Can Installing Shutters Reduce Noise from Outside?

Installing shutters can reduce noise by blocking sounds and creating a barrier between you and the outside cacophony. Shutters insulate your home from incoming sound waves, making it more peaceful and quieter inside.

How Do Shutters Reduce Noise?

Shutters improve room aesthetics and muffle noises. By installing shutters, you can minimize outside noise and maximize the serenity in your home. They work by blocking sound reflections, which can help to reduce the amount of sound you hear indoors.

If you live on a busy street or deal with other annoyances, shutters are an excellent way to lower your daily noise exposure.

What Are Some Shutters that Reduce Noise?

If you are considering installing shutters, shutters are an excellent way to maximize sound reducing benefits.

Shutters that can help to reduce noise include:

Plantation Shutters

Plantation shutters will eliminate some noise, but they will not soundproof a room. The material’s thickness and the way the shutters are mounted will determine how much noise they can block.

These open and close like doors, so you can still get some ventilation and natural light in the room while they’re closed. Plantation shutters can be made in a variety of materials depending on your style, budget, and specific needs.

Hardwood Shutters

Hardwood shutters are the most expensive but also the best at reducing noise. Wood is an excellent insulator, which will help reduce noise transmission through your windows.

Although less expensive, you can find quality options that will still help keep things quiet.

Vinyl and Composite Shutters

Although wood is known to the more efficient sound blocker, vinyl shutters are very popular since they are the less expensive option and work well in high humidity locations, such as bathrooms.  Composite shutters are a specially made shutter that combines engineered wood with plastic to create a durable and cost effective option to all hardwood shutters.

Solid vs. Louvered Shutters

Solid shutters that are closed fully provide total window coverage. You can select from wood, vinyl, and composite based on what material best fits the style of your home. These are your best bet if you’re looking to reduce noise, even though they come at a higher price. 

Louvered shutters have slats that can rotate to allow more or less light into the room, depending on your needs. Good soundproofing is provided by these shutters when the slats are closed.

Your home’s shutters are essential to its aesthetic and play a functional role in controlling privacy and daylight. Choose the shutters that best fit your style, preferences, and budget.

What Are Some Other Considerations? 

Sound travels through any gaps in a room, so it’s crucial to ensure that you properly seal your windows. You can buy special window sealants at most hardware stores or use weatherstripping to close the gaps around your windows.

Install your shutters and cover the windows after you seal them. The additional layer of protection will help reduce noise, and shutters are easier to install and less expensive than replacing windows.

Shutters are a more permanent solution to noise pollution than temporary fixes like blankets or pillows. They are also much more attractive than traditional window treatments and can add value to your home.

Installing shutters in high-traffic areas or near noisy activities, such as construction work, train tracks, and aircraft traffic, may significantly minimize your sound exposure. Adding heavy or lined drapes in front of your shutters should really help make for a quiet room.  You can also look at adding thick carpeting to help absorb more sound and can always place additional insulation in your attic or roof to make for an even quieter space.

Plantation Shutters Could Help to Solve Your Noise Issues

Plantation shutters may be the answer if you’re looking for a way to improve your quality of life and reduce unwelcome noise in your home. Look for the highest quality materials and combine with drapes, carpeting and more insulation to help make your home a tranquil environment.