How to Soundproof a Window - 10 Best Ways to soundproof windows

by Jennifer Porterfield | Last Updated: March 20, 2021

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Here’s how to soundproof a window in your home. We have 10 ways to soundproof your windows, with some relatively simple suggestions! If you’ve read my article on soundproof curtains you’ll know I developed a real obsession with achieving a soundproof apartment window in my New York apartment.

How to Soundproof a Window _Get Soundproofing_Get Soundproofing

Aside from soundproof curtains, I picked up a few other ideas and implemented a bunch of them along the way. The result is 10 different ways you can soundproof your windows that are affordable and several suggestions that are easy to implement such as soundproof window inserts.

After soundproofing your doors, your windows are a logical next step and potentially the main source for sound to enter your apartment or home. It’s crucial to soundproof the windows to achieve ultimate and effective window soundproofing for your home or office.

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How to Soundproof Apartment Windows or House Windows – 10 Ways!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How to Soundproof a Window – Conclusion

How to Soundproof Apartment Windows or House Windows – 10 Ways!

10 Ways to Soundproof Windows in an Apartment or Home

Get Soundproofing Curtains or Noise Blocking Curtains
Replace the Windows with Double-Pane or Triple-Pane Windows
Block the Window (Depends on the place)
Block or seal the gaps around the window
Use Weatherstripping Tape on the Window
Install Barrier Panel on the Window
Cover the Windows using Soundproofing Blankets
Use Professional Acoustic Panels
Rearrange the Furniture to Soundproof the Window
Soundproof using DIY Soundproof Window Inserts (Full Tutorial Provided)

1. Get Soundproofing Curtains or Drapes

If you are looking for window soundproofing then installing noise-reducing curtains or soundproofing drapes is the first thing you wanted to do. Soundproof curtains or drapes are manufactured solely to soundproof the windows. I have already reviewed some of the best noise reduction curtains on this blog. Make sure you check out my extensive acoustic curtain reviews!

2. Replace the Windows with Double-Pane or Triple-Pane Windows

This tip on replacing the windows with double-pane windows or triple-pane windows will definitely help you soundproof your windows. But the one drawback is that it could cost and could be expensive depending on the material and the quality. If you have enough budget for your window soundproofing project then go ahead.

Double-pane windows are said to block out 60% of sound and the triple pane is said to block out 85% of sound. These double-pane or triple-pane windows have numerous advantages other than window soundproofing. The Double-Pane and Triple-Pane windows will help your room be regular during extreme summers or winters, keeping it at normal room temperature all the time.

About the installation of these double-panes or triple-pane, I recommend you to get a professional to install these because they can be quite delicate and expensive at the same time. Double-Pane windows have two layers of glasses and triple-pane windows have three layers of glasses.

In terms of which is better, there are many resources available online and they both have their own advantages and disadvantages. If you ask me then I would totally recommend the Triple-Pane Windows to soundproof your windows.

3. Block the Window Completely

Blocking the window completely will definitely help in soundproofing windows. But this totally depends on the place. If you have a place where you need some light during the daytime then it’s not recommended to block that windows.

For example, I have a window in my Garage that was very unnecessary so I blocked the window frame completely using some soundproofing materials such as Soundproof Blankets and Insulation Panels.

You can also place insulation panels on the window frame to cover up all the gaps and cracks after blocking the window. Doing this will definitely ensure that the sound cannot enter through any means.

Blocking the window is not an ideal choice but can be very effective in terms of sound absorption and soundproofing windows.

4. Block or Seal All the Gaps Around the Window the window

This step is mandatory for noise reduction even if you have followed all the other steps that I have mentioned above. You need to block or seal all the gaps around the window frame.

We recommend using a weatherstripping adhesive tape and a Window insulator kit to block and seal all the gaps around the window. This is the most cost-effective option. In terms of installation, it is very easy. Just remove the adhesive tape and stick it to the gaps in the window. With the window insulator kit just follow the manual it is very easy to install.

5. Use Weatherstripping Tape on the Window

You would have already heard about using weather stripping tape to soundproof any particular place, but using it for window soundproofing is not that popular because there are plenty of other ways to soundproof a window, and weather stripping may not be the one.

I have mentioned this tip because if you would have read our article on soundproofing doors, then you would have seen a step on using weather stripping tape on the door. You might also have leftover of those weather stripping tapes which you can use on the window.

There is research from energy.gov that weather stripping tape has a soundproofing property and can be very effective. Weatherstripping tape is made up of a material called fiberglass which is a sound-absorbing material in nature. If you are wondering about the installation of weather stripping tape then don’t worry, these tapes come with an adhesive side that can be used to attach it to the sides of the window.

