Window Soundproofing Film: [The Secret to a Sound Sleep?]
Can’t you get some peace and quiet because your window soundproofing film doesn’t work? Window soundproofing film is a piece of plastic vinyl, PVC, or glass film that is used to absorb sound vibrations to dampen and reduce noise. It is one of the most effective pieces of technology for urban soundproofing today.
If your window soundproofing film doesn’t work on keeping your home nice and quiet, you could be using the wrong kind or you might have to use reinforcements as well. Read on to learn how to get a perfectly soundproof window.
What is Window Soundproofing Film?
A window soundproofing film is a new type of noise cancellation technology that is often used to dampen and reduce noise in urban houses and buildings.
Most kinds of noise-canceling window film are made with thin sheets of glass, plastic vinyl, or environmental PVC stuck together with an adhesive that makes it stick to your windows.
You will find all kinds of sound-deadening window film on glass buildings, condominiums, and modern houses in the city.
What’s great about it is it totally absorbs the noise vibrations coming from the outside. Noise-blocking window film can ultimately make the inside of any house, room, or building noise-free.
Soundproofing film also has a few more benefits, such as cooler room temperatures, enhanced privacy, and design-boosting decor.
How does a Window Soundproofing Film Block Noise?
Soundproof window film or soundproof window inserts can solve your noise problem by instantly turning your normal glass windows into the soundproof glass.
Whether your noise problem is traffic noise, noisy neighbors, or distracting unwanted noise, you can easily achieve noise reduction with soundproof film.
To provide ample sound insulation, the soundproofing film is designed with three different layers made of polymer.
The lamination core layer is placed between two external polymer layers that prevent noise vibrations outside from reaching the inside of your home.
Soundproofing materials like window films also prevent noise from inside the house to get out, which is great for additional privacy in every room with a glass window.
Why Window Soundproofing Film is Worth It?
Aside from significantly reducing unwanted noise in your home, adding soundproofing film to window glass can also give you the following benefits:
Enhanced privacy at home
Some soundproofing films for laminated glass and single-pane windows come with tinted or reflective designs that prevent snooping eyes from seeing the inside of your home, office, or room.
Save on Energy Costs
Another benefit of noise reduction windows with films is that they can prevent the room temperature from rising when it’s hot outside.
Unlike a double-pane or triple-pane window, single-pane windows usually let heat in easily. A tinted window insert can act as additional heat insulation that can help maintain cool indoor room temperatures that help increase energy efficiency.
Skin Protection
You can turn any existing window in your home or office into shields that block UV rays that can damage your skin with noise-blocking window film coated with UV protective layers.
Modern Exterior Design
Get an extra modern-looking home or office by having your windows decorated with patterned noise-blocking window film. You can choose plain reflective ones for a minimal design or a colorful patterned one for an extra dash of art.
How to Pick The Best Noise-Blocking Window Film?
To find the best noise-blocking window film for your home or office, you should be on the lookout for the following factors:
Material
Always check for noise-blocking window film made with multiple layers of polymers and a core lamination.
Tip: The best noise reduction films are usually transparent unless tinted.
Type of Windows
There are different types of windows out there that may not need or work well with typical soundproofing films. An acoustic window and storm window are a few types that don’t typically call for soundproofing materials.
The window’s glazing is another thing you may have to factor in. For example, a double-pane window may not require as many acoustic panels or films as a single-pane window.
Level of Noise
Sometimes, the soundproofing film alone isn’t enough to reduce external noise. Typical soundproofing films are only capable of reducing noise up to 5 decibels.
As a rule of thumb, if you’re experiencing noise louder than 100 decibels, it’s recommended to use acoustic curtains, acoustic caulk, and other soundproofing materials simultaneously with your window film.
Noise Absorption Rating
You can find the best soundproofing films in the market by looking at their STR ratings. STR means “Sound Transmission Class,” it’s what manufacturers measure to know a material’s ability to reduce sound waves.
Tip: Look for window soundproofing films with an STC rating between 18-38.
