Hey everyone! I just moved into a townhome located on a busy street, and I'm experiencing way more road noise than I anticipated. During my visits, the street was surprisingly quiet, but now it feels like there's constant traffic, especially since many cars exceed the 35 mph speed limit. The noise levels outside range from 60-80db, with my closest room averaging about 52db. I have double-pane windows and I'm considering making some DIY acrylic inserts for better sound insulation. I'm planning to use a 1/4 inch panel with rubber bulb seal to create a good seal and maximize the air gap. While I'm open to spending some money, I'd love to hear any cost-effective solutions you might have. I also wonder if upgrading the windows would truly make a difference, as well as how to handle the large glass doors. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
3 Answers
It's tough to control sound, especially from busy roads. Even if you go for a window upgrade, it might not eliminate all the noise since there could be other factors at play. I've used mineral wool insulation over windows before to help cut down noise and light, but the sound's still noticeable. Just keep experimenting with different solutions to find what works best for your place!
Sound isolation can be tricky! First, check if your walls have insulation or if there are any duct openings that might let in noise. If you think the windows might be the main issue, upgrading to windows with a higher Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating could help out a lot. Also, don’t overlook simple stuff like rugs and heavy curtains, which can absorb sound effectively.
You're definitely on the right path. While upgrading to triple-pane windows would give you the best sound reduction, it’s a significant expense. For now, those acrylic inserts should help a lot in reducing noise without breaking the bank. I've tried something similar and noticed an improvement.