Does Window Replacement Help Sound-Proof My Home?

If You Love a Quiet Atmosphere, Replacement Windows Can Help

Your home is your personal oasis. It’s where you go when you want to rest, enjoy solitude, and experience quiet time. And it’s also where your family gathers for quality time.

But if you have old windows, you might find outside noise disrupts the time you spend with your family and the personal time you enjoy.

If you’re looking to reduce the sound level you hear from outside while you’re indoors, window replacements could help you. Keep reading to learn more.

What Does “Soundproof” Mean, Anyway?

On police procedural TV shows or in crime novels, you may have encountered the concept of a “soundproof room.” It’s a place where no noise gets in, and no noise gets out.

For the average homeowner, soundproofing to that degree is not achievable. In fact, the word “soundproof” can be a bit misleading, especially if you think in terms of how parts of your home function.

By design, windows let in light, air, and sound, so 100% noise reduction simply is not possible. However, newer windows can drastically cut down on outdoor noises that disturb the peace and quiet of home.

Measuring Outdoor Noise

The noise level you’ll experience depends on where you live and time of day. Outdoor noises can be as quiet as 30 decibels in isolated areas or as high as 90 decibels in urban ones.

Most Americans live in areas with outdoor noise levels somewhere in the middle, about 60 decibels, according to the Noise Pollution Clearinghouse, a nonprofit working to raise awareness about noise pollution. Sixty decibels is the amount of sound from a normal conversation between two people, or the sound of a running air conditioning unit if you are about 100 feet away.

For comparison, 30 decibels is the noise level of a whisper, while 90 decibels is the noise level produced by a motorcycle 25 feet away from you.

Window Replacement Features That Reduce Noise

Although soundproof windows aren’t real, you can look for certain window features that will help reduce noise so you can enjoy your home.

Avoid Single-Pane Replacement Windows

Single-pane replacement windows – those with one layer of glass between you and the outdoors – won’t do much to make your home peaceful. If your home has older windows, there’s a chance they’re single-pane already.

Consider Dual-Pane Windows

If you’re accustomed to single-pane windows, you could see an improvement in noise reduction simply by upgrading to dual-pane replacement windows – windows with two layers of glass between you and the outdoors. However, don’t expect the change to be drastic.

What About Triple-Pane Replacement Windows?

Triple-pane windows still aren’t “soundproof,” but with three layers of glass between you and the outdoors, they will block more sound than their single- and dual-pane counterparts. Short of purchasing laminated or safety glass replacement windows, triple-pane windows will likely help dull the bothersome noises you’re hearing outside your home.

Prioritize These Rooms For Noise Reduction

Do you notice that outdoor noises bother you in some rooms more than others? You may not need to upgrade to triple-pane replacement windows in every room of your home.

Instead, work with a window company to choose the rooms of your house where noise reduction is most important to you.

Street-Facing Rooms

The rooms of your home with windows that face the street may be some of the noisiest. Street noise is likely the loudest of all the sounds you hear while inside your home. Replacing these windows can help make your home more peaceful, especially if you live in a high-traffic area.

Basement Window Replacement

If your family room or another commonly used room is located in your basement, you may hear a lot of street noise here, too.

With your windows likely being just about street level, you’re likely to be bothered by street noises, sounds from people walking their barking dogs by, or the neighbor’s lawn mower or leaf blower.

Basement replacement windows with thicker glass or more panes of glass can help reduce noise, so you can enjoy your leisure time.

Bedrooms

There are few things as frustrating in daily life as being awoken from your much-needed sleep because someone or something was being loud outside. Upgrading your old bedroom windows can help you sleep more soundly, with fewer interruptions.

Other Upgrades to Reduce Noise In Your Home

It’s not just your windows that let outdoor noise pass through. Along with windows, a door replacement may help block sound.

If your home is poorly insulated, adding blow-in insulation to your exterior walls may help reduce noise, as will new siding with form-fitted insulation built in, especially if your siding is cracked, missing panels, or very worn.

Get the Peace and Quiet and Peace Of Mind You Deserve With Help From Continental Siding

Turn your home into the peaceful oasis you’ve always wanted with window replacements. Continental Siding would be honored to help you find window solutions for your home and lifestyle, so you can get the confidence in your purchase, pride in your home, and peace of mind for your future that you deserve. You can also get much-needed peace and quiet, thanks to your new windows.

Get a FREE estimate on replacement windows by calling 1-800-533-3880 or completing our simple online interest form. We’ll send a friendly and knowledgeable product specialist to meet with you at your home, so you can learn more about our windows and get a down-to-the-penny estimate for your home improvement project. If you’re interested in seamless polymer siding with form-fitted insulation or upgraded doors, our product specialist can help you with that, too.

We look forward to hearing how we can help you reduce noise in your home!