How to soundproof windows

[tvolhein]

Pardon, if this is a duplicate post, but I don't think that my first one got through.

I have a small studio in the back bedroom of my house. I plan on purchasing double-pane windows for sound-proofing the windows.

In addition, I was thinking of hanging a sheet of thick plexiglass on the outside of the the house in front of the windows. The plexiglass would be larger than the window, and hang 12-14" from the surface of the window.

Two questions:

What are the best brand/kind of windows for soundproofing?

Would the plexiglass thing work?

thanks

tom

[apl]

Soundproofing is very difficult. If you go to double pane windows from single you should have some improvement. The plexiglass won't help if it's not sealed all the way around.

Also see www.ethanwiner.com/acoustics.html

[Mindset]

Thick windows that are sealed real good would work, and also they shouldn't be parallel together either...

[mshilarious]

One thing to beware of is permanently sealing off windows that are required for egress, which in a room designated a bedroom, you must have. Instead of plexiglass you might look into storm windows which are removable from inside. If they are factory storm windows, they should seal tightly against the frame. I have Andersen double-hung, double-pane windows, with Andersen storm windows mounted outside. That is probably the best you can do while maintaining required egress.

[NRS]

Its my understanding it also helps to vary the thickness's of the individual glass panes when running multiple layers so whatever frequency easily penatrates one layers thickness of glass may not as easily penitrate the next. I think double pane windows might have two layers of the same thicknesess and are engeneered more for thier "R" value (insulative properties) than sound proofing. (although I'd still have to think two layers block out more sound than one).

What about leaving the existing windows as is then attaching two different thickness of hefty plexi on both the inside and the outside since it appears your already willing to sacrifice being able to open the window anyway?

[Innovations]

typical double-pane windows, which consist of two thin sheets of glass separated by a narrow air space, are not designed for effective sound control but heat loss.

Now, the first question is whether you still want light to come through the window and to be able to see out..

If not, then build a 'plug' that fits into the window from the inside. Make it tightly sealed and heavy and with some insulation on the backside (so that the air space is cushioned) and you can get a substantial reduction in sound transmission. Put handles on it so you can yank it out for emergency egress. Another feature of this solution is that it is easily removed if the room is wanted to be converted back to regular use.

If you do want light and view then build a plug with a window! Use a single pane of thick glass instead of a double pane and make the frame sturdy enough to support it.