In this blog post, we will talk about, “Best soundproof window plug”, and what are soundproof window plugs. We will also tell you the things to know about window plugs and the required materials to build them. Furthermore, we will give you a +7-step guide to make the best soundproof window plug.
Best Soundproof Window Plug
Among many excellent soundproofing techniques, window plugs are among the most simple, easy, and effective. They do have a few drawbacks, yet they always get the job done when it comes to blocking or insulating sounds.
Window plugs can be fitted permanently on the windows or you can install removable ones. Whichever you decide, you have a wide range of options and materials to choose from. A good soundproof window plug seals tightly to the windows and effectively cuts down noise transfer.
Besides this, they also block sunlight and provide premium thermal insulation. That’s not all, window plugs made of a viscoelastic material can even dampen vibrational resonance while the ones with airspace also trap low frequencies.
It is essential to know about the various amazing capabilities of window plug and choose the ones that give you the best results. What makes the soundproof window plugs stand out among other soundproofing techniques is that you can make them on your own. Here we will give you +7 steps to make the best soundproof window plug;
- Get the Required Tools
- Get the Needed Materials
- Measure the Dimensions of the widow
- Cut the MDF Board
- Cut the Mass Loaded Vinyl Foam
- Attach the Materials
- Add Handles (For Removable Plugs)
- Seal with Weatherstripping Tape
What are Soundproof Window Plugs?
A soundproof plug for a window is a permanent or removable insert that covers the opening of the inner window to prevent the entry or exit of light, air, and noise. It is a low-cost solution to soundproof windows without the need to invest in expensive options like acoustic windows or insulation glasses.
To provide mass to block noise and insulation to absorb sound, plugs are mostly made of mid to high-density material. Normally, they do also have a viscoelastic material such as green glue to dampen resonance and provide better insulation.
Furthermore, flexible high-density foam can also be used to decouple the plug from the window frame. This effectively reduces noise transmission by adding a seal around the perimeter. The ultimate goal of a window plug is to reduce sound movement into and out of a room.
Why Use Window Plugs?
A window plug is a low-cost and effective sound insulation technique and is perhaps the cheapest. With just a few right materials, you can set up your window plug that effectively reduces noise transmission and soundproof the home. You no longer have to invest in expensive techniques if the window plugs get the job done for you.
If you desire to cut down sounds and block sunlight from entering the home and damaging the furniture, you can block the windows with permanent or removable window inserts. They cost you next-to-nothing and provide the sound insulation you desire in your home.
Things You Must Know About Window Plugs
In truth, there is nothing revolutionary about the window plugs. They certainly get the job done and effectively insulate your home but there are a few things you must know about the window plugs.
The window plugs are simply heavy and bulky inserts made with MDF or other material boards and insulated with sound-absorbents. They seal the windows by adding mass to them to block airborne noise transmission. The word seal means blocked and with sounds, you will not be getting any light and air into your home as well. Plus, you can’t see outside!!
Materials Required to Make a DIY Window Plug
The best thing about DIY window plugs is that you can make them with a wide range of materials. There are no hard and fast rules and ask long as you get the desired result, all is good. Commonly, MDF, OSB, and plywood boards are used to make the window plugs and materials like acoustic foam are used to insulate the inside.
Generally, here is a simple list of things you may need to make a DIY window plug;
- MDF, OSB, or Plywood sheets
- Acoustic or Soundproof Foam
- Neoprene Foam Mats
- Fiberglass Panels
- Stone Wool Panels
- Green Glue Sound Damping Compound
- Handles
Not all the above-listed materials are essential to make your DIY window plug as these plugs can be constructed in numerous different combinations of sound-blocking and sound-absorbing materials.
+7 Steps to Make A Best Soundproof Window Plug
You can make your own best soundproof window plugs by simply following this +7 steps guide. Making DIY window plugs is simple if you have the right tools and materials.
Get the Required Tools
To start this DIY project, you would need to get a few basic tools. You can easily find all these tools in the nearest hardware store and the majority may even be available in your home;
- Saw
- Drill
- Screws
- Utility Knife
- Hammer
- Level
- Caulking Gun
- Stapler
Get the Needed Materials
Once you have all the basic tools, it is time to get the needed materials. You simply need one sound-blocking board and a sound-absorbing material to insulate the plug. Other than this, you just need a few add-ons to complete the project. Here is a list of material you may need to buy;
- MDF Board
- Green Glue Sound Damping Compound
- Acoustic Foam
- Mass-Loaded Vinyl
- Neoprene Mat
- Spray Glue
- Handles
- Weatherstripping Tape
Measure the Dimensions of the Window
The first and foremost thing you need to do is measure the windows’ dimensions. It is important to get the precise sizes otherwise you won’t be able to fit the window plug if it’s too big or too small.
