If you live or work in a busy city, then it’s likely that you’ve had to put up with excessive noise from your surroundings. Background noise is unavoidable, but excessive noise pollution impacts everything from productivity levels to sleep. Your windows could be letting the noise in.
We’ll explore practical ways to reduce outside noise in your house. From simple DIY fixes to professional upgrades, here’s how to block noise from windows and enjoy a bit more peace and quiet.
What Causes Window Noise?
External noise is entering your property through gaps, poor seals, and thin glazing. In older properties or those with original windows, there may not be much insulation, so sound wave vibrations will pass straight through.
Common sources of external noise are:
- Road traffic and public transport
- Building or construction work in the area
- Loud neighbours or pedestrian zones
- Emergency sirens
- Planes or train lines (especially in outer zones of London).
The silver lining? There are various possibilities to reduce noise, even when you do not change your windows.
DIY Solutions for Blocking Window Noise
Weather Stripping
Gaps in the window seal is one of the most common ways sound enters a room. Weather stripping casing serves both energy efficiency and prevents noise entry.
Employ foam or rubber strips of high-density, designed for acoustic insulation. You can install these in frames and window sashes to create a tighter seal.
Best used on: Worn-out or draughty sash windows that are easily noticed to have gaps.
Heavy Curtains or Soundproof Drapes
Standard curtains offer some buffer, but specially made noise-reducing curtains are so much more effective. They’re made with thick, multi-layered materials that capture the sound and block outside light.
For maximum effect, hang floor-to-ceiling curtains with a three-inch overlap on each side of the window.
Good for: Bedrooms or living rooms in apartment buildings.
Window Film or Acrylic Sheets
Acoustic window film or acrylic glazing panels offer extra insulation without any permanent modification to the window. They bond with the glass and dampen the sound vibrations.
Weaker than a full glazing replacement, they eliminate hearing consistent low-level noise.
Perfect for: Tenants or businesses that prefer non-non-permanent solutions.
Professional Solutions for Better Soundproofing
If you’re dealing with constant loud noise whether from nearby roads, railways, or busy foot traffic professional window upgrades offer the most effective and long-term solutions.
Depending on your property type and budget, there are two main options worth considering: double glazing and secondary glazing.
Double Glazing
Double glazing is replacing your existing windows with a sealed unit consisting of two panes of glass with a cavity of air or gas between them (usually argon). The cavity acts as a buffer that slows the vibrations of sound and stops noise from transmitting.
You can also utilise acoustic double glazing, which utilises thicker glass or laminated panes specifically intended to dampen decibel levels further. That makes it ideal for structures placed in areas with heavy noise levels, like near busy roads or airports.
Because double glazing entails substituting the whole window, including the frame, it becomes a more durable and energy-efficient option.
Ideal for:
- Homes and workplaces are prone to heavy exterior noise.
- Properties that have broken or aged window units.
- Building administrators wishing to enhance insulation, security, and energy efficiency in one go.
Secondary Glazing
Secondary glazing, in contrast, doesn’t mean taking out your current windows. Instead, it means adding a second pane of glass inside the window frame, leaving a gap of sealed air between the old and new glass.
This air gap is significant in reducing the passage of sounds, particularly low-pitched noise like traffic or music with significant bass.
With the internal and external glass panels not being mechanically connected, secondary glazing can be more efficient than basic double glazing for specific tests of noise reduction.
It’s also widely used when it comes to conservation or listed buildings, where original sashes cannot be removed due to planning restrictions.
Ideal for:
- Listed buildings or conservation areas.
- Rental or cost-cutting owners seeking a temporary solution.
- Owners who want a quieter indoor space without permanent structural work
When to Opt for Full Window Replacement
Although there are various useful add-ons and short-term repairs, there is a time when full window replacement is the best option, particularly if:
- Current windows are single-glazed or are in bad condition.
- You have already attempted other methods with minimal success.
- You’re undertaking larger building refurbishments or improvements.
- You want to improve both soundproofing and energy efficiency.
Existing commercial and residential window systems are designed with sound insulation in mind. You have various glazing options available to match your level of noise, from laminated acoustic glass to triple-glazed units for complete impact.
And, with professionally fitting, new windows they don’t just render your building quieter; they also make it safer, reduce heating bills, and improve the external appearance.
Ready to Reduce Noise?
Noise pollution can be part of city life, but you don’t need to work and live amidst constant disruption. Whether you’re a homeowner tired of traffic noise or a commercial property owner looking to increase the comfort of your occupants, your windows are probably the answer to quieter living.
Start small with DIY solutions, or contact our team at All Clean London for expert advice on longer-term solutions, such as complete window replacements.
