Living in close proximity with your neighbours does have some perks. These types of living arrangements can be convenient if you need to borrow a missing food ingredient or if you need someone to keep an eye on your place while on vacation. It can, however, be quite frustrating when your neighbourhood is a bit loud.
Loud discussions, party music, or the agonising sounds of your neighbours learning to play a musical instrument can cause a lot of stress, fatigue, and frustration. It is only a matter of time until disputes arise and these types of neighbourly wars can cause years of discomfort.
If you want to drown out some of the noise so you can live in peace then it is time to make some changes. In this guide, we are going to share some of the best tips to help you drown out some of the noise from your noisy neighbours.
Soundproof Your Windows
Most of the noise you hear inside your home is likely passing through your windows as most windows only have 3mm or 4mm thickness glass which means this becomes the weakest part of your home. The very first thing you should do is increase the soundproofing on your windows with some add-on double glazing, and no it won’t cost you a fortune.
Unlike double glazing, add-on double glazing is much cheaper and is more effective for sound proofing than the traditional style of replacement double glazing. With this upgrade, an additional window pane is installed on your existing windows. This creates a gap between the old and new window that is helpful for distorting sound waves. With add-on double glazing most of the noises and sound vibrations coming from outside will be blocked out. The noises you make inside your home will also be kept private so your family life won’t disturb those around you.
Why Window Soundproofing Matters
Often the single biggest weak spot letting noise into your home is your windows. Standard windows — frequently fitted with single panes of 3 mm or 4 mm glass — offer very little resistance to sound.
When neighbours play loud music or traffic rumbles by, sound waves pass easily through thin glass. Upgrading your windows or improving their sealing can therefore drastically improve the quiet in your rooms.
By focusing on soundproofing windows, you address a major channel for noise leakage. Doing so can transform an apartment or house from a noisy, unrestful space into a calm sanctuary — where you can sleep, work, or relax undisturbed.
Window Soundproofing Solutions that Actually Work
- Secondary. Add-on glazing (retrofit options)
For many homeowners and renters, replacing windows entirely isn’t practical. Secondary glazing — also known as add-on glazing — is a highly effective alternative. This method involves installing an additional pane or sash inside the existing frame. The air gap between the old glass and the new layer acts as a sound barrier.
Secondary glazing noticeably reduces noise and is often more economical than a full window replacement. It is also ideal for older homes, heritage properties, or situations where you want quieter interiors without changing the overall look of the building.
- Double- or triple-glazed windows with acoustic glass
If a full window upgrade is possible, double or triple glazing offers some of the strongest noise reduction benefits. These units use two or more panes of glass separated by a sealed air or gas gap. The additional mass and spacing weaken the sound waves, reducing their ability to pass through.Acoustic laminated glass enhances this effect further. Acoustic interlayers within the laminate absorb vibrations, cutting down the kinds of sound most associated with neighbour noise, traffic, pets, and voices. For properties near busy streets or lively urban environments, triple glazing or acoustic laminated glazing can make a dramatic difference.
- Seal and insulate window frames
Even excellent glazing won’t perform well if there are gaps around the frame. Sound travels the same path as air, meaning even tiny gaps let noise seep inside. Adding weatherstripping or high-quality acoustic seals fills these gaps and reinforces the overall performance of your window soundproofing solutions.Acoustic caulk around the perimeter of the frame remains flexible over time and prevents cracking, ensuring the seal stays effective long-term.
- Use sound-absorbing curtains or shutters
Acoustic curtains, heavy drapes, insulated blinds, and solid shutters provide an additional layer of noise control. While they won’t block noise on their own, they work extremely well in combination with soundproofing windows. Their thickness helps absorb sound that manages to pass through the glass, further reducing echoes and improving acoustic comfort indoors.
Soundproof Connected Walls
If you live in an apartment and share a wall with a noisy neighbour then the best thing you can do is to soundproof the walls you share. This can be done by adding a layer of insulation inside the wall or by sticking some acoustic foam all over the wall. Acoustic foam isn’t just great for blocking out some of the noises but any vibrations from loud bass music will also be reduced since the rubbery foam absorbs vibrations.
Add More Furniture And Decor
Adding more furniture pieces and decor to your interior spaces will also help drown out some of the noise. This is because these home accessories will divert and absorb some of the sound waves. You should add a couple of rugs or carpets to your spaces to reduce some of the vibrations that might carry through the ground. Wood is a terrific acoustic material. By investing in more solid wood furniture pieces or doors, you can also create a quieter space.
Install A Wooden Fence Or Screen
Wood has great acoustic properties. If you want to quiet down your yard then you can consider installing a tall wooden fence around your property. This is helpful for blocking out some noise and can enhance your privacy. You can also invest in some wooden privacy screens that you can pop up around outdoor facilities like a breakfast nook or barbecue area.
When it becomes too difficult to ignore all of the noise your neighbours might be making then the best solution is to start soundproofing your property. Give Stop Noise a call to find out more about our revolutionary add-on double glazing for windows and start investing in other soundproofing materials. Within no time at all, your home will be much quieter and you will be able to get the peace and quiet you need.
What to Consider When Choosing Window Soundproofing Solutions
- Noise type and severity. Loud, low-frequency noise such as traffic may require acoustic laminated glass. Moderate noise may be improved with secondary glazing or double glazing.
- Existing window condition. If your windows are older or poorly sealed, upgrading the frames or adding weatherstripping is a crucial first step.
- Budget and building restrictions. Renters, heritage homes, or strata properties often benefit from retrofit options that don’t require major construction.
- Layering solutions. The most successful noise reduction usually comes from combining multiple strategies — for example, sealing frames, installing secondary glazing, and adding acoustic curtains.
Improving your windows is one of the most effective steps you can take to reduce noise inside your home. By choosing the right window soundproofing solutions, whether retrofitting with secondary glazing, upgrading to acoustic double glazing, sealing gaps around frames, or adding sound-absorbing furnishings, you can significantly reduce noise from neighbours and regain control of your peace and comfort.
This entry was posted in Blog on October 31st, 2023 by Ron Adams.
