The Best Ways to Soundproof Your Washington DC Windows

Have you ever been jolted out of sleep by an early morning garbage truck or a late-night party and wished that you could keep outside noises...outside?

Noise comes into your house through cracks, crevices, and through your windows and can result in restless nights. Windows, especially bigger, older windows, can be a major source of sound entering your home, and if you soundproof your windows you can drastically cut back on unwanted noise.

These are some things that Washington DC residents can do to soundproof your windows and reduce noise from coming in from outdoors.

Add weatherstripping or caulk to the window frame

Adding weatherstripping or caulk is an inexpensive “do it yourself” solution to soundproof your windows. Since sound travels through the air, blocking any gaps or crevices near your windows will reduce noise. One thing you can do is add foam tape to the outside of your window sashes. For a sliding glass door or a double-hung window you can use vinyl v-strips on the exterior of the windows. You can also apply caulk around windows and over any splits to block airflow.

 

One downside of this do it yourself solution is that it’s more of a short-term solution, and it can affect your windows’ aesthetics.

Add dense window treatments like plantation shutters

Adding dense material such as Washington DC’s best plantation shutters can help block outside noise.

Plantation shutters are a stylish way to block the sound coming through your windows while also saving you energy. Polywood plantation shutters have a patented built-in weatherstripping design that locks out unwanted noise and temperature.

Polywood plantation shutters are resilient, meaning they’ll last a lot longer than those DIY solutions. They are less expensive than replacing your windows, and after they’re put in become a permanent part of your home, which can increase your home’s sale value on the market.

Put in a sound-proofing plug

If you suffer from constant noise like construction noises you could benefit from a sound-proofing plug. This do it yourself solution is a straight piece of foam that you slide into the gap around your window. As the foam blocks light (and can look out of place), people use sound plugs during the night or in rooms that guests don’t see.

Replace or put in extra windows

If your windows are older and you're suffering from air drafts as well as distracting outside sounds, it’s probably time to consider new windows. If replacing all your windows is outside of your budget, you can install exterior storm windows or another window pane to windows that are particular problems. The drawback is that installing new windows or even adding extra panes can be a pricey option.

Start reducing your outside noise today

Are you itching for a restful night of sleep, and do you want a more permanent solution to your noise problem? Then give us a call at 240-339-2588 or fill out the form below to schedule a free in-home estimate. We’ll go through all your window treatment choices in Washington DC and end your noise problem with a solution that is as beautiful as it is functional.