Soundproof Windows

When you are having sound issues in your home

, office,or studio, especially from intrusive outdoor noise, the weak link in the chain is usually your windows. Standard window glass, even double pane windows actually do very little to reduce loud outdoor noise from invading your home. Standard window glass just doesn't have the mass needed to provide adequate soundproofing in todays loud and noisy world.

So what can you do to stop unwanted noise from entering your space? You can always replace your windows with soundproof windows from manufacturers such as Mil-gard or Sound Guard, but that can BE a little pricy. There are other more cost effective ways to soundproof your existing windows.

There are window inserts which are quite effective at blocking traffic noise and other irritating noises. A window insert is a made of a window grade plexiglas that connects to the frame of your window (generally on a magnetic track system). The window inserts can add as much as a 32 dB reduction of the sounds coming through the existing window from the outdoors. The Climate Seal window insert is one such soundproof window insert from Soundproofing America, Inc.. These inserts are very easy to install and can be done by any do-it-yourselfer. The Climate Seal window inserts do not open and close, but they easily detach from their magnetic track in the event that you would want to open your window. Climate Seal windows are a clear window grade plexiglass that will maintain it's clearview for many years to come. They will provide up to 30- 32 STC depending on the quality if your existing windows.

No matter what type of window you are dealing with, sealing the window with an acoustical caulk can help block out the noise that can be transmitted from between the glass and the window frame itself. Sealing the window panes is key to reducing the transmission of sound through any common window.

The last treatment I would like to discuss is the infamous window plug. Many times people are willing to sacrifice the light that a window provides in order to get some soundproofing. That's where the window plug comes in handy.

a window plug is made from a closed cell vinyl nitrile foam mat that is generally at least 2" thick.

Here's a simple explanation on how to build yourself a window plug. You need to find a specific closed cell foam mat. One such mat is called America mat. America mat in the 2" version is perfect for constructing your window plug. Now let's say that the window you wish to soundproof is 3' X 4' you would cut the foam to 3' 1" X 4' 1" that way you will have 1/2" around the entire perimeter of the foam plug that will make the foam plug fit tightly into the window frame much like a cork in a bottle. Now this extra 1/2" of foam may need to be trimmed down so that the foam will actually fit tightly into the window frame. The best way to cut this foam is by using a common electric kitchen knife much like those used in the late 1970's and early 1980's. They can still be found at Wal-Mart or K-Mart. The electric knife cuts the foam leaving a nice smooth almost factory edge on the foam and that makes it easire to trim down to fit tightly into the window frame.

Once the foam is cut to fit tightly into the window frame, you will need to glue the foam to a backing board, something like wood paneling or luaan. The backing board needs to hold the foam taut so that it will not roll up when it is placed into the window frame. Placing a couple of kitchen cabinet handles on the backer board will make for easy installation and removal of the plug.

One note, it is not recommended that you leave the plug installed in the window during daylight hours. The sun will heat up the cavity between the foam and the glass panes and could actually crack the glass. Just keep that in mind if you decide that the window plugs are right for you.

The products mentioned are all available online through www.soundproofingamerica.com

Thanks for reading about how to soundproof your window This is Bob Orther, makes it a quiet one!

by: Dr Bob

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