I want to do temporary soundproofing by making a window plug for
a 4' by 5' window, and I'd appreciate suggestions.

By "window plug" I'm referring to a box-like object filled with
insulation that provides both sound deadening and weather insulation
that I can set in the window frame.

Some considerations:

o I have little building experience but like to learn.

o I'd like to minimize whatever tools I have to buy.

o I'd like to pay less than about $150 to $200.

o I'm guessing that I'd like to make two plugs to use
side-by-side. I don't think that I can lift a plug the size
of the window. Also, I'd like to be able to remove
one plug for ventilation to avoid mold and if I need
to escape if there's a fire.

o Last summer, we had over a solid week of 115 degree
days, so I need the plug to block the sun and insulate.
My understanding is that soundproofing typically
improves weather insulation.

My plan: I thought that I'd build a frame for each half of the
window. I'll cover one or both sides of each frame with
plywood or hopefully a lighter material. I'll fill the box
with soundproofing mats (or some lightweight material used for
soundproof insulation) about 3 inches thick and try to attach
the mats airtight. I'll attach cabinet handles on the inside
and will probably need to apply some sort of reflective or mold-proof
and wear-proof material to the outside.

I hope that each window plug weighs less than 50 lbs.

I thought that I'd try using rubber shower mats around the edges
to make it more airtight and to give me a little margin for
error. I also hope that the rubber mats will protect from drywall
damage.

I realize that my result will not be completely sound proof.

I thought that I might use some sort of pivoting stick on
the window frame to keep the plug from falling down, or
maybe a bar on u-hooks attached to each side of the window
frame like you see on castle entries in the old movies.
Looks are not an issue here as long as I don't have to do
too much fixing if I move.

Any suggestions on the easiest way make a frame, meaning
minimal tools and cutting, lightest weight, and a reasonable
cost? Maybe something aluminum that I could screw together?

Is plywood a good choice for the sides facing the window?

Any suggestions for lightweight soundproof filler?

Thanks

As FYI, I've looked at these sites:

http://www.domesticsoundproofing.co....barriermat.htm

http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/...wtowindows.htm
http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/...g/laminate.htm

http://www.acoustics101.com/components_gateway.htm

In article , xyz wrote:

I want to do temporary soundproofing by making a window plug for
a 4' by 5' window, and I'd appreciate suggestions.

I'd suggest alt.energy.renewable, alt.energy.homepower, alt.solar.thermal

but you could probably buy a piece of foam (with reflective aluminum
backing) that would fit in the window for cheapo, it would be
light-weight, and easy to replace.

xyz wrote:

I want to do temporary soundproofing by making a window plug for
a 4' by 5' window, and I'd appreciate suggestions.

By "window plug" I'm referring to a box-like object filled with
insulation that provides both sound deadening and weather insulation
that I can set in the window frame.

Some considerations:

o I have little building experience but like to learn.

o I'd like to minimize whatever tools I have to buy.

o I'd like to pay less than about $150 to $200.

o I'm guessing that I'd like to make two plugs to use
side-by-side. I don't think that I can lift a plug the size
of the window. Also, I'd like to be able to remove
one plug for ventilation to avoid mold and if I need
to escape if there's a fire.

o Last summer, we had over a solid week of 115 degree
days, so I need the plug to block the sun and insulate.
My understanding is that soundproofing typically
improves weather insulation.

My plan: I thought that I'd build a frame for each half of the
window. I'll cover one or both sides of each frame with
plywood or hopefully a lighter material. I'll fill the box
with soundproofing mats (or some lightweight material used for
soundproof insulation) about 3 inches thick and try to attach
the mats airtight. I'll attach cabinet handles on the inside
and will probably need to apply some sort of reflective or mold-proof
and wear-proof material to the outside.

I hope that each window plug weighs less than 50 lbs.

I thought that I'd try using rubber shower mats around the edges
to make it more airtight and to give me a little margin for
error. I also hope that the rubber mats will protect from drywall
damage.

I realize that my result will not be completely sound proof.

I thought that I might use some sort of pivoting stick on
the window frame to keep the plug from falling down, or
maybe a bar on u-hooks attached to each side of the window
frame like you see on castle entries in the old movies.
Looks are not an issue here as long as I don't have to do
too much fixing if I move.

Any suggestions on the easiest way make a frame, meaning
minimal tools and cutting, lightest weight, and a reasonable
cost? Maybe something aluminum that I could screw together?

Is plywood a good choice for the sides facing the window?

Any suggestions for lightweight soundproof filler?

