What is the best way to sound proof a few very large single plane windows?

Question

I am very capable of any home improvement type work. I have a considerable amount of money to do this with. An idea i was thinking of was to attach a large piece of plexiglass to the window sill. Because it is reasonably deep window sill, my options are pretty open.

Thanks

Answer 1

You could look at double glazing, I think if you go ahead with your plan you will get condensation forming on a surface you can't wipe.
Talk to the experts, or glass merchants.

Answer 2

I have recently had windows in my home replaced to improve soundproofing. I researched soundproof windows and came up with several options. The double track window people wanted to install a storm window over their double window. Why bother? I purchased top of the line triple track windows instead.

My installer noted that there was no insulation around the original window casings. He put insulation in those cavities when installing windows to prevent air leakage and sound transmission..

I also had siding removed on the window wall facing road and exterior foam insulation panels installed under reinstalled siding. This work was done at the same time as the windows.

I understand that some people do this work themselves but after seeing the efficiency and clean work done by my installer, I would suggest having a professional install. I think it pays to have an expert, particularly when you have open walls in your home.

The sound reduction has been amazing - I have one room remaining to be finished and it certainly works as standard of comparison. Road noise can be heard there but not in rooms with new work.

Note - My installer has also suggested increasing the amount of insulation in the attic over the room. ( Sound enters attic through eave vent ). Will wait until the weather is cooler for that project.

Answer 3

With great difficulty! Glass happens to be an incredible carrier of sound that one can literally sit hundreds of feet away from a window with a focused mike and hear virtually everything that is sounded in the room - voice, music, etc. That is such a horrible problem that government agencies that demand privacy and companies that don't want their competitors spying on them actually modulate the glass by attaching transducers on all the glass and creating a signal that would confuse those trying to eavesdrop.

heavy drapes would absorb some of the high frequencies, but the low frequencies would go right through - voice frequencies are low. The only way to stop noises from coming in from the outside would be, most probably, to put some dampening devices on the glass as it is vibrating with the outside noises.

30 years in the sound industry selling sound masking systems. I have conducted many seminars and written articles on conduction of sound.

Answer 4

How about replacing with double pane windows... the air gap helps with noise reduction. Another option is window cover, heavy drapes will help with noise as well.

Answer 5

You could put a double pane replacement window in, but if you don't want to do that, use thermal drapes.

Answer 6

Heavy lined draperies, or new windows.