skip to main content

Window soundproofing questions

10 years ago

It seems that people on this site have a lot of knowledge in soundproofing windows, and I am looking for information and ideas pertaining to my own situation.

Basically it starts with the same old story... I have noisy neighbors and a few barking dogs. The windows in my house are cheap vinyl double-hung windows that were installed incorrectly approx. ten years ago by the previous owners. Would buying new replacement windows and installing them correctly make a worthwhile difference? I repaired one recently because the gap was so bad between the window and the frame that I had no choice. When I took the trim off I found that there was no insulation around them. I shimmed as needed and stuffed in some insulation... It seemed to make a small difference, but I am wondering if buying new windows would be better.

Also I am looking for information on building my own interior plexiglass window plugs, and I cannot find much info in my searches. All that comes up is sites trying to sell their own products.

Any information would be great... Thanks!

Comments (6)

PRO
East Bay 10
10 years ago
Remember that windows are only part of the sound equation. Are your walls insulated? Have you sealed and caulked any and all cracks? If so, your windows may be the culprits and you can go down that road. If you have enough room on the jamb, an interior storm window is another less expensive option.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
Very tough to tell where the short circuit is in this case.

What is the wall cladding and system like? Is there a bunch of air leakage through the window at the operable components.

http://www.stcratings.com/

Here is a link that might be useful: STC Ratings and principles
Related Discussions
Soundproof aluminum window manufacturer recommendation?
Q
Comments (2)
I'm not familiar with aluminum clad exterior windows. I've heard that window frames have little to do with the soundproofing qualities of a window, but rather glass thickness, type (plate or laminated) and air spacing do. The aluminum framing is necessary to achieve the look I need for the modern home. It will also help the interior as well.
...See More
Soundproof windows
Q
Comments (3)
Frank, Re Guy's advice, a laminated glass storm window is about as good as it gets in blocking sound thru a window. The combination of the laminated glass and the airspace created by installing it as a storm panel will block a very large percentage of the sound that you want blocked. Unfortunately, dog barking is one of those noises that is very hard to ignore, even when most of the actual sound is being blocked.
...See More
Help with soundproof windows
Q
Comments (1)
If your prime windows are in good shape I would go with exterior storms if your windows will accept them. What brand and model are your existing windows? Are they in good working condition? Larson makes a nice storm window called the SCS(sound control storm) it is basically there flush mounted storm with 3/16 th's glass. Monray make a slightly nicer storm, but not worth the extra $ imo. They use 3/16th's glass or laminated which would enhance numbers further as well as expense. Both of these companies are active in sound litigation programs in the Minneapolis are and have performance data on sound. Maybe check to see if you have a sound litigation program for airport noise and see what products they are using. Usually most flush mounted storms are of higher quality and would be a good choice with 3/16ths glass or laminated if you can afford it.i would make sure they back-caulk the storm with the exception of the sill.Some flush mounted storms do not come assembled and these should be installed be a competent installer familiar with the brand.
...See More
Best soundproofing windows?
Q
Comments (5)
I have Marvin windows, double glazed. I refer to them as "life on mute". I love the windows, but I miss hearing the birds sing in the morning in the spring and early summer, and the church carillon that plays three times daily, 3 blocks away. I could hear all these things when I had triple-track windows, but I sure wouldn't go back to them!
...See More
Zelie4111
Original Author
10 years ago
I know that the windows are the major problem. My question is if it would be more beneficial to buy new vinyl replacements or repair the old cheap ones. The walls are not insulated and I realize that is no good, but they have a lot of mass to them. Aluminum siding over wood siding, thick one hundred+ year old 2x4s, a layer of horse hair plaster and lathe board, and then a layer of painted wood paneling. I will eventually tear that all down to insulate and drywall... But that isn't really an option at the moment!
PRO
East Bay 10
10 years ago
I would repair the old ones and then replace them with the additional work on the walls. One man's opinion.
PRO
East Bay 10
10 years ago
I would repair the old ones and then replace them with the additional work on the walls. One man's opinion.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
10 years ago
If you want, try the plexi/lexan solution on one and see what the impact it.

That way you can vet the one option before proceeding to another.

Sign Up to Comment

Related Stories

DOORS 5 Questions to Ask Before Installing a Barn Door

By Apartment 46 for the Home

Find out whether that barn door you love is the right solution for your space

5 Questions for Houzz Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Post Ideas for Updating an Exterior, Balancing an Off-Center Window and More

4 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Do You Have the Answer to These Design Dilemmas?

5 Questions for Houzz Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Do You Have Answers for These Design Dilemmas?

0

4 Questions for Design Stars

By Annie Thornton

Do You Have an Answer for This Week's Design Dilemmas?

0

KITCHEN DESIGN 9 Questions to Ask When Planning a Kitchen Pantry

By Susan Redman

Avoid blunders and get the storage space and layout you need by asking these questions before you begin

REMODELING GUIDES 13 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Tackling a Renovation

By Affecting Spaces Design Studio

No one knows you better than yourself, so to get the remodel you truly want, consider these questions first

REMODELING GUIDES Considering a Fixer-Upper? 15 Questions to Ask First

By Sarah Phipps Design

Learn about the hidden costs and treasures of older homes to avoid budget surprises and accidentally tossing valuable features

FEEL-GOOD HOME The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More

By Laura Gaskill

Change your relationship with your house for the better by focusing on the answer to something designers often ask

LIGHTING 5 Questions to Ask for the Best Room Lighting

By Karen LeBlanc Design TV Host & Writer/Blogger

Get your overhead, task and accent lighting right for decorative beauty, less eyestrain and a focus exactly where you want

Sponsored

More Discussions

I just can’t figure out what to do

16

Single hung bay windows on all 3 sides

7

Need advice re: exterior windows

6

Retrofit a skylight into existing roof

7

If you could change one thing...

12