Thanks

As FYI, I've looked at these sites:

http://www.domesticsoundproofing.co....barriermat.htm

http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/...wtowindows.htm
http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/...g/laminate.htm

http://www.acoustics101.com/components_gateway.htm
why not just get some foarm board(styrofoam in the 4 by 8 sheets and
then cut them to size of the window and then tape them together and push
into the opening in the window frame... no weight so you dont need any
support, other than a piece of string to keep them from falling if they
are too loose.... only problem is getting the stuff home.. i had three
sheet tied on top of my car.. the wind took it off, then had half
sheets of what was left tied to the car...

xyz wrote:
I want to do temporary soundproofing by making a window plug for
a 4' by 5' window, and I'd appreciate suggestions.


How well have you researched your location to determine that the window
is the source of the noise you want to block? While windows can and do
allow sound in, many times the real problem may be something else. For
example many times more sound is coming in through the vents above then
through the ceiling.

The type of sound you are trying to block is also important. Assuming
it is the window that is the problem, then you may be able to block it using
a light weight acoustical foam. This only works on some frequencies. You
also may be able to block it from the outside (maybe not depending on the
situation).

If you can use a light weight material to block the sound then a light
weight foam material to add insulation like Celotex should take care of that
and you would end up with a light enough structure to easily move.

I would not rely on the acoustical fiberglass insulation that is
available, if that is what you had in mind. Its acoustical properties are
only marginal better than standard insulation which is not all that good.

Overall, it appears you are basically on the right track with an idea.



By "window plug" I'm referring to a box-like object filled with
insulation that provides both sound deadening and weather insulation
that I can set in the window frame.

Some considerations:

o I have little building experience but like to learn.

o I'd like to minimize whatever tools I have to buy.

o I'd like to pay less than about $150 to $200.

o I'm guessing that I'd like to make two plugs to use
side-by-side. I don't think that I can lift a plug the size
of the window. Also, I'd like to be able to remove
one plug for ventilation to avoid mold and if I need
to escape if there's a fire.

o Last summer, we had over a solid week of 115 degree
days, so I need the plug to block the sun and insulate.
My understanding is that soundproofing typically
improves weather insulation.

My plan: I thought that I'd build a frame for each half of the
window. I'll cover one or both sides of each frame with
plywood or hopefully a lighter material. I'll fill the box
with soundproofing mats (or some lightweight material used for
soundproof insulation) about 3 inches thick and try to attach
the mats airtight. I'll attach cabinet handles on the inside
and will probably need to apply some sort of reflective or mold-proof
and wear-proof material to the outside.

I hope that each window plug weighs less than 50 lbs.

I thought that I'd try using rubber shower mats around the edges
to make it more airtight and to give me a little margin for
error. I also hope that the rubber mats will protect from drywall
damage.

I realize that my result will not be completely sound proof.

I thought that I might use some sort of pivoting stick on
the window frame to keep the plug from falling down, or
maybe a bar on u-hooks attached to each side of the window
frame like you see on castle entries in the old movies.
Looks are not an issue here as long as I don't have to do
too much fixing if I move.

Any suggestions on the easiest way make a frame, meaning
minimal tools and cutting, lightest weight, and a reasonable
cost? Maybe something aluminum that I could screw together?

Is plywood a good choice for the sides facing the window?

Any suggestions for lightweight soundproof filler?

Thanks

As FYI, I've looked at these sites:

http://www.domesticsoundproofing.co....barriermat.htm

http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/...wtowindows.htm
http://www.customaudiodesigns.co.uk/...g/laminate.htm

http://www.acoustics101.com/components_gateway.htm

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math

Thanks for the responses

The reason that I need to soundproof is that I have a
sleep disorder called night terrors where I scream in
my sleep. I feel really bad about disturbing my
neighbors.

That's a good point about how blocking different types of
noise requires different solutions. I was hoping that I
could concentrate on the sheer loudness first and that the fine
points like noise frequency would be my second effort if
necessary.

I know that the sounds penetrate the walls, but the large window
is probably the primary issue.

Jim's suggest of foam board is intriguing. It would definitely
provide insulation from heat-cold. As he mentioned, it's light.
And it's probably reasonably priced.

Joseph's suggestion of acoustical foam is interesting since
I've never heard of this. I'll research. The web sites that
discuss soundproof insulation are often sales pitches and not
economical solutions.

The suggestion to do something to the outside got me
thinking about shutters.

I appreciate the warning about acoustical fiberglass
insulation which I've never heard of.

