Soundproofing sash windows

[Me!]

Has anybody had any success with any DIY methods of reducing road noise through large Georgian sash windows please?
This is in a rented flat (and probably it is listed as well) so replacing windows is definitely not on the agenda, and even adding solid secondary glazing is probably uneconomical for the time period of the rental.

I was thinking more of sound-deadening curtains, or that cling-film type of secondary glazing. Or has anybody tried making something like roller blinds but using carpet underlay or sound deadening foam / felt? But will any of them actually make any noticeable difference?

Thank you.

 

[Feltwell]

I've found just draughtproofing the windows well makes a difference. I put new parting beads in with brush seals, new staff beads also with brush seals, rout a carrier into the meeting rail for a brush seal and put compression seals on the top of the top and bottom of the bottom sash. A very discrete way of draughtproofing. But - for a rented flat, not an option I guess.

I was using acrylic secondary glazing, held on with magnetic strips. This also made a good difference to noise but was just too much of a pain to live with - firstly they tended to rattle in high winds (admittedly on windows that I hadn't draughtproofed yet) and secondly they're a pain to store in summer without scratching them when you want to open the windows. However, depending on exactly how your windows are fitted, there are various ways of fitting these. As to if a temporary film type would have the same effect, I don't know. I guess that any kind of heavy fabric in front of the window would help a bit at night

Is the landlord willing to do anything?

 

[Abi Cott]

Curtains are great, when they're closed!, pay particular attention to how far they overhang the wall on either side. I'd be aiming for 6"/150mm.

I've used the film a lot in the past, and whilst I've been very pleasantly surprised by its thermal properties, I don't think it has much of an effect on sound.

I'd be looking at the acrylic secondary glazing options, targeting them on the rooms where sound is the greatest issue (to reduce costs) and paying particular attention to the width of the airgap between the glass and the acrylic, because from my research so far that can be critical. There appears to be such a thing as too wide a gap as well as too small, though I can't yet be definitive on the numbers for that. I'm still researching it

 

[88v8]

Spacing.... about 4" is optimal.
Beyond that the gain reduces, and thermal currents within the glazing space will sabotage the heat saving.

As Feltwell says, just draughtproofing will make a big difference. A lot of noise can come through a small hole.
And yes, heavy curtains, overlapped as the sides and, if applicable, in the middle. For a rental, eBay may be your friend, as heavy curtain fabric can be expensive to buy new.

Ivor