How sealing a window can contain its surroundings

Coming home at the end of a long day usually means you’re tired and don’t want to deal with anyone. All you want to do is close the door behind you and not hear or see a thing. Whatever is going on on the busy street outside should stay there, but sometimes, especially if you live in an older home, isolation may not be your friend. You may need to consider sealing a window or two at least.

You may find that you can hear people talking outside, car doors opening and closing, and while this might not be a huge noise problem for you, it certainly suggests you have other issues to think about. This is when you should definitely consider sealing a window or door, because the air leak is probably wasting your hard-earned money in terms of a higher energy bill.

In terms of soundproofing, sealing a window or even replacing it has been shown to be the best methods. Did you know that even a small crack around a window can let in as much noise as the entire wall the window sits on? That crack can also let out your hard-earned money in terms of energy costs.

Cracks can be filled very easily using a process known as caulking. This is certainly less expensive than replacing doors or windows, or rebuilding structures in bulk. Even better, double glazing can keep noise out. Look for panels that are as thick as you can afford, and set as large a gap between the panes as possible.

If you can, consider installing an additional layer of drywall, or recommend an infill, between the existing layers of wall. This is indicated for the most serious problems, as it can be expensive and very intrusive.

Plain exterior walls aren’t the best at isolating noise, and if you add a bit of stucco, it may be better than conventional siding, too. Identify the cause of your noise problem. If it is an institution like an airport, contact your local authorities for a grant to help you.

If you can live with the noise and you might not be too close to a main road or in a downtown spot affected by the Saturday night revelry, you might think you can live with it. However, don’t rule out sealing a window entirely, as if a draft is present, your energy bill is much higher than it should be. In some cases, it could be 20% higher across the board.

Remember that simple remedies often work just as well when you’re considering sealing a window or two in your home. Don’t put up with extra noise or cold drafts any longer than necessary.