Basic Window Soundproofing

How to soundproof a window    

The most effective way to insulate a domestic window is to install triple glazing using different thicknesses of glass installed at irregular spacings.  At least one of the panes should be laminated glass. (See left). A sealed air gap between the first two panes or double glazed window and the last internal pane will provide a very efficient seal and works far better than many other systems yet still allows light to enter the room. For best results the additional pane should be as thick as possible and/or laminated.  If you are looking for a temporary solution and not concerned about the light or do not wish to install secondary glazing then a removable window plug or shutters can be constructed using MDF and our sound insulating materials.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WILL REMOVE ALL NATURAL DAYLIGHT FROM THE ROOM WHEN IN PLACE.

You will need a combination of a sound barrier or sound absorbing material to block and absorb the external sound coming through the window. The best way to achieve this is to cut an MDF board to fit neatly within the window frame and fix the sound insulation to it as outlined below.

Instructions

FIRST SYSTEM

1) Add two battens to the top and bottom of the inside of the window Recessed as shown in the illustration.

2) Bond the sound insulation to the top and bottom of the window Sill as shown

3) Bond the sound insulation to the inside of the MDF panel and ensure when it's butted up against the battens it provides a snug fit. The sound insulated panel is then held in place using suitably placed catches.

4) If the window is not too big, improve the performance by fitting our foam barrier Composite. Instead of the normal sound absorbing foam but normal foam can only be used for large windows otherwise the plug would be too heavy.

5) Alternatively, instead of fitting battens into the window reveal, cut the MDF to a size slightly smaller than the window reveal and cut the sound absorber slightly larger than the reveal. The plug when it is assembled can then be pushed into the reveal when required and will be a tight fit that will stay in place without any further fixings.

6)  If you prefer a more permanent solution, create shutters from MDF mounted on hinges so that they can be opened and closed when required.  The sound insulation can be installed onto the inside face of the shutters so that the sound absorber is facing the window when the shutters are closed.  For best results the shutters should be completely sealed when closed and our Acoustaseal Resilient Sealing Tape can be used for this.