How to insulate windows from noise?
by
Abby
+20
The outside world is so noisy, but I hear it all the time inside my home - when I'm sleeping, when I'm working... How can I soundproof my windows??
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If you just need it for night time you can get foam board at home depot in different thicknesses. You could cut it to fit snugly into the window and use it when you sleep remove by day. Or you can leave them in according to your preference.
Drapes with a heavy lining can help on the inside.. and a row of dense foliage trees, like cypress (potted or not) can help on the outside.... a water fall or rain curtain water feature can help when you are outside. Pinterest.com will have ideas and instructions.
BUBBLE WRAP IN YOUR WINDOWS STOPS HEAT COLD AND DAMPENS THE NOISE. YOU OPEN THE DRAPES TO LET IN LIGHT NO PROBLEM AND STILL PRIVATE
If you don't care how it looks from the outside and you can cover it totally on the inside, try attaching a piece of cardboard to the glass, then cover with a layer of thick foam. If you care about the outside appearance you could place pretty paper first on the glass for the world to see. I Think these sound dampening layers will help with the new street noise.
Instal innerlined drapery. Did that in my husband's office on a busy street, really helped. I was amazed how much difference it made, plus helped with HVAC bills.
First seal any air gaps. Sound waves desperately want to travel the path of least resistance. Try an acoustic sealant is specially designed to fill up cracks and gaps. It’s easy to apply and dries in 48 hours. Also high density foam tape works somewhat. Traditional glue should be avoided in soundproofing scenarios as it forms a ‘bridge’ between two surfaces that allows sound vibrations to pass easily from one to the next.
You can always do what a lot of musicians do and that is use heavy blankets on a curtain rod or wire. That way they can be moved out of the way during the day and cover the window at night.
We used to have a darkroom in our house. Hubby made plugs to put in the wall to keep light out. Simply plywood cut to fit the size of the window and a frame made of of 2x4's. Drawback these can be heavy and awkward to handle.
Not only the drapery, but if you can, hang a double rod, and put a lighter-weight fabric (like sheers, but a little bit more solid) in a complementary color, or white or beige close to the window, then the drapery over that. You often see this treatment in hotels. The two tracks of fabric, and the slight space between them, really seems to cut down on noise entering from outside.
Also, make sure your window is closed tight, locked, etc. There are insulating products you can buy that you place where the window and sash meet, covering any space and further insulating you against outside noise.
Oh dear, the neighbor's truck, song birds, lawnmowers, and kids who think their car is "the bomb". All of this lead to insulation being installed, double pane new windows, added a porch, and lined curtains really cut down the noise.
here is info for you, Abby but if you have single pane windows you will have a lot of noise from outside-
https://indowwindows.com/resources/soundproofing-windows/
Add insulated drapes to help reduce the noise.
Here are some great tips which can help https://soundproofliving.com/soundproofing-windows/
You can buy sound dampening curtains. Here's a link with more ideas:
https://www.bobvila.com/articles/soundproofing-windows/
Hello. As mentioned above sometimes thick insulated drapery can help.
Hello, if you are needing it for sleeping and care how it looks, you can use this foam material, https://www.amazon.ca/BXI-Soundproofing-Closed-Cell-Foam/dp/B08HKY3DY5/ref=sr_1_7?gclid=CjwKCAiArOqOBhBmEiwAsgeLmVXBS9XGKvR_eNgoqA7iCDmI2rR-6jf3dYihy6lTfUgZHk8str0KzhoCs2QQAvD_BwE&hvadid=346712063733&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9001397&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=15443202720563137556&hvtargid=kwd-356224102747&hydadcr=29839_10648734&keywords=how%2Bto%2Bstop%2Bnoise%2Bfrom%2Bwindows&qid=1641764323&sr=8-7&th=1,
A fast alternative way to block out noise, that does not involve any construction or sewing, is to purchase custom-made ear plugs, which are protective and functional. If properly fitted, these can be comfortable enough to wear while sleeping. Contact any hearing services office that sells hearing aids, for more information.
Thick draw curtains lined with blanket. Sound proofing film applied to inside of windows. Ear plugs. Hat pulled over your ears. Move room to back of home.
Insulate and add curtains