I do voiceovers for amateur cartoons as a part-time gig and finally decided to invest in a Yeti microphone to capture my voice in high quality. However, I noticed that it was difficult to eliminate noise coming from outside my window so I researched possible ways to minimize it.
Here is a list of effective solutions to soundproof a window:
- Install insulation panels
- Install a fiberglass soundproof blanket
- Install dense curtains and blinds
- Apply noise blocking window film
- Apply weather stripping
- Install solid shutters
- Replace your window with a soundproof window
Remember it is extremely important to utilize thick, dense material to block sound from entering your room. The more furniture, carpet, curtains, and other decorations in your room the better it is at reducing echo and reducing noise.
How To Block Your Window From Sound
Obviously, if you can block your entire window that would be best for soundproofing your room. I needed something dense between my window and recording room to block the outside traffic noise.
My first idea was to purchase a bunch of foam wall pads like you see in professional recording studios. After conducting further research, I determined that these soundproof products are not the best for blocking sound. They are better at reducing echo or deadening background noise.
I did some research and came across these two ways to soundproof your window:
- Installing Insulation Panels – Purchase a few insulated panels from either Home Depot or Lowes for cheap. Make the appropriate measurements to cut so it can tightly fit your window frame. You will notice that sealing off your windows with these panels will make a drastic difference although it is not aesthetically pleasing.
- Installing A Fiberglass Soundproof Blanket – Not a handyman? Don’t worry if you are not good at using a saw and making accurate measurements. A quick and simple alternative to the insulation panels is this soundproof fiberglass quilt. At 8 feet in height and 4 feet in length, this should completely cover most windows.
Use Dense Material Curtains and Blinds
The type of curtains and blinds that you dress your windows with can really impact the amount of echo produced in your room and help to block sound. Soundproof blinds are not as effective as soundproof curtains but they do help overall.
These bamboo honeycomb shades are sold in a variety of sizes and do a good job of insulating your room. You can tell they help to quiet outside noise but not by much. This is where the soundproof curtains come into play.
If you have read my review on sound deadening curtains on this blog then you know they are not 100% effective but do help improve the quietness of your room. You will be able to notice a difference after you install them. The Deconovo soundproof curtains are fairly cheap and efficient.
The key here is to make sure your curtains extend all the way from the ceiling to the floor. Outside noise will be less apparent but the real benefit is a reduction in echo.
Soundproof curtains do an excellent job of soaking up the sound and eliminate reverb. Dampening sound is an essential part of soundproofing your window because it will make your room feel quieter.
Does Window Film Reduce Noise?
Yes, window film will help in reducing sounds. When noise is produced it creates vibrations. This will cause the panes in your window to shake thus generating sound.
Adding some window film to the glass will help to dampen the noise by limiting the frequency of vibrations. You should notice less outside noise entering your room once you have covered the glass with some type of acoustic window film.
Window Weather Stripping
To help seal out noise, apply some of this weather stripping to your window. It can be used for all types of windows in your home or office. It even works for glass sliding doors. It is easy to install and keeps the surface clean.
Do Shutters Block Out Noise?
Yes, shutters block out the noise to a certain degree. You will definitely experience a difference when using them compared to not having them installed on the outside of your windows.
Shutters consists of thick louvers, do a great job of absorbing any sounds trying to enter through your windows. These angled slats also effectively reflect noise as well.
Which window shutters are the best for soundproofing? Definitely install some solid shutters if you want to block out the most noise. These type of shutters use dense wooden panels that soak up all of the sounds.
Replace Your Window
If you own your home then you may want to consider replacing your windows. Although expensive, it is totally worth it.
Installing soundproof windows will make a huge difference. I remember living in a condo that was next to a railroad. The windows were clearly not insulated because every time the train rolled by it felt like it was riding through my room!
A year later, I moved into a different apartment next to the train tracks again. I was hesitant about living next to a railroad because of the noise but the landlord informed me that he installed hurricane impact windows, which are very thick and durable.
Apparently, these types of windows do a great job of blocking sound. I was amazed at how much of a difference these soundproof windows made. The train was nothing but a faint noise now and doesn’t wake me up at night anymore!
You can also install thermal windows or storm windows that have triple pane glass to help mitigate sound. Take a visit to your local Home Depot or Lowes to discover what options are out there.
How Much Does It Cost To Soundproof Windows?
There are some inexpensive ways to soundproof your window and some expensive ways to soundproof your window. I have listed both options in this article.
Applying some of the cheap window soundproofing solutions such as installing window curtains, weather stripping, and inserts will definitely fit in anyone’s budget. However, if these are not blocking as much sound as you would like, there is a more pricey alternative.
Installing a soundproof window can become expensive, fast. The total amount you will spend depends on the brand of window, the number of windows, and the installation company. Don’t be surprised to be shelling out upwards of $900 per window. Remember to shop around and entertain different quotes.
What to expect
In order to ultimately to keep sound from entering your room you need thick, dense material that will absorb it efficiently. While this will not block out outside noise entirely, you will certainly notice a significant difference in the amount of sound entering your room.
