Aluminum windows are known for their stunning contemporary aesthetic style that stems from their minimalist frame and clean lines. Also, they are made of strong and durable material, allowing them to withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
This trendy window is not as airtight as other options, making it more vulnerable to noise. The amount of sound wave passing through an aluminum window depends on the type. Sliding aluminum windows let in more noise than casement and openable options.
However, there are a few acoustic treatments that can transform aluminum windows into excellent sound blockers.
Why Your Aluminium Window is NOT Soundproof?
Stylish and elegant, aluminum windows are a fantastic choice for homes needing a modern vibe.
However, unlike other windows, aluminum windows often need another layer of insulation to abate outside noise. Furthermore, they are not created equal. Sliding versions have a lot of space in their structure, allowing noise to pass through than other types.
Additionally, cheaper aluminum windows come with a single pane instead of the double or triple-pane window featured on pricier ones. Of course, the latter offer superior soundproofing performance than the single pane units.
So, if your existing aluminum window is not blocking those mowing noises or early morning chatter from your neighbors, applying a few acoustic treatments can noticeably reduce the noise.
Note: Soundproofing your aluminum window only won’t block out all the noise but abate it significantly for a peaceful atmosphere.
How to Soundproof Aluminum Windows
Hang soundproof curtains/blankets.
Soundproof curtains are thicker than the regular ones, making them more appropriate for dampening noise. It’s best to replace your old thin curtain with noise-reduction curtains to minimize the noise level in your room.
They double well as a blackout curtain because of their greater density and thickness. Hence, blocking natural light and noise from invading your space.
There are many options available. Finding an acoustic curtain that does its job while accentuating your room’s effulgence decor should be pretty straightforward.
More importantly, you should measure your window’s size before purchasing a soundproof curtain to ensure it covers your aluminum windows entirely. Otherwise, noise might leak through the uncovered areas.
Plug window gaps
Covering gaps along the aluminum window perimeter is important to achieving a quiet home. Usually, holes or gaps between the window frame and the wall are the underlying reasons for the unwanted noise transmission into your space.
In some rare cases, the edges are not properly sealed against leakage. Caulking is the most common solution to gaps, allowing sound waves and light to pass through. However, before applying caulk to the gaps, it’s best to fill them with foam backer rods for better air tightness.
Foam backer rods are significantly better at absorbing noise. They are overall more cost-effective than caulk since they are appropriate for filling large gaps.
Window insets
Window insets are another excellent option for improving your aluminum windows’ soundproofing capabilities. They are an additional barrier between the external noise and your sensitive eardrums.
This soundproofing technique subjugates noise and functions as a thermal insulator for a more comfortable living space.
Window insets are customizable and can be easily tailored to your needs. They are available in different finishes and styles to complement your home aesthetics. Another benefit of these panels is renters can stop noise infiltration without breaking the bank or making any permanent changes.
Add furniture to the room.
Usually, we are quick to blame the windows, doors, or ceiling for the noise issue. On the contrary, your room’s emptiness exacerbates the problem. Adding upholstered furniture like bookshelves, carpets, tables, or sofas can help absorb infrared noise, stopping it from echoing throughout your room.
Note: The upholstered furniture should be strategically placed for better soundproofing results. For instance, bookshelves should be placed close to the window to dampen air-borne and structural noise. Also, it would be best if you put furniture on shared walls to create buffer zones for a quieter space.
Related FAQs
Rubber seals like weatherstrips are great for sealing gaps on the aluminum windows’ top, bottom, and side. They offer a high-quality, airtight seal to keep noise, light, draft, and pests at bay.
Aluminum windows have great structural integrity but are not inherently great at blocking noise. Its slim profile is the reason behind its vulnerability to noise.
So, windows with thicker frames, such as wood and vinyl, offer better sound abatement. While aluminum windows might not be able to reduce much noise on their own, going for the double-pane or triple-pane option promises excellent soundproofing performance.
Generally, uPVC windows perform better than aluminum ones in terms of noise attenuation because of their inherent properties and lower density. However, both uPVC and aluminum windows can be excellent sound blockers when retrofitted with thicker frames, multiple glazing layers, and proper installation.
Window replacement can be expensive. Some people consider it a poor decision, especially for renters. If money is not an issue, replacing the aluminum window with an acoustic one is best.
Conversely, people not looking to break the bank on a new window can take advantage of the tips shared to improve their existing window’s soundproofing capabilities.
Conclusion
Aluminum windows, inherently, are not airtight, which is responsible for noise leaking into your space. There are mainly two options: replace the window or retrofit soundproofing measures onto the existing window.
The right choice depends on you. If splurging on a new acoustic window and hiring a professional to install it is not an issue for you, then I recommend this option.
Nonetheless, you can still achieve a serene atmosphere by combining two or more acoustic treatments already discussed.
Keep in mind that there’s no way to completely eliminate the noise except the soundproofing is done at the construction level, such as decoupling. Changing the window or adding soundproofing curtains to the existing aluminum windows are acoustic treatments that can help reduce the noise level and improve energy efficiency and audio quality for a quieter living space.
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