has anyone found a super soundproofing for windows? Please advise.?

Question

Are Bahama or rolling shutters the answer or installing a second window with dead space in between? I would like something attractive, but soundproofing is more important than appearance. If you have approx costs that would be helpful. Thanks

Answer 1

Shutters? Do you care about blocking the view through the windows? If not, you can use insulation to deaden the sound. Construct a 1" x 4" wood frame to fit the inside dimensions of the window and fill the middle with R-14 batt insulation. Cover the frame and insulation with the fabric of your choice and fasten it to the window. Sound will be largely mitigated.

If you want to continue to be able to see through the window, try an inside mount storm window pane. The larger the space between the storm pane and the existing window, the better the sound mitigation will be. Just a 1" space will make a big difference. These panels can be ordered from any glass shop and are not very expensive. Not knowing how large your glass area is makes it difficult to even give you a ballpark estimate.

You might also want to check out heavy insulated curtains or drapes. They also do a reasonable job of sound mitigation when drawn closed.

Good luck with your sound problem.

Answer 2

Some of the apartments above the downtown busy streets of Chicago have Triple pane Thermopane windows plus a shatter proof storm window on the outside. These are comercially available products and not excessively costly. I know these work well, because I often use an office in this Chicago building and the street sounds are not heard at all.