Members OverdrivenEL34s Posted March 10, 2012 Members Share Posted March 10, 2012 I was curious on thoughts regarding soundproofing windows. is generally better to replace the existing window with much higher quality insulated windows that's designed for sound blocking or adding 2nd window on top of existing window which I have heard is another way to go about it. For those who have made upgrades to soundproof windows, how big a difference did it make? What was the approximate price range per window? For background this would be for house which has fairly old non insulated windows. So upgrading them for better insulation (savings on utilities) and also benefit of better sound blocking. Especially in room destined to be the "music room" i'd want to make sure the windows have significantly upgraded in terms of sound blocking. I know something to completely block window for practice room would be the most effective but rather not go that route unless absolutely necessary. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members UstadKhanAli Posted March 10, 2012 Members Share Posted March 10, 2012 I did replace my old non-insulated windows with dual-paned windows, and it made a difference for sound as well as for hot/cold insulation. Now, these weren't soundproofed windows, just "regular" windows, but it did make a big difference. If you want more than that, you need to look into specialty windows, I would think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phil O'Keefe Posted March 11, 2012 Share Posted March 11, 2012 Double pane insulated windows are generally better than single pane glass is. Thicker glass is generally better than thinner. For control room glass, if you can have the two panes of different thicknesses, it gives each a different frequency of resonance, which helps lower the amount of sound that passes through. Nothing is really "soundproof" as Ken said, but you want to get the maximum reduction you can. Another interesting material you can use on glass is clear limp mass vinyl. Apply sheets of it to the existing glass to add mass and help dampen the vibrations. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TimOBrien Posted March 11, 2012 Members Share Posted March 11, 2012 After some hurricane damage in '05 my wife let me spec 3/8"thick double insulated 'blast windows' to help soundproof our front room where I record.It made a big difference but you have to remember that vibrations/sound come through the walls, too.We live in a quiet neighborhood and I can record during the day but I still have to be careful for garbage pickup days and delivery trucks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members nice keetee Posted March 12, 2012 Members Share Posted March 12, 2012 You could build some removable covers. They worked well where I used to record. When done cranking volume, remove and let the sunlight back in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Soundproof101 Posted March 15, 2012 Members Share Posted March 15, 2012 Replacing windows seldom improve soundproofing. Single pane windows actually stop more noise than dual pane windows. However, most single pane windows are so poorly sealed, anything is an improvement. Only if you use two different thicknesses of glass in a dual pane window (both at least 1/8") is it better than a single pane window of the same thickness - fact, however strange it sounds. Adding a second window will stop more noise and insulate almost as good as a dual pane window. Seal is most important - followed by good acoustic design. Laminated glass in the second window is best, but only if the design is good. A poor frame can make the laminated glass a waste. Metal frames are far superior to wood or vinyl. We can discuss this more if you have more interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CME Posted March 15, 2012 Members Share Posted March 15, 2012 I wouldn't bother with a second window unless I was investing in a second wall. If they are still attached to the same window frame they are still acoustically attached. Yes you are getting a 3rd layer of glass (if you are adding dual pane windows), but I'm thinking the benefit would be nullified by them still being in the same window frame. So I'm with everyone else. Just upgrade to quality dual pane insulated windows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Soundproof101 Posted March 15, 2012 Members Share Posted March 15, 2012 STC rules these decisions (think average dB reduction). Typical residential wall STC is 45-48. Typical single pane 27-30. Typical dual pane 26-29. This assumes you seal them well. This means your first major problem is your window. Add a laminated glass second window - get 41-43 for most good secondary windows. Add an acoustically designed secondary window (like soundproofwindows.com specifically) and you can get 48-53 STC. This would then mean your windows are better than your walls. If you are making a studio - the window STC needs to be 60+. A typical double stud wall should be about 63-66. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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