Michelle, getting my materials cut at the store whenever
possible should work great for me. When I fold down the
back seats in my compact, I get more than 5 feet of length
for materials.

Hopefully, I'll be able to reuse my window plug materials
when I move.

You might be amused by my other ideas.

o Taping my mouth shut so that I'd awake if I try to
talk. (You can laugh, but there are multiple discussions
on another (asthma?) newsgroup that eventually reject this
idea as too dangerous.)

o Soundproofing a large closet and sleeping on a cot
or an inflatable mattress

o Building somethink like a soundproof coffin. Rejected
because I don't like enclosed spaces and probably too
costly

o Building a soundproof head mask. Also rejected
but not because I have anything against medieval themes

Yes, I am a little desperate.

xyz wrote:

You mention acoustical foam and acoustical fiberglass. These materials
are for sound _absorbtion_ not sound proofing. There is a big
difference and this should be part of your research!

Good luck.


Michael Nickolas
www.studionineproductions.com

I've read on message boards that absolute soundproofing is
very difficult and expensive, so it's more reasonable to expect sound
reduction.

I was guessing that Michael was making this distinction, although,
technically, "sound absorbtion" would be required for either
sound reduction or complete soundproofing.

I'd appreciate an explanation on what he meant also.


KRusso6984 wrote:

You mention acoustical foam and acoustical fiberglass. These materials
are for sound _absorbtion_ not sound proofing. There is a big
difference and this should be part of your research!

Good luck.


Michael Nickolas

What is the difference between the two?

xyz wrote:
Thanks for the responses

The reason that I need to soundproof is that I have a
sleep disorder called night terrors where I scream in
my sleep. I feel really bad about disturbing my
neighbors.

Oh. Glad you pointed that out, I was going to suggest ear-plugs. Fifty
cents.

xyz wrote:

I'd appreciate an explanation on what he meant also.

Materials like fiberglass or acoustic foam will _absorb_ only certain
frequencies. Which frequencies absorbed depends on the thickness. For
example, two inch acoustic foam will absorb some mids and highs, but
any low frequencies will still pass through. These materials are used
to stop the sound reflections from bouncing around your room
(eliminating echo and creating a "deader" environment), but they wont
soundproof your room.

Sound _proofing_ materials are designed to stop all sound frequencies
from passing through. This is mostly done by mass. Thick concrete or
floating rooms (a room built in a room) come to mind.

There is lots of great information on this he

http://www.auralex.com/

Michael Nickolas

I'm still working on my window plugs (see posts
at the end of this post) but am moving
one step at a time to see how each step affects the
soundproofing. I'm not having much luck.

I started with two layers of foil insulation since
this helps with the heat insulation, acts as padding
to keep the plugs from damaging the window frame, and
might help to make things airtight. Also, I don't
have to paint the plugs since they're not exposed.

(BTW, foil insulation is terrific material--cheap,
light, easy to install, portable. Thanks for the
suggestion.)

I created boxes from 2x4's and plywood. I was
surprised that a layer of plywood offered almost
no help in containing sound.

I added three layers of sound absorbing board (which smells
very bad) interleaved with two layers of drywall. Although
I haven't filled in the cracks around the window plug, I'm
amazed at how much sound still passes through the window plug.
I can't believe that filling the cracks will make much difference.

My expectation was that a dense, airtight barrier would
contain sound by reflecting the sound waves back into
the room. Sound waves passing through the first barrier
would be partially absorbed by the sound board, and the
remaining wave would reflect back from the second layer of
drywall. Again, remaining waves would have to pass through
soundboard and would hit the plywood. This is about 3 inches
of material that a bullet might not penetrate.

I'm using this newsgroup post which describes the difference
between containing sound and absorbing sound, similar to the
post above.

http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=e...gh %404ax.com

It might help if I replaced the sound board with drywall
to increase the density, but I'm at my limit as far as
what I can lift.

Since I'm skeptical that ensuring that it's airtight will
help much, any other suggestions?

Also, any comments on why the plywood or my current plugs
aren't helping much?

Thanks

xyz wrote:

I want to do temporary soundproofing by making a window plug for
a 4' by 5' window, and I'd appreciate suggestions.

By "window plug" I'm referring to a box-like object filled with
insulation that provides both sound deadening and weather insulation
that I can set in the window frame.

xyz wrote:

Thanks for the responses

The reason that I need to soundproof is that I have a
sleep disorder called night terrors where I scream in
my sleep. I feel really bad about disturbing my
neighbors.