Multiple-leaf problem and soundproofed windows

Hi! I'm trying to sound proof a (semi)basement room and have a question regarding the windows. There already exist a window that were bought as "soundproof", but it can as best be described as semi-soundproof... My first plan was to make a window-plug, but it would be nice to get some sunlight into the room too. I was thinking about following the recipe outlined in Rod Gervais' book and do something like sketched below: http://www.johnlsayers.com/phpBB2/files/soundproof_window_th_200.gif But how (much) does the problem of multiple leafs apply to this?

As you figured out already it's a multi leaf construction. 4 to be precise and just like walls; it ain't optimal. Why not use thicker panes of glass, laminated for example (like Rod mentions in his book). Use 2 panes of laminated glass and yer a lot saver. If the previous (current) window is constructed out of 2 panes, rip it out and replace it with heavier (thicker) glass if you like.

Ripping out the existing window is, unfortunately, not an option in my case. Do you think the sketched solution would perform worse than if there were no outer window at all? Would you recommend using one (very) thick laminated panel of glass instead of two quite thick panels for the inner window?

What's your exact construction at this momen? 2 leafs? Sometimes you've gotta work with what you got....

RuneW wrote:

My first plan was to make a window-plug, but it would be nice to get some sunlight into the room too. I was thinking about following the recipe outlined in Rod Gervais' book and do something like sketched below: But how (much) does the problem of multiple leafs apply to this?

It applies the same as every where else....... It doesn't make sense to add 2 panes of glass in that one location - So just add one. Make it a very thick piece of Laminate (3/4") and it should be fine based on what else you appear to be doing. Rod

Ro wrote:

What's your exact construction at this momen? 2 leafs? Sometimes you've gotta work with what you got....

As of today I've only got the "raw basement" (or the grey right hand side of my sketch), with the existing window. I'm about to build a room within a room based on 2x4 studs (the left hand part of the sketch).

rod gervais wrote:

RuneW wrote:

My first plan was to make a window-plug, but it would be nice to get some sunlight into the room too. I was thinking about following the recipe outlined in Rod Gervais' book and do something like sketched below: But how (much) does the problem of multiple leafs apply to this?

It applies the same as every where else....... It doesn't make sense to add 2 panes of glass in that one location - So just add one. Make it a very thick piece of Laminate (3/4") and it should be fine based on what else you appear to be doing. Rod

Ok, Rod, that makes sense. I'll start looking for such a piece of glass right away. Thanks!

Sorry to chime in chaps, but I'm gonna says many thanks Rod as well, since I'm just about to embark on the same window area/scenario as shown, and would doubtless have made an unnecessary, (and over expensive), mistake! :oops: Good luck with your build Rune - we'll all be watchin' :wink: Regards, Lou. 8)

Lou wrote:

Sorry to chime in chaps, but I'm gonna says many thanks Rod as well, since I'm just about to embark on the same window area/scenario as shown, and would doubtless have made an unnecessary, (and over expensive), mistake! :oops: Good luck with your build Rune - we'll all be watchin' :wink: Regards, Lou. 8)

Thanks, Lou, although I'm not sure how interesting it would be to follow my build as it is a home theater and not a studio. I can keep you updated on the window-build if you'd like though...