You should also inspect the window style while measuring the window dimensions. Some windows are made flush to the interior wall and have an exterior sill while others have no exterior sill and feature a deepened interior window. Knowing the window style will help you make the plug best suited to your window.
Afterward, you need to start the measuring process by measuring the well length, depth, and width of the window. About 50% extra space in depth should be left to create a dead air space for blocking low-frequency sounds.
Cut the MDF Board
The next step is to cut the medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to size. You can also use Oriented Strand Board (OSB) or simple sheets of plywood. MDF is often the first choice as it is heavyweight and most effective in blocking sounds. Cutting these boards might be a bit complicated and it is best to get these cut in size from the hardware store.
Cut Mass Loaded Vinyl & Neoprene Foam
This should be relatively easier and you must cut these acoustic materials with reference to the pre-cut board. For trimming the edges, you can simply use a utility knife.
Attach the Materials
Once you have all the materials cut in the desired size, the next step is to attach them to the board with the help of spray glue. You must be able to get strong adhesion and you can also staple them to get stronger bonds.
Attach the Handles to the MDF Board
If you are building a removable DIY plug, you would also need to attach handles to the board. You must wait for the adhesive to dry before moving forward to this step. Once your acoustic material is perfectly sealed to the boards, you can add the handles. Classic kitchen handles or cabinet knobs will work just fine.
Seal with Weatherstripping Tape
Lastly, you can seal the edges with weatherstripping tape to minimize the leakage of sound. This will make the plugs fit snugly to the windows and enhance the overall efficiency of soundproofing. This is one little step you shouldn’t skip if you desire perfect sound insulation.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we talked about, “Best soundproof window plug”, and what are soundproof window plugs. We also told you the things to know about window plugs and the required materials to build them. Furthermore, we gave you a +7-step guide to make the best soundproof window plug.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Best Soundproof Window Plug?
Do soundproof window inserts work?
Yes, soundproof windows insert do work effectively in blocking external sounds. There are different types of window inserts and their soundproofing capabilities vary from one another. Acoustic grade inserts claim to block up to 70% of the external sounds. Placed over a single-pane window, they can reduce sound by 18.9 decibels.
How much do soundproof window inserts cost?
The cost of soundproof window inserts is usually quite high and the sound of silence doesn’t always come cheap. There are different types of window inserts available from acoustic grade inserts to privacy and commercial grade ones.
However, you also try making one at home with only a few basic materials. We are talking about DIY Window plugs, they aren’t much different than the commercial inserts but are more permanent and less appealing in terms of aesthetics.
While a CitiQuiet insert for a 3 by 5 feet window cost over $1000. This price includes the installation cost. Customized window inserts price soar even above $10,000 per window. That’s the reason why DIY window plugs are often preferred by most.
Can you soundproof existing Windows?
Yes, you can soundproof existing windows by simply installing window inserts or DIY window plugs. It is easy and effective and helps you achieve the desired level of sound insulation without spending any extra money. DIY window plugs are simple plywood, OSB, or MDF boards with insulated acoustic foam that covers the window and blocks the outdoor sounds.
How much quieter is triple glazing?
Acoustic triple glazing units have noise reduction factors even up to 54 decibels while double glazing units can reduce noise up to 52 decibels. Simpler acoustic glazing options may block sounds around 36 decibels. These numbers are relatively good and help you get premium sound insulation in your home.
Is acoustic glass better than triple glazing?
It isn’t simple to compare triple glazing units with acoustic glass as both have their benefits. If you would like complete sound insulation then it is best to go for acoustic glass while triple glazing units provide optimum thermal insulation.
References
https://soundproofempire.com/how-to-soundproof-windows/
https://soundproofempire.com/how-to-soundproof-windows/
https://www.soundaway.com/soundproofing-window-insulation-s/56.htm
https://www.soundonsound.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=24&t=65751&p=598189&hilit=
