Common Window Problems – Outside Noise

So, if windows can reduce outdoor noises, you might ask yourself, "Why aren't my windows doing their job?"

That's a great question! Unfortunately, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Your windows might not be creating a tranquil indoor environment for several reasons, from failed sealing and improper installation to outdated design and poor window placement.

However, several solutions exist for recapturing peace and quiet after outdoor noises have infiltrated your home. Keep reading to determine which one of the following noise reducing solutions is right for you.

It is important to note that there are so many factors that contribute to the noise level in a room. The thickness and quality of the walls and ceilings, the presence of insulation, and even external factors like proximity to traffic, all play a role in how loud or quiet a room can be.

Interior Storm Windows

Sounds dampen more quickly when traveling through other mediums other than glass, such as dense gases and air spacers. That's why interior storm windows (also called laminated window inserts) are an effective solution for reducing noise on existing windows.

So, how do interior storm windows work? Translucent laminated window inserts are installed inside your window frames and placed a few inches in front of your current glass panes. The small air barrier between the window and the insert dampens sound vibrations as they enter your home, creating a more peaceful environment.

If you're handy, you can install laminated inserts yourself. However, we recommend hiring a local contractor to complete the job to ensure your windows aren't damaged. Otherwise, your attempt to save a few bucks might result in a complete window replacement!

Weatherstripping or Caulking

Small gaps and cracks caused by aging and weathering around your windows and frames sometimes allow disruptive sounds to seep in.

Sealing these openings with interior-grade acoustic caulk is a quick, affordable fix that can often make a huge difference in your home's noise levels. Larger gaps between the window frame and the sash usually need to be sealed off with durable rubber, felt, vinyl, or foam weatherstripping. You can pick up caulk or weatherstripping at a local hardware store.

If you suspect more damage lies beneath the surface from window gaps or cracks (like moisture damage or moldy frames), it's wise to consult a contractor to determine whether caulking and weatherstripping are the real solution or if new windows are needed.

Sound-Dampening Curtains

Do you have a room that only needs to be more quiet at a particular time of day, like a bedroom at night or an office during the day? If so, sound-dampening curtains are an excellent solution.

These curtains, often made from heavy materials like velvet or suede, are designed to reduce both indoor and outdoor sounds. Sound-absorbing curtains come in several varieties, such as blackout curtains and acoustic curtains, and often serve dual purposes, like blocking noise, light, and heat. This makes them ideal for keeping bedrooms cool, dark, and quiet for sleeping.

Rugs and Furniture

Have you been in a bare room and noticed how your voice echoed across the empty walls and floors? If so, you already understand that sound travels the fastest in empty space, so filling your home with furniture will help dampen loud noises.

Thick, plush rugs are a great way to diminish sounds in rooms with tile or hardwood floors. You should also place large furniture pieces, like couches, bookcases, and end tables, near larger windows if possible. The furniture doesn't have to block the view—it just needs to be close enough to absorb sound waves after they travel through the window.

Multi-Pane Windows

Installing replacement windows is the more of an initial investment in reducing noise in a home; however, it can be more effective and permanent than other options.

While single-pane windows can be temporarily fixed with window inserts, replacing them with multi-pane windows provides a longer-lasting solution. Modern multi-pane windows include several "barriers'' for sound to travel through, including two or three panes of glass and dense gas spacers, which significantly dampen noises before they reach your home.

Modern window systems also offer cutting-edge features, like noise-reducing glass, which we'll explain in detail below. Additionally, you can have peace of mind that replacement windows installed by a reputable contractor, like North Georgia Replacement Windows, will be properly sealed and caulked for long-lasting performance.

Are you wondering if the loud noises coming through your windows can be fixed with a weekend DIY project or if you'll need to hire a professional contractor to install brand-new windows?

Here are some tips for determining whether you need to repair or replace your windows to reduce outdoor noise and achieve a serene, peaceful home environment.

When to Repair Your Windows

Sometimes, diminishing disruptive sounds in your home is as simple as installing noise-reducing shades or applying some caulk or weatherstripping around your window frames from the local hardware store.

Your windows might be fixable with a simple DIY project if:

• You have faulty hardware that is difficult to operate but can be switched out.

• You have small cracks between the window frame and the wall that can be caulked.

• You have gaps between the frame and the sash that weatherstripping can fix.

• You can hang curtains, blinds, or shades to muffle outdoor noises effectively.

• You want to improve the performance of single-pane windows by installing interior storm windows to offer an affordable, sound reducing solutions.

When to Replace Your Windows

More often than not, windows that allow outdoor noises to disturb the peace in your home can also cause other worrisome problems, like water damage or high utility bills.

Fortunately, replacing faulty, outdated windows with modern, sound reducing windows from a trusted contractor will reduce noise transmission while improving your home's security, decreasing energy usage, and enhancing your home's curb appeal.

You might need new windows if:

• Your windows are more than 20-25 years old.

• You notice distorted glass, fogginess, or draftiness from failed window seals.

• Your frames are rotting, moldy, or feel soft or "spongy" when touched.

• You have single-pane windows and want to upgrade to double- or triple-pane windows.

• You want to switch out traditional glass panes for STC/OITC or laminated glass for better noise reduction.