If you looking to buy a weather stripping tape then this Weatherstripping Tape is the one that I recommend you to buy.

6. Install Barrier Panel on the Window

A barrier panel is nothing but a panel that is made up of acoustic foam that helps sound absorption and unwanted sound. Installing a barrier panel on the window is not mandatory but if the above options don’t work, then this is what I recommend you do it.

A barrier panel is available to buy online, this is the Soundproof Barrier Panel that we recommend you to get and install on your window to soundproof.

If you looking for ultimate soundproof windows then you can use a double soundproof barrier panel, just buy two barrier panels and install one after the other.

7. Cover the Windows Using Soundproofing Blankets

This was a step that I tried after installing weatherstripping tape on my garage window and don’t really want to invest in Soundproof drapes. These soundproof blankets are super effective in sound absorption or stopping sound waves from entering.

You might be wondering how can a blanket stop sound from entering. These soundproof blankets are made up of multiple layers of dense cloth and also a sound-absorbing material called fiberglass. You might have also noticed that these types of blankets are used by Packers and Movers to cover up glass or delicate material so that they don’t fall and break.

That’s how powerful and strong these types of fiberglass blankets are made up. If you are looking to get Acoustic Blankets, then this is the one that I recommend.

8. Use Professional Acoustic Panels

This is the final and ultimate solution if none of the above-mentioned solutions works. Use a professional acoustic panel in your window. These acoustic panels are used by professional people such as Musicians and singers in their room to completely soundproof the place.

These professional acoustic panels are pretty expensive so only buy them if you need them very much. Here are some nice-looking acoustic panels that I recommend for soundproofing windows.

These professional acoustic panels are very similar to the soundproof blanket but thicker, and bulkier with more mass which acts as a powerful sound-absorbing barrier and makes the room more soundproof and acoustic.

9. Rearrange the Furniture to Soundproof the Window

When the room is pretty empty then the more acoustic and the sound increases. So, rearranging the furniture appropriately will help in soundproofing the window. Arrange the furniture around the window or also cover the window. Doing this will help the sound bounce back. Buy more soft furniture which will act as an acoustic panel in the room.

10. Soundproof Using DIY Soundproof Window Inserts

A DIY (Do It Yourself) soundproof window insert is a frame that is used to fill up or increase the airtight of the window space. There are multiple names for this soundproof window insert. Some of the names are Window Plug and Window Filler. These soundproof window inserts are very simple and small.

All you need to do is just plug or insert them into the window when needed and then you can remove them when it’s not needed. That’s how simple it is.

How to Make a Soundproof Window Inserts

Things you need to make DIY soundproof window inserts:

A Wooden Board
Soundproof Mat
Scissor or Cutting Blade
Glue or Bond

Process:

Get a Wooden board, measure it according to the size of the window, and cut it accordingly. Ensure that you have measured and cut it properly without any gaps or cracks.
Cut the Soundproof Mat to the exact size of the wooden board frame. After cutting it accordingly you need to stick it to the wooden board frame using a Glue or Bond.

Watch this video for a full tutorial on DIY soundproof window inserts:

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What materials can block sound?

The best materials to block sound are Green Glue Compound, Mass Loaded Vinyl, Acoustic Foam Panel, and Soundproof Drywall.

How much do soundproof windows cost?

It totally depends. It can cost anywhere between $30 to $300.

Does window film reduce noise?

Yes, a window with the sound-blocking film will soundproof the window helping it to reduce the noise. It may be able to reduce noise by up to 5 decibels.

Do soundproof windows really work?

Yes, soundproofing windows do work. It will probably not completely eradicate noise from entering but it will help to reduce the noise allowed to enter your home or apartment.

How do I reduce outside noise from my windows?

To reduce outside noise from your windows you need to soundproof windows. In this article, I have mentioned the 10 best ways to soundproof a window. Follow the steps properly.

How can I soundproof my windows cheap?

You can soundproof your windows cheaply but you need to get budget materials and do the work yourself, instead of hiring a contractor.

How to Soundproof a Window – Conclusion

Soundproofing your windows can help tremendously with noise reduction. I know from first-hand experience how overwhelming soundproofing anything can look from the outside. Hopefully, after reading this guide, the task seems less daunting, and you’re able to see how simple some of these ideas are to actually implement.

I’m sure after reading these ten steps you’re able to find a few suggestions that will meet your needs and give you the perfect soundproof windows and home you deserve!

Additional related pages:

How to Soundproof a Window – 10 Ways to Soundproof Windows

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