SoundProof Windows may be your best solution if you live in an apartment or other multi-unit home and have had issues with sound traveling from your neighbors’ apartments into yours.
Maybe you were trying to watch TV and couldn’t understand what the characters were saying because of the noise from downstairs, or perhaps you couldn’t get to sleep at night because your upstairs neighbor was watching TV or making too much noise.
If this has happened to you, consider investing in soundproof windows as one possible solution.
This article will provide information about soundproof windows so that you can make an educated decision when it comes time to choose your window replacement project.
What are soundproof windows?
If you live near a busy street or other noise-emitting venues, investing in soundproof windows can be an important measure to take.
The window treatment itself isn’t anything fancy—it just blocks outside noise from entering your home.
They’ll also help prevent damage from storms and other natural disasters like tornadoes or hurricanes.
Soundproof windows aren’t as expensive as you might think: You don’t have to spend thousands on soundproofing your home. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, quality soundproof windows will last for decades (and save you even more money).
Different types of windows
There are two main types of windows for your home: those that work with a double-glazed unit, and those that don’t.
Typically, older homes have single-glazed windows which allow outside noise to come in. Even when they’re well insulated, they won’t be as effective at keeping noise out as double-glazed ones will.
Double glazing is made up of two sheets of glass separated by an airtight space filled with argon gas. This helps reduce sound transmission and also improves insulation against heat loss or gain.
Double-glazed windows can also help you save on energy bills by reducing your heating or cooling costs throughout the year. However, if you live in an area where it gets very cold during winter, you might need to install storm windows as well to keep drafts from coming into your house through single panes of glass.
How Do Soundproof Windows Reduce Noise?
Several factors will affect how soundproof windows will reduce noise.
The material and design of your windows play a major role, but window placement and air gap also impact how effective soundproofing windows can be.
This makes it impossible to say exactly how much noise your windows can block until you try them for yourself.
However, some general guidelines apply to most homes. Soundproof windows should be able to cut out about 50% of outside noise if they’re installed correctly.
It’s important to note that soundproof windows don’t eliminate all noises—they simply dampen them so they aren’t as distracting.
You still might hear things like cars driving by or airplanes flying overhead, but these sounds won’t be nearly as bothersome when they come through your new windows.
How to Soundproof Your Apartment for a Peaceful Home
Do you struggle to get to sleep at night because the loud voices of your neighbor’s late-night conversations keep you up?
Is the incessant pounding from your upstairs neighbor making it impossible to concentrate during work hours?
These are just two of the many reasons why soundproofing your apartment can benefit you greatly. When it comes to soundproofing, there are many options available and this guide will provide you with help on how to soundproof your apartment.
1. Soundproof Windows
Before you start worrying about soundproofing your walls, give your windows a shot at making your home more peaceful.
The glass in most windows will allow noise through—even double-paned glass isn’t enough to quiet an area.
But there are some steps you can take. Weather stripping and caulking around window frames can help reduce drafts and improve insulation, but if noise is still an issue you might want to consider replacing old or drafty windows with new energy-efficient models.
2. Use Acoustic Panels
If you’ve got your room and don’t share walls with anyone, try lining it with acoustic panels. Placing them on one side of your bed or behind a sofa should provide enough dampening.
You can find these at music stores like Guitar Center, as well as at big-box home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.
Just be sure to get ones that are designed for soundproofing—not just sound absorption—and make sure they’re thick enough that they won’t sag over time.
3. Keep Doors Shut, Use Silent Locks
When you’re home, doors should be kept shut—to avoid excessive noise and to keep out unwanted pests.
If you need to lock your front door at all times, consider using a silent deadbolt. A standard lock can rattle and make excessive noise if someone is trying to get in or out of your apartment complex.
A silent deadbolt will help reduce noise without compromising security.
4. Add an Interior Door
If your door isn’t heavy and hollow-core, you can use it as extra soundproofing. The most common way to add a sound barrier is by placing an interior door in between two rooms.
It may seem drastic, but given that interior doors are easily removed, there’s no downside. Just remember: if you have a bedroom on one side of your apartment and a living room on another, they need to be on opposite sides of the wall with an interior door in between them.
Otherwise, when someone is sleeping or watching TV, they’ll hear everything going on in both rooms!
5. Use Noise-Cancelling Curtains
You may live in a building where tenants constantly walk past your apartment and make noise.
Or it could be that you want to soundproof your windows so you can nap when you want or work on projects at any time of night.
In either case, noise-canceling curtains might do just what you need. They’re available in multiple sizes and are easy to hang up, meaning they will take very little time out of your schedule.
Conclusion
Once you get started, we can ensure that all of your hard work and dedication will pay off.
If anyone has any questions about soundproofing or wants advice on which products might be best for them, feel free to reach out. We’re happy to help! Until next time…