Window Soundproofing Film Alternatives That Actually Work
Get a Window Plug
A window plug is basically a piece of matting, acoustic caulk, acoustic foam, or wood that you can plug into your window. The only downside to using a window plug to counter noise is that you’d be sacrificing natural light in the process.
Window Glazing
Glazing a window is usually done to maintain the strength of the glass. Damaged or cracked glass is the most common sign that your window needs to be reglazed.
Having double-glazed windows can help you reduce noise vibrations getting inside your home. Some people even opt for triple glazing instead of the usual secondary glazing for added heat prevention properties.
Use Weatherstripping Tape
One way to prevent noise from coming inside your window is to tape shut the spaces between the glass pane and the window frame.
Tip: Close the window and try to feel for air seeping through the window frame to make sure you taped everything shut.
Fill the gaps with Caulk.
Sometimes windows don’t get installed properly. If you notice your window is giving off a draft, this could mean that you’ll need to seal the window frame with caulk or some type of acoustical sealant.
Use a Soundproof Curtain
A soundproof curtain or even a soundproof blanket would be a great piece of reinforcement to dampen any noise.
What’s more, is that it totally adds more flair to the overall vibe of your home or office interior.
How can I make my window soundproof effectively?
Soundproofing a window can significantly reduce noise levels entering your living space. Here are some steps you can follow to soundproof your window:
Seal gaps and cracks: Examine your window for any gaps or cracks and seal them using weatherstripping or caulk. This will prevent sound from entering through the gaps.
Add window inserts: Acoustic window inserts are custom-made panels that fit on the inside of your existing window. They are made of a combination of materials that help reduce sound transmission.
Install double-pane or triple-pane windows: Double-pane and triple-pane windows consist of multiple layers of glass separated by an air or gas-filled space. These windows provide better insulation and soundproofing compared to single-pane windows.
Use soundproof curtains or blinds: Heavy, thick curtains or specially designed soundproof blinds can help absorb and block noise from entering your room. Make sure they cover the entire window when closed.
Add a window plug: A window plug is a removable panel made of soundproofing materials like acoustic foam or mass loaded vinyl. You can fit it into your window frame to block noise effectively. However, keep in mind that this option will also block natural light and ventilation.
Install a secondary window: Adding a secondary window or a soundproof window behind your existing window can create an additional barrier for sound to pass through. This solution can be particularly effective for those living in noisy urban environments.
Window Soundproofing Film Related FAQ
When it comes to soundproofing, the best type of windows is those made with laminated glass. Laminated windows are already made with multiple glass panes that can help you reduce around 95% of external noise.
Yes. Different windows can be made with differing glass panes depending on the window type. The number of glass panes can significantly affect a window’s sound reduction capability.
Some types of glass include single pane and dual pane. A dual-pane window is a preferred option when it comes to sound reduction because of the multiple layers in the glass that help absorb sound vibrations.
Soundproofing window panels can set you back $500-$1200. This is, of course if you plan to get a set of window panels that are dual pane. It can be costly because of all the work that needs to be done to install new windows. This is why people are starting to prefer more affordable soundproof films.
Window soundproofing film can help reduce noise, but its effectiveness is generally limited compared to other soundproofing methods. Soundproofing films are thin layers of plastic or vinyl material applied directly to the window glass.
These films are primarily designed for thermal insulation, UV protection, and privacy, with some noise reduction benefits.
Soundproofing films can reduce noise by approximately 3-5 decibels (dB), depending on the quality and thickness of the film. While this might not be a significant reduction, it can still make a difference in moderately noisy environments.
To soundproof an existing window, you can install soundproof curtains or blinds, apply a soundproofing film, install acoustic panels, use weatherstripping, or install a secondary window.
Hey! Just A Few Reminders Before You Go.
Always remember, the key to soundproofing your home is reducing the vibrations coming in from the outside. The same goes if you want to prevent noise from getting out of your rooms.
Take note that you can easily achieve a totally soundproof room, home, or office with the right set of window soundproofing films. Don’t forget to check the material, noise level, and STR rating of the film to get the best noise reduction results.