Account
Quote
Cart
DIY Window Soundproofing
Author: Sturgeon Christie
Last Updated: February 9, 2024
Read Time: 7 Minutes
DIY Window Soundproofing
Author:
Sturgeon Christie
Last Updated:
February 9, 2024
Read Time:
7 Minutes
Author: Sturgeon Christie
Updated: Feb. 9, 2024
Read Time: 7 Minutes
Are you tired of feeling like you live in a rock concert every time a car passes by your window? Well, soundproofing your windows is your ticket to better sleep and an overall more relaxing time in your home.
Sound waves can easily pass through or vibrate the glass, making it difficult to block outside noise from getting into a room. Windows are significantly less soundproof than the wall around them. We have good news though! Soundproofing your windows doesn’t have to be a major project. In fact, there are several methods that your average homeowner can DIY that will significantly reduce the amount of sound passing through your window.
This article is a deep dive into DIY window soundproofing. But before we give you some of our recommendations, let's make sure we understand how sound travels through windows.
Are you tired of feeling like you live in a rock concert every time a car passes by your window? Well, soundproofing your windows is your ticket to better sleep and an overall more relaxing time in your home.
Sound waves can easily pass through or vibrate the glass, making it difficult to block outside noise from getting into a room. Windows are significantly less soundproof than the wall around them. We have good news though! Soundproofing your windows doesn’t have to be a major project. In fact, there are several methods that your average homeowner can DIY that will significantly reduce the amount of sound passing through your window.
This article is a deep dive into DIY window soundproofing. But before we give you some of our recommendations, let's make sure we understand how sound travels through windows.
DIY Window Soundproofing Basics: Why Soundproof Windows in Your Home
There are two main types of sound, airborne noise and structural noise. When it comes to windows, you are mostly dealing with airborne noise. This includes sound coming from cars, people talking, and air conditioners running.
For a barrier to effectively block airborne noise, it must be dense enough to stop the sound waves from passing through it, and it must be sealed to prevent the sound from flowing through any air gaps.
Why Should You Soundproof Your Windows?
Your windows are the main weak points in an exterior wall. Even if the wall itself is dense and soundproof, it can only perform as well as its weakest point – the window. So, if you live on a busy road or near loud machinery, soundproofing your windows to be closer to the performance of the surrounding wall will reduce the amount of sound getting into your home.
Soundproofing a window presents unique challenges compared to other parts of a room because the glass in windows is a poor sound barrier compared to materials like concrete or drywall. Windows are also tricky to seal properly, because we intentionally design them to be able to open and close! Any time we build something that can open and close, it’s easy to end up with sound passing through the gaps around the perimeter.
Key Factors For Soundproofing Windows
- Glass Thickness: A thicker pane of glass will be more effective in terms of soundproofing than a thinner pane of glass, because it has more density.
- Type of Glass: Laminated glass will block more sound than equivalent thicknesses of other types of glass.
- Window Quality and Install: There are a variety of factors here, but a good starting point is to check the STC rating for a window. If it doesn’t have one listed, ask the manufacturer. A higher number is better. And then a quality install means the windows are well sealed and don’t let sound in around the perimeter.
- Air Gaps: When you have a window with multiple panes of glass, the air gap between the two barriers allows the window to block more noise. Larger air gaps mean better soundproofing.
DIY Window Soundproofing Techniques
| Solution | Performance | Cost | Installation Difficulty |
| Fantastic Frame Soundproof Window Inserts | | $$ | Medium |
| Quiet Quilt 2-Sided Barrier Blanket | | $$ | Medium |
| Sealing the Windows with Acoustic Sealant | | $ | Easy |
| Soundproof Curtains or Drapes | | $ | Easy |
| Upgrading to New Windows | | $$$ | Hard |
You have several options if you’re looking into DIY window soundproofing methods. We have rated each method by its cost, soundproofing performance, and installation difficulty.
Best Option: Adding Easy to Install DIY Soundproof Window Inserts
Soundproof window inserts are far and away the best option for DIY window soundproofing. They are even easier to install than a soundproof blanket, because they are lighter. Our Fantastic Frame Soundproof Window Inserts will reduce noise through a window by up to 80%. They also blend in extremely well once installed, so you won’t even notice they are there. Because these window inserts are also awesome thermal insulators, they will also reduce your energy bill by 40-50% when installed in every window in your home. These inserts are great for soundproofing a skylight as well.
Better Option: Install Soundproof Blankets Over Windows
Soundproof blankets, on the other hand, are dense enough to reduce noise coming from a window. This is because soundproof blankets are lined with mass-loaded vinyl, which is a dense material used in many soundproofing applications. Our Quiet Quilt 2-Sided Barrier Blanket comes with grommets sewn into the top, making it easy to hang. If you are looking for an actual soundproof blanket for a window, our Quiet Quilt blankets will reduce the noise by 8-10 decibels (40-50% perceived noise reduction).
Good Option: Seal Windows with Acoustical sealant
Truthfully, you should seal the window gaps no matter what. Results will vary depending on your gapping issues. Using acoustical sealant to close up any air gaps in your window will help reduce the sound flanking. It's soundproofing 101 to seal the gaps. Weatherstipping is often used in place of acoustical sealant to close air gaps, and while we are always in favor of plugging the holes, most weatherstripping products available will only help with draft, but will not give you very noticeable improvements for sound reduction. At the very least, we'd recommend using it in conjuntion with acoustical sealant. If you've got major gap problems, like a commercial building or an older home, this could be a huge deal. Expect anywhere from 0-5 decibel reduction.
Not Recommended: Installing Soundproof Curtains Or Drapes
Installing “soundproof curtains" is a method you’ll see across the internet as a top recommendation for budget soundproofing projects. But, unfortunately, curtains and drapes are NOT effective at blocking sound because they are not dense enough. If you are looking into curtains, keep your expectations modest and invest in curtains that are as thick and heavy as possible. If you install very heavy curtains that extend past the window on either side, you can expect a 3-5 decibel reduction in noise (20-30% perceived noise reduction).
Thicker curtains are actually a better as an acoustical treatment than as a soundproofing treatment. You’ll still notice the noise from outside, but the overall noise level in the room will be a notch quieter. If curtains are the only DIY option you are willing to consider, it’s worth doing – but go in with low expectations.
Also to Consider: Upgrading Current Window Assembly
Installing new windows is not really a DIY method, as it’s the most expensive and difficult way to soundproof your window. Older window units may be worn out, poorly constructed, or have other issues that just mean it’s just time to replace them. However, many window units are not built with soundproofing in mind so you’re not guaranteed more soundproofing. The best thing you can do is utilize the window’s STC rating as one of the criteria you’re using when evaluating your option.
Remember, better-quality window ≠ soundproof window. Your existing window plus a Fantastic Frame window insert will be more soundproof than the new window you’re getting. Even if you don’t have firsthand experience replacing windows, you have a feel for what a large and expensive project it is. So, if you are looking for an effective DIY way to reduce sound transmission in a window, a window insert is the way to go!
Have any more questions about soundproofing your windows or want to hear more about our soundproofing solutions? Drop us a line, and one of the experts at Second Skin will be happy to help!