Some homeowners like their homes to be comfortable and quiet. If you live near a busy road or in an active neighborhood, things can be noisy at times. The same is true for outside of your home if you have a noise-making hobby, like playing instruments. Good insulation around your home can help block the transfer of noise and there are other soundproofing options you can add, even for windows. Here are some tips for soundproofing your windows to help insulate your home from noise:

1. Replace Outdated or Damaged Windows

Windows that are outdated or damaged lead to energy loss for your home and also don’t do a great job of keeping out pests, moisture, or noise. Old windows or visible damage are reasons to replace your windows anyway, but it also gives you a chance to explore new options for your new windows.

Newer windows that are properly installed will do a better job of insulating your home, which is why replacing windows when needed is one of the tips to make your home more energy-efficient. Newer, upgraded windows are better at maintaining temperature and preventing energy loss.

They are also better at keeping pests out of your home, keeping moisture from causing damage, reducing noise transfer, and offering some soundproofing. Looking at the glass options, glazing options, available upgrades, and ratings for new windows, including STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings, can help you choose the best windows for your home.

2. Upgrade to Double or Triple-Pane Windows

In general, the more panes your windows have, the more insulation and layers you have between the outermost glass and the interior of your home. Double-pane and triple-pane windows are more energy-efficient and offer more soundproofing than single-pane windows. When evaluating double-pane vs triple-pane windows, triple-pane windows do offer superior performance.

Double-pane may still meet your needs, but if you really want more insulation and more soundproofing, then triple-pane windows are well worth the investment, especially if you are able to add other window and glass upgrades. Glass options, thermal performance, structural performance, and other upgrades that are available are all things to consider when shopping for new windows.

3. Opt For Insulated Windows

Whether via additional panes of glass, added glass options, or other enhancements, insulated windows are designed to offer more protection for your home. Increased energy efficiency, improved protection, better soundproofing, and more are all benefits of insulated windows.

There are several types of insulated windows and options to consider. Double-pane and triple-pane windows, especially those filled with gas between the panes instead of standard air, offer more insulation than other types of windows.

4. Consider Window Spacers

There are also other energy-efficient window options to consider, like insulated windows filled with Argon gas, low E-coatings, and window spacers or inserts. Window inserts provide even more insulation and protection for your windows.

In addition to further reducing condensation and moisture, window inserts can also help extend the life of your windows, prevent stress cracks, and also add some soundproofing by further reducing noise. These are some benefits of new windows and doors that upgrades, like window inserts, enhance even further.

5. Explore Acoustic Caulk

Using caulk to further seal any gaps, especially around windows and doors, is a common tactic to help reduce energy loss in your home. Checking your windows and doors and using caulk where needed is one of the fall home maintenance tips to help prepare your home for winter and protect it when temperatures drop.

One of the tips for soundproofing windows is to make use of acoustic caulk, or noise-proofing sealant. This is a high-performance caulk that is used during renovation to create a sound barrier and reduce sound transmission.

It’s more expensive than traditional caulk, but it is well worth the investment if you want to include some noise-proofing in your remodeling projects, especially if you know it will be applied correctly. Access to innovative products like this and the peace of mind that comes with quality work are just some benefits of professional window installation.

6. Think About Adding Window Inserts

Window inserts are clear glass or acrylic panels that can be installed over your windows to create an even more airtight seal. They are made-to-measure for your windows and fit inside your existing window frame.

Acoustic window inserts, or soundproof window inserts, are designed specifically for noise reduction and can help enhance any other soundproofing options you’re implementing. Unlike carbon panels, which are blackout as well, acoustic window inserts can be clear to allow you to keep still see out of your window.

7. Use Sound-Blocking Window Treatments

Window treatments, like curtains and blinds, are great ways to add privacy to your windows. Did you know they can also help with noise reduction? Just as blackout curtains are heavy-duty curtains meant to block the transfer of light, sound-blocking curtains, blinds, and other window treatments are designed to block the transfer of sound.

Noise reduction, better insulation, and better energy efficiency are some reasons to invest in quality replacement windows. Sound-blocking window treatments alone may be able to help muffle or reduce noise. When used with other tips for soundproofing windows, like high-quality windows, they can add another layer of noise reduction and give you the quiet environment you want.

8. Install Storm Windows

Usually, storm windows are installed on the exterior of your home to provide another layer of protection to your windows. While storm windows are one of the home updates to protect your home from severe weather, they also help provide another layer of noise reduction and soundproofing to your home.

In addition to that, storm windows can help improve energy efficiency and increase the security of your windows while also still allowing in natural light. These are also some of the benefits of installing storm doors, which can help protect your entry door and also add some soundproofing to your doors.

Replace and Upgrade Your Windows With Zephyr Thomas

These are just a few tips for soundproofing windows that you can use to create a quieter home inside and out. The quality of windows, glass options, and other window upgrades are all things to consider when adding or replacing windows in your home.

If you need to replace or upgrade your windows, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate. You can also stop by and visit our showroom to see some window options in person and ask any questions you have.

Check out the time-lapse video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team replacing all of the windows on this home!