be moved to help absorb and diffuse sound before it enters your home. This is a great option for renters, too, as they won’t have to worry about potentially damaging the window or its frame like with other noise-reducing options.
However, it can be challenging to block sound while making sure you don’t block the window or light itself. Sometimes, even just putting the furniture around the window can create a small sound barrier for your home.
Replace Your Windows with Noise-Reducing Options
Replacing your current windows with soundproofed options is the most effective way to reduce noise. This is especially true if you have single-pane windows, which are often found on older homes. Single-layer windows aren’t nearly as thick, durable, or crafted in the same way as double-paned or acoustic windows.
While this is the most costly option for noise reduction, it will also do the best job at soundproofing your home for the long term while increasing its overall value as well.
Double Pane Windows
Double-pane windows, also called double-glazed windows, are a form of insulated glazing that has multiple glass panes. These are often separated from each other with a small space in between each that acts as a form of soundproofing. Dual pane windows help reduce noise, heat, and other inclement weather.
Triple Pane Windows
Triple-pane windows go a step further than double-pane windows by creating another layer between your home and the outside world. The extra layer of glass, along with the added layer of gas, creates the ultimate protection from loud noises that arise from traffic, airplanes, or more. Triple pane windows have an added benefit of improving energy efficiency in your home, as they have better insulation.
Thinking about replacing your home’s windows? Discover the ideal season for window upgrades.
Contact Minnesota Exteriors for Window Replacement Queries
Are you looking for some peace and quiet? No matter if you choose to fight noise pollution with acoustic caulk, moving your furniture, or installing sound inserts, you can minimize noise in your home. However, the only true long-term and effective option is to replace your windows with sound-dampening options, and our team at Minnesota Exteriors is here to help.
With over 75 years of experience, we’re one of the most trusted window contractors in the Twin Cities. Contact Minnesota Exteriors to schedule a free consultation or learn more about replacing your windows. We also work with your budget by providing multiple financing options so you can enjoy lasting comfort and quiet without straining your budget.
Window Soundproofing FAQs
Even after reading this blog, we understand that many may still have some questions about soundproofing windows. That’s why we’ve compiled some common questions and answers that can help homeowners and renters find peace of mind from loud noise levels.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions our team comes across when it comes to soundproofing windows and homes:
What is the best way to soundproof windows?
The best way to soundproof windows depends on the level of noise you’re dealing with. For mild noise, moving furniture, weatherstripping, and caulking gaps can help. For more significant sound issues, consider double- or triple-pane windows, or soundproof window inserts.
If you’re unsure where to start, a professional window contractor at Minnesota Exteriors can help determine the best path forward for your home.
How to soundproof windows in an apartment rental?
In an apartment rental, the best way to soundproof windows without having to drill into the wall or ask for entirely new windows is to invest in weatherstripping, sound-absorbing curtains, or noise-reducing wall panels. While these may not be as effective as new windows or window inserts, they will protect the apartment from potential damage.
Is soundproofing a window expensive?
Depending on the method you utilize for soundproofing, this process can either be cost-effective or more expensive. For example, weatherstripping or acoustic caulk do not cost much at all, but installing new windows for your home can quickly add up.
Does DIY window soundproofing work?
DIY window soundproofing can be effective in some instances, although it won’t be as effective as professional options. If you’re truly on a budget, hanging thick drapes in front of the window or moving your furniture to block the sound can create a better sound barrier.
Are noise-reducing windows worth it?
Noise-reducing windows, also referred to as soundproof windows, are often worth it for homeowners. Soundproof windows work by specifically dampening noise from the outside world, thanks to the way they’re intentionally designed and constructed. If you live in a busy or residential area, these windows can help you and your family have some peace and quiet.