Window Plugs

WINDOW PLUGS

Windows are one of the most common entries of noise into or out of a room. Glass and wood window frames seem to be invisible to sound.

An alternative to replacing the window with double pane glass (a noise reduction of about 20%) or vinyl frames (noise reduction of about 30-50%), is to make a removable "plug" to block the sound coming through the window.

While this will also block light, it won't matter if the window is a bedroom and noise is keeping you from sleeping. If light is wanted for day use, make the plug removable. It can then be removed to allow light to enter the room.

Measure your window frame to see how much depth there is to the sill. This will be the thickness of your plug. If there is 3" of the sill, the you would use 3" boards. Glue, nail or screw a box frame together to fit inside your window opening. 1/2" pine from the lumberyard is fine. You can use thin boards, but 1/4" plywood works better to make a covering for the box you've made. Line the inside of the box with "Extreme Soundproofing Foam Mat'. You can use whatever thickness you like, but the more the better. You can make 3" thickness from layers of 1/2" mat. You can attach the mat inside your frame with contact cement or with staples or nails.

The plug should fit the window opening very securely without cracks which will allow sound to enter. It probably won't matter which way it is inserted, but if you place the soundproofing side out and the plywood side in, you could add another layer of soundproofing mat to the room side. Make sure it's cut an inch or two oversize to help block the sound that may come through the edges of the plug and the window frame.

The mat can also be from 1 1/2" and 2" thicknesses, which are firm enough to push into place in the window frame. If you intend to leave it in place, caulk around the edges.