Get matched with top window pros in Hurlock, MD

No, windows cannot be made 100% soundproof. Even the most advanced setups still allow some sound to pass through because windows are designed to let in light and are not completely sealed from the outside. While you cannot achieve complete silence, significant noise reduction is possible, with some noise-reduction windows blocking up to 95% of outside noise.

The goal is to minimize air gaps, add mass, and reduce vibration. To block out as much noise as possible, consider hiring a professional to install new double-pane, triple-pane, or laminated windows. You can further enhance soundproofing with airtight seals, glass inserts, shutters, or sound-dampening curtains. With the right upgrades, you can block out traffic, neighbors, and other city noise to a much quieter level.

Casement windows can either be left or right opening, and every window manufacturer makes both so that you can choose which works best for your space. In many cases, you’ll want one left-opening and one right-opening casement window to sit on either side of a picture window or to act as the side panels in a bay window. Just remember that the direction is described from the curb. An FCL (from the curb left) hinges out to the left if you’re looking at the exterior of your home, and an FCR (from the curb right) hinges out to the right.

The type of casement window you have depends on where the hinges are located, the number of sashes, the style, and how the windows open. Single casement windows are popular casement windows that use a handle or crank to open. If you have two casement windows side by side, you likely have double casement windows. 

Windows that swing inward can tip you off to having in-swing casement windows, while windows that open from the bottom and swing outwards are top-hinged. If you can open your windows by pushing them outwards like a door, you may have a type of push-out window.

There are several ways to reduce noise coming through your windows. You can seal gaps around the window frames with acoustic caulk or fresh weatherstripping to reduce noise and air leaks. Installing sound-dampening curtains, thick blinds, or shades can also help deaden sound vibrations. For an additional interior barrier, consider installing an acrylic or plexiglass sheet inside the window, which stifles sound while still allowing for outdoor views. Another strategy is to add external barriers, like dense shrubbery or a sturdy fence, to block neighborhood noises. If these methods are not effective enough, it might be time to install new noise-canceling windows.