Low-cost Interior Windows for Soundproofing

for reducing sound passing through existing windows.

The Magnitite windows started the trend toward a simple solution of trying to improve an existing windows thermal quality without large expenditures.  While cheap and very successful, they still do not have the ability to cut down large amounts of sound because the clear acrylic panes are just too thin.  The edging for these windows will not take a thicker plastic panel, nor would their magnetic trim be able to hold such heavy panels in place firmly.

For maximum sound reduction, the plastic panels should be thick and heavy.  They should be readily removable.  They should not yellow from UV (Ultra Violet) sun rays over time.  They should be relatively inexpensive to buy and make.  They must fit well to eliminate sound leaks.

How they work.

To overcome these and other shortcomings and still be able to have a reasonably cost effective product, we introduce:

MAGNETSEAL FRAMING for acrylic panels..

Start by taking your window measurements top, bottom and sides – for the plastic panel you need. (Which you can obtain locally from any plastics outlet.  Look in the Yellow Pages under Plastics). Have them cut your plastic 1/4″ or 3/8″ thick panel to size.  You need to decide whether to fit the flat sheet inside the edge frame of your window or over the face of the frame.  We recommend fitting over the frame because it will block out a little more dead air space, which is what makes these types of windows work so well.  Only an inch oversize  of the opening is needed.

Take your acrylic edge measurements and add them together to order enough steel “Mounting Frame” and our special “peel off adhesive backed” 1″ wide Magnetic Tape for the job.  To install a 1/4″ or 3/8″ acrylic (Plexiglas) panel in your window you will need 4 “L” shaped metal trim pieces and enough magnetic tape for attachment to around the edges of your acrylic panels.  The  trim and the tape are sold by the foot, so you only have to buy what you need.

To install your window:

Apply tape to acrylic edges.

Flush or Recessed?

Attach the “L” shaped metal mounting trim to the window frame using screws- if the new window is wider and taller and to be mounted over the face of the  frame, attach the trim angle over and around, covering the corner of the frame.

If Recessed, attach with the one leg of the “L” facing toward the existing window, just recessed enough for the new plastic panel to be  flush with the frame as shown.

Tips:

• Make sure the magnetic tape does not have any gaps in the butt edges where it mates with other strips of tape at the corners.  These gaps will leak sound.
• See that your “L” shaped trim is flat and square (not twisted or distorted) with the magnetic tape for maximum attachment strength.  Caulk the corners if there is any gap.
• If there are any gaps that could leak sound, fill with caulk.
• To quickly remove a flush window, use a bit of sticky tape.

Notes: If you desire a window that will not yellow or pass UV in the very long term, ask for Museum grade acrylic.  It will not yellow or pass UV for 20 years or more.  (Regular acrylic will last 7- 10 or more years, depending on climate).  Another of the advantages of using acrylic is that you can get it with tinting!

Do not use polycarbonate or Lexan.

Tips on your existing windows: They must not pass any air through any gaps or crevices. Caulk or otherwise seal them off.  If need be, use some of our black foam, closed cell tape to make a gasket where they close.

If you have steel frames, (not aluminum!), you can use the magnetic tape without buying our metal framing stock. The window will have to fit over and on the face on your frame.  If you want to mount this way, you don’t need the “L” frame, just the flat 1/2″wide metal tape.

You’ll need small screws and drill some hole to attach the L” shaped metal mounting frame, use the sheet metal type to attach to a metal frame and wood screws if PVC or wood.  Construction adhesive can also be used.  Double sided tape could be used with a small window, depending on the durability of the tape.

Why not just use glass?  Of course glass can be used and may even be cheaper.  But consider this:

The chance of breakage is far greater when installing and especially when removing the panes from the frame for cleaning, etc.  For this reason, use safety glass as it has a plastic center/filler which reduces (but doesn’t eliminate) the hazard ofshatter and splinter effect if broken.  If it falls out, it will be finished – not like plastic.