city noise coming through closed windows

Posted: Fri Jun 02, 2006 10:57 pm

Instead of trying to make genuine sound proof rooms,
but rather to convert apartement rooms into being usable
for recording, it seems that often almost all the noise is
coming through closed windows, especially when walls are
fairly sound proof. Does anyone have any recomendations
for light material to stick over windows that would make a
difference?

Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 8:58 am

i'd bet its not coming through the glass, but through maybe gaps between the window and the frame, or the window frame and the wall.

Posted: Sat Jun 03, 2006 9:39 am

I don't know, but it seems that in city rooms
with fairly sound proof walls, the majority of
noise enters from the window area. It might be
that glass itself relative to thick wall material is
less sound proof.

Posted: Wed Jun 07, 2006 5:56 pm

It's coming "through" the glass in the same sense that sound waves come through anything. The outside sound waves hit the glass, set it in motion (vibration), which in turn causes the air in your interior space to be set in motion. Those changes in air pressure are being perceived by your ear drum.

You need to make a window plug with dense materials such as plywood and gypsum wallboard, possibly with closed-cell foam along the edges to make it air tight.

If the window is ever in direct sunlight, just make sure you remove the plug when you're not using the room. The sun can heat a trapped air space enough to pop (break) the window.

Posted: Fri Jun 09, 2006 3:46 am

Jazzman's advice is excellent.
A light construction like a window has less sound transmission loss than a heavy wall.
Put the plug on a large airgap, and fill the gap for >70% with mineral wool.
That will make a big difference.

Posted: Sat Jul 08, 2006 4:55 pm

hey guys i actually have same problem like sound coming through window.. so i was wondering wht if i fill it in with foam the empty space.. and the gaps between the window frame plus i have an idea wht after filling those spaces i put a piece of wood outside the window and punch it on the frame..i hope you are getting an idea wht i m trying to say...

Posted: Sun Jul 09, 2006 2:13 am

I've started experimenting with layers of large
inexpensive sheets of hard plastic with ridges,
found in the lighting section in home depot. They
make a big difference even with an air conditioner in
the window which of course lets sound in. The sheets
are very thin, and the more layers of them, the more
effective they are.

Posted: Wed Jul 12, 2006 1:47 pm

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