The best way to soundproof is by adding mass.
Mass is dense, heavy, and usually opaquequalities not conducive to soundproofing windows.
Acoustic Caulk
Gaps and cracks in and around windows transmit sound from the outside to the inside.
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Sealing those openings is an important step in window soundproofing.
Acoustic caulk will not shrink and create new gaps.
At around $10 per tube, acoustic caulk’s cost is comparable with ordinary painter’s caulk.
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Two beads of acoustic caulk can more than triple thesoundproofingability of an uncaulked area.
Custom Window Inserts
Add more layers of glass or other translucent materials to soundproof the window.
This layer of air dampens sound vibrations.
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A standard custom-made window insert for a 40-inch by 30-inch window costs $260 to $300.
An acoustic window insert of the same size costs $335 to $360.
Cut the sheet with an acrylic cutter to fit the outer edges of the window trim.
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Drill pilot holes through the sheet and screw the material to the window trim.
But a DIY insert is less expensive.
A 36-inch by 48-inch by 3/32-inch clear acrylic sheet costs $60 to $70.
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A plastic sheet-cutting tool costs $5 to $10.
Storm windows can also help soundproof a window by adding another layer of air and by preventing air infiltration.
An improvement on seasonal storm windows that are installed and removed annually are permanent storm windows.
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Permanent storm windows can be fixed or operable, for easier maintenance.
Adding Energy Star-certified storm windows can help you save $350 per year in heating or cooling bills.
Any jot down of window curtain will add some soundproofing, even thin mini-blinds.
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Heavier, thicker curtains that stretch across the entire window improve soundproofing.
The fix is to apply self-stick vinyl foam weatherstripping or foam weatherseal to that gap.
Withdouble-hung windows, raise the lower sash.
Add the weatherstripping to the window bottom.
Ten feet of adhesive-backed foam weatherstripping costs $5 to $10.
Forty inches of foam weatherseal costs less than $5.
The dense mass of these pieces will absorb some sound and create a quieter room.
It’s not necessary to block the window.
Even arranging the pieces around the window can help.
Warning
If furniture fully blocks a window, keep egress requirements in mind.
Local building codes have egress or emergency exit requirements for finished spaces.
Soundproof windows are made of a variety of materials that can absorb, reflect, or dissipate sound.
They can also vary in thickness to help reduce noise.
Make windows soundproof by adding heavy curtains and closing them at night.
For daytime use, caulk all gaps, add foam weatherstripping, and install thick curtains.
Also, add heavy, dense furniture such as sofas or bookcases below or around the window.
It does not need to be expensive to soundproof windows.
you might make your own DIY clear acrylic sheet overlay for less than $100.
Residential Noise Control Guidance Sheet.New York City Department of Environmental Protection.
OSI SC-175 Acoustical Caulk - Product Specifications.Acoustical Solutions.
Storm Windows.EnergyStar / U.S. Department of Energy.
How Much Does It Cost to Install a Storm Window?Fixr.
Chapter 10 Means of Egress.2021 International Building Code
