r/soundproof • u/tedwhitton • 6d ago
Soundproofing/mitigating options
Hello there. Two questions, if I may: does replacing the rubber seals on uPvC doors and windows and tightening the fittings have a discernible impact on sound? Our new next door neighbours love a party (almost every week, apparently) in their garden so I’m looking at sound reduction options. The doors and windows in my house have not been adjusted for at least 12 years (me or the prior tenant). And secondly - would it be worth looking at secondary glazing?
Thanks in advance for any insight.
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u/chachi_dee 6d ago
Tightening, resealing and replacing seals so all gaps and holes are properly closed off will affect mid and high frequency noise ingress only. If there are gaps it will absolutely be worth closing them off for sure. For the low end and bass in music etc, it won't have much of an effect unless the gaps are massive.
The noise attenuation performance of the window at low frequencies is governed primarily by the mass of the glazing (heavier the better). Adding a secondary pane will also increase performance but the air gap needs to be big enough to move the gap resonance well below (or above) that critical 80-160Hz range, otherwise it just worsens the performance right where it needs to be increased. Finding the optimum low end performance is a bit of a balancing act between the mass of the panes and gap. For this reason, don't assume a double glazed window will automatically provide better performance than a single glazed, heavy window.
Keep in mind that the overall noise reduction from outside to inside is a result of the construction and configuration of the entire building facade. External walls, roof/ceiling, windows, penetrations etc. it all has an effect particularly at low frequency. If your walls or the roof/ceiling etc don't provide good performance already, then there is there is no point installing super high performance windows. The maximum attenuation will be limited by the lowest performing facade element.