Losing My Mind--Need to Soundproof Bedroom Windows

[KelsieG]

Hi all...

I don't post here often, but I remember you folks as being a crafty bunch, and I'm thinking maybe you could help.

I live in a 100+ year old home with original windows. There are exterior storms on all the windows. The original windows are in really good shape, and I take care to maintain them. My problem is I live sandwiched between two very busy streets in what, for all intents and purposes, is a ghetto. The constant noise from trains, passing cars, dogs, people yelling, and worst of all, car stereos, is becoming unbearable. I would like to soundproof my bedroom windows, but I'm unsure where to begin. Do I build some sort of interior insert? Do I use acoustical foam? Do I go the expensive route and BUY one of those "soundproof inserts" from a major company? Does anyone have any experience with this?? Thanks for any help you can offer.

By the way--the walls are really thick--double brick with a space in between--and the attic is HIGHLY insulated, for what it's worth.

[Texas_Ranger]

I think one of the easiest ways would be to have a carpenter who knows a thing or two about traditional carpentry build an interior storm (third layer) with HEAVY glass. My parents had a room soundproofed (also faces a high-traffic street and they need it quiet for work) and they had modern double-glazed windows reinforced with a sheet of laminated glass on the outside (just had it screwed to the casements). It's incredibly quiet in there!

[jade mortimer]

keep your mind intact so you can install an interior panel...thing is, no fresh air and possible damage from too much condensation build up between the layers...my suggestion is to build a panel with 'eisenglass' (a clear thick plastic made for convertible and marine windows) and wood so they are light and easy to transport...see how those panels work in one room...if they don't deaden the sound adequately, perhaps you can go for 3/16" glass or laminated glass, that will be an expensive route but it should work......

or.......you could put a 'please be quiet in this area' signs up around your house........hahahaha...

...jade

[Railroad]

Losing it:
I had a similar problem. Texas and Mortimer both have it partly correct. Acoustics are a very peculiar thing and a partial solution can be worse than the original problem. When I replaced my single pane windows with dual pane windows - for noise reasons - the noise was worse rather than better (My old house was not so old I needed to keep the old windows).
Anyway, a good interior storm window is correct and laminated glass is correct. However, if it does not seal well or has a poor quality frame (read "standard" frame), or uses simply "heavy" glass. you will waste your money. Only people that had severe problems to begin with can appreciate that a half correct answer is no answer. I put in magnetic acrylic windows first. A 10% reduction does not help. I ended up putting in an acoustically designed laminated glass soundproof window from a company out in Nevada. It did the trick. I was initially concerned that it was not wood, but they look great and the heavy traffic problem I have is now history. They are also operable windows - so I am able to get fresh air, etc. There should be no condensation problem since you also have outside storms.
Hope that helps.

[Sashguy]

The first thing that my customers comment on is how much quieter their homes are after I have completed the work. You would be amazed at how much difference can be made by simply having your windows weatherstripped.

[Texas_Ranger]

Reglazing can be a good idea too. Sometimes (quite often actually) the putty becomes rock hard and brittle and the glass starts to rattle every time there's some noise. That can make noises feel louder than with the window open!

The test is easy - lightly tap each pane with your fingertips, if it rattles you're in for new putty.

[Railroad]

Get real guys. As I said - SEAL is important. But just glass replacement or just sealing existing windows only helps a small amount. He said the windows were in great shape. That means even improving the glass or seal is not near enough. Since he has storms, that means he stops 25% more noise than typical as is. He has a serious noise problem, like I did - not a simple "wish it was a little quieter". He needs to stop 20 decibels more in noise. I LOVE my windows - got them at http://www.soundproofwindows.com. I tried other stuff. I researched a lot since I wasted the first dollars I spent.

[parallux]

I know exactly what you mean, and bad the exact issue at my house! Here is a solution that has worked for me, if you don't want to make any mods to the window: http://residential-acoustics.com/soundproof-my-bedroom/
There are also a number of solutions at Soundproofcow and Acoustical Solutions.

[briannabode]

Hi all...

I don't post here often, but I remember you folks as being a crafty bunch, and I'm thinking maybe you could help.

I live in a 100+ year old home with original windows. There are exterior storms on all the windows. The original windows are in really good shape, and I take care to maintain them. My problem is I live sandwiched between two very busy streets in what, for all intents and purposes, is a ghetto. The constant noise from trains, passing cars, dogs, people yelling, and worst of all, car stereos, is becoming unbearable. I would like to soundproof my bedroom windows, but I'm unsure where to begin. Do I build some sort of interior insert? Do I use acoustical foam? Do I go the expensive route and BUY one of those "soundproof inserts" from a major company? Does anyone have any experience with this?? Thanks for any help you can offer.

By the way--the walls are really thick--double brick with a space in between--and the attic is HIGHLY insulated, for what it's worth.

Renovating your bedroom's window into a soundproof window sound cool. I think you have to ask for professional's advice. Are you also considering renovating your whole room? if so maybe this online website: http://www.ladesignfurniture.com might help you with choosing the right furniture.

Hope it helps.

[parallux]

This is the worst case scenario when living next to a busy road! Drives me crazy!
I tried to get my landlord to put in double-pane windows, but he wouldn't do it. Ended up buying soundproof curtains, and they helped quite a bit. At least they block the noise and light - looks like they have some new products now, but I got the initial "sound" curtains they had. Here's their site: residential-acoustics.com