Soundproof Windows Cost | Replacement Windows Prices
Home » Window Pricing » Soundproof Windows Cost
Homeowners can expect soundproof windows cost to range from $150 to $2500 fully installed. Why the MASSIVE price range? The answer lies in the variety of options that homeowners have in tackling soundproofing their home windows.
There are very simply solutions such as plugs, more intermediate options such as inserts, and of course expensive options such as soundproof replacement windows. We'll will detail each option and provide some ballpark pricing for each. You can also check out our homeowner question and answers section found at the bottom of the page.
-- Price Range: $150 to $2,500 installed --
Soundproof Window Inserts
Soundproof window inserts are placed either on the inside or inside of an existing window and work to deaden much of the outside sound. More often than not, the insert goes on the inside of the window since there is often more room to work with. In some cases, how the insert looks to the homeowner will play a role in whether it goes on the outside or inside of the existing window.
Insert frames are usually a vinyl, fiberglass or wood frame that has a thick pane of glass that is actually two panes with a thin laminated film in between to help soundproof. Inserts can be relatively cheap vinyl frames to the more expensive fiberlgass frames or even a very nice looking wood frame.
-- Price Range: $300 to $800 fully installed --
Window Insert Disadvantages
While there are advantages to inserts (they are MUCH less expensive than full replacements), there are also some disadvantages. First, they can only be used if the existing window is in good to decent shape. If the window unit is in a state of disrepair, it should probably be completely replaced to prevent any further water damage. While there are some custom insert options, not all inserts will match the existing windows - causing them to look awkward. As well, not all inserts will fit perfectly inside the window opening.
Soundproof Replacement Windows
Soundproofing replacement windows are well made and constructed windows that can be very expensive to purchase. These units will typically have an STC rated of 40 to 50, which is a measure of how much sound they block. There are a number of ways that manufacturers achieve this, the main one being the amount of space between the two panes of glass. Normal replacements will have a distance of 1.5", while soundproof windows will have 2.5" to 3" of space between the panes.
This space between the panes is where much of the sound is effectively killed. Manufacturers also use different glass thickness between the two panes - for instance a .50" and .75" thick glass. The glass may be laminated, which blocks sound and UV rays and adds to the cost of the unit. High quality glazing, seals, spacers, glass fills and frames help to create a very solid window unit that all work together to keep out as much noise as possible.
-- Price Range: $1500 to $2,500 fully installed --