Soundproofing a Skylight
I have skylights and windows in my house. Most of the noise comes through the skylight, what can I do to fix the noise problem?
M.N.
M.N.,
This problem is much easier to fix than you might think. A skylight is obviously installed to be a light source and any acoustical fix is going to need to be as transparent as possible. Fortunately, we have a solution that most people will not notice, visually. Our Climate Seal™ Acoustic Series Window Inserts are custom made inserts or retrofit windows that you are able to install yourself, very easily. The windows are built with a perimeter bellows which frame a clear, 1/4″ thick acrylic sheet. The acrylic that we use is guaranteed never to yellow, and is nearly invisible.
The Climate Seal™ Acoustic Series Window Insert was originally designed to be a re-usable heat retention window. The acrylic was set into a bellows to allow the air between the two windows to expand and contract as the air heated and cooled. Because of this air tight seal, we realized that there was not only an incredible market for the thermal properties of the window, but also acoustically.
The installation procedure of the windows requires some measuring and filling out a simple measurement sheet. If at all possible, a few digital photos of your window(s) will greatly help me make the measuring easy for you. The windows will either sit as a flush mount on the exterior of the window or as an in-jamb mount which sits closer to the window – or within the jamb itself. The window is made to fit as needed, and I can explain this in more detail if you would like. Please feel free to call.
I’m sure you’re thinking what everyone thinks? “How do I know these windows will work, or at least how effective will they be” “And, what do they cost?”
The acoustical performance of the window will be very similar (if installed correctly) to two or three layers of sheet rock placed over the window – as if the window wasn’t there. The performance is going to depend on the frequency, or type of sound that is causing you the most trouble. The low rumble of a jet is going to make it through not only the window, but the entire structure more so than traffic noise simply due to the type of energy wave that we’re dealing with.
Cost? All of these windows are custom made to your exact window size and the type of mounting that will work best for your situation. I usually ballpark these windows at around $25.00 per square foot which does not include shipping – but am happy to take sizes and measurements and draft a quote for you. The windows will actually pay themselves off in 3-5 years due to the thermal efficiency increase – which greatly helps.
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Here are some pictures of a successful installation in the past:
3 Comments
Jacqueline Smith
I have a skylight that lets in a lot of traffic noise. How can I fix that?
Ted W
Jacqueline,
Thanks for the comment to the post! Skylights are often areas of a room that let in a significant amount of sound because it’s the area of the ceiling that has the least amount of mass and density. We have had quite a few customers install our climate-seal window inserts into skylight openings – usually level with the ceiling of the room. These are custom made, magnetic inserts that can do a great job of reducing the amount of sound that gets into the room. If you would like information or pricing, feel free to call and talk to one of our product specialists at 1-800-854-2948.
Thank you!
Jacqueline Smith
Hi Ted,
I have been reading that noise might be a problem around skylights if the shaft is poorly insulated. Would the window work if this is the case? Should I hire someone to check the insulation in the attic first?
Jacqueline