Reduce Noise Around Your Home Using Soundproofing Jalousie Windows

If you’re looking to soundproof your house, it’s important to know that jalousie windows might not be the best choice. These windows open up like an accordion by having one or more panels stacked vertically and opening to the side. They go by a bunch of different names like louvers, louver windows, Florida windows, plantation shutters, and board-and-batten windows.

Jalousie windows are typically used in areas where you need a lot of light, ventilation, and protection from the elements. They also add to your home’s beauty while being easy on your pocket. They are very versatile and come in various shapes and sizes, depending on what you need them for.

But there is a downside of jalousies. Jalousie windows can be loud because they are made up of multiple thin glass or metal slats that are arranged horizontally and open and close like a set of blinds. When they are closed, the slats overlap each other, but they are not tightly sealed like traditional windows, which can allow outside noise to easily pass through. Additionally, when the slats are opened or closed, they can make a lot of rattling or clanging noises due to the friction between the slats and their hinges or tracks. This can be particularly noticeable on windy days when the slats may move and rattle even more.

There are ways to soundproof your home using these types of windows but first let us look into why it becomes necessary at all.

Why Do You Need To Soundproof Your Jalousie Windows?

The main problem of jalousie is that they let a lot of sound in. Jalousies are essentially open windows that don’t have glass panes. They allow the sounds to travel inside your home without much obstruction, especially if you live near busy streets or where people like to party all night long outside their homes. There is also the noise from vehicles on highways nearby and even wind blowing through them can make quite a bit of noise too! This is why it becomes necessary for some homeowners who want more privacy and peace at home to do something about this problem and find the best way to soundproof their jalousie windows. We will look into different ways of doing so below.

The Most Effective Ways to Soundproof Jalousie Windows

Jalousie windows can be notoriously difficult to soundproof due to their design, which consists of multiple thin slats that don’t seal tightly. However, there are some effective ways to reduce the amount of outside noise that enters through jalousie windows:

Seal Gaps – Add a Layer

First of all, you need to seal any gaps around the window. This is important because the sound will travel through these small holes and cracks which amplify the noise inside your home making it much worse than outside where there are no such problems. If possible use weather strips or insulation tape on every gap that lets in the air into your house like vents, doors, etc. You can also try stuffing them with rags if they don’t fit perfectly but make sure not to block too many drafts as this could lead to damage by trapping moisture against woodwork surfaces leading them to rot over time!

The next thing would be a proper installation of jalousies so take care while installing them during construction or renovation work at home choosing the right places for placing the jalousies and making sure they are tightly locked to reduce noise as much as possible.

Also, you can apply a layer inside the window:

• Weatherstripping. Weatherstripping is a thin material that is applied around the edges of the window to create a tighter seal. This can help reduce the amount of air and noise that passes through the gaps between the slats.
•  Window inserts. You can add window inserts as well. Window inserts are panels that can be placed over the window to provide an additional layer of soundproofing. These panels are typically made of dense materials like acoustic foam or mass-loaded vinyl, which can help absorb and block out sound waves.
• Soundproofing film. Soundproofing film is a thin layer of material that is applied directly to the window. It can help reduce the amount of outside noise that enters the room by absorbing and blocking sound waves.

Video: Soundproof Window Inserts Actually Work? Real World Test!

Use Acoustical Caulk

Acoustical caulk is a great solution for sealing around window frames and corners where two surfaces meet to reduce noise. It cna help to reduce noise by up to 23 decibels (dB). It can be used on any type of surface including glass, plastic, metal, or wood so you don’t have to worry about having different materials in your home during soundproofing jalousie windows installation. The most common types are acoustical silicone caulks which are easy to apply by hand with minimal mess but they do cost more than regular acrylic-latex-based ones that work well too but need some practice before applying them evenly across the gap without bubbles etc. You should always try out these products first at home because it will help you get rid of any worries whether something went wrong while applying them. They both work well in reducing sound transfer which is what you want so it doesn’t really matter which type of caulk you choose but make sure to do your research first before buying one.

Hang Soundproof Curtains

The first and most effective way of soundproofing your jalousie windows is to hang industrial-grade acoustic curtains. They are specially designed to absorb, reflect or deaden the noise that travels through them. They are available in various colors, designs and can be custom-made as well depending on what you want them for.

Video: Will an acoustic curtain help against noise? Testing: Soundproofing curtains from HOFA

Soundproof curtains have a triple-layered construction that reduces noise up to 50%. The innermost layer has an absorbing material while the outer layers consist of blackout cloth which is very good at keeping out light too. These hang from curtain rods above jalousie windows so it helps keep out not only sounds but also provides privacy when needed especially during daytime hours or if there are people wanting to check you out. Hang these inside each panel of your jalousies using rings attached to the rod with clips, ensuring they cover the entire window.

Install Storm Windows

Storm windows are basically double paned glasses with a gas-filled space between two sheets of glass which acts as insulation reducing heat transfer and also prevents sound waves from entering easily. The storm window layers over the regular one and acts as an additional barrier against noise by trapping air between them, reducing outside noises significantly.

Another benefit of this method is that since it protects both sides with two types of glass there will be no condensation issues at all which can sometimes damage woodwork around these windows especially if they are hung vertically like louvers/jalousies!

You need to make sure not to cover up more than half of each side though because otherwise, you won’t get any natural light during daytime leading to a dark and gloomy room.

The only downside of this method is that it reduces the amount of air circulation inside your home which can cause problems during hot summers, but if you install ceiling fans in every room then there shouldn’t be any issues. You also need to remember that storm windows will not reduce noise from outside as much as insulating material would so it should always come second after sealing all gaps with weather stripping. This way they both work together and compliment each other well for maximum efficiency when soundproofing jalousie windows.

Invest in Acoustic Jalousies

Acoustic jalousies are a great way to soundproof windows without having to cover up your view. They come in various sizes, designs, and materials but all of them have two layers – one side is the glass you see through while the other layer has an acoustic material applied on it that absorbs noise coming from outside. It can be made out of different materials like fiberglass or they can also consist of sandwiched vinyl with foam between them which gives an even greater reduction.

Installation is simple and takes only a few minutes. There will be two sets of brackets on each side which you need to slip into the window frame, then tighten them up with screws for maximum noise reduction during soundproofing jalousie windows installation. Acoustic jalousies can reduce noise by up to 20 decibels (dB) depending on how thick they are and what materials were used in their construction so it’s not as high as acoustic curtains but still very good enough to keep your home quiet when needed.

In Conclusion

Soundproofing jalousie windows can be an effective way to reduce noise pollution around your home. By adding insulation and thicker glass to your jalousie windows, you can create a barrier that blocks out unwanted sounds and creates a more peaceful living environment. However, it’s important to keep in mind that soundproofing jalousie windows can be a significant investment, and may not be necessary for every home or situation. Before making any changes to your windows, consider the level of noise pollution in your area and whether soundproofing is the best solution for your needs.