Skylights are a useful feature in your home. They can save you money by letting in daylight which will help you with your electricity bill. One major drawback though is it creates a weak spot for sound to travel in from.
Here are ways you can reduce the unwanted sound without losing the benefit of having a skylight. To help you decide on the best way to move forward I’ve looked at the benefits of skylights and their disadvantages. Solutions may be window inserts/frames, or glazed windows.
Benefits of skylights
You may be thinking of getting rid of your skylight altogether but consider this before you do. Skylights enhance your home’s aesthetics. Which is probably why most people get them in the first place. They provide natural light and in some cases can also provide ventilation. Some models have rain sensors or are remote-controlled too. And it adds to the resale value of your home.
Disadvantages of skylights
Although energy saving is possible with a skylight you can cause your home to lose heat as well. This happens when the hot air rises and if your skylight is not completely airtight. Water condensation may occur as well. Leakage is also a problem if you don’t have that airtight seal on your skylight, in fact, its easily the most common complaint about skylights.
Soundproofing options
Check interior joints around the skylight
Inspect accessible interior trim and stationary joints around the skylight shaft for gaps that allow airborne sound to bypass the glazing. A compatible acoustic sealant, such as Green Glue Noiseproofing Sealant, may be suitable for some fixed interior joints when used according to the product instructions. Green Glue Noiseproofing Compound is a different damping product for use between rigid layers.
Do not caulk exterior flashing, drainage channels, factory glazing seals, or moving parts of a venting skylight. Roof leaks, condensation and failed seals require skylight-specific assessment. Preserve ventilation and emergency-opening functions.
Skylights require model-specific sealing details. Do not fit generic door weatherstripping to the glazing edge or alter factory seals, drainage channels, roof flashing or moving parts. If you suspect a gap around the interior shaft, have a skylight installer distinguish an interior trim gap from a failed weather seal before adding material.
Interior skylight shades versus curtains
Heavy blackout curtains can absorb some reflected sound in ordinary rooms, but a curtain made for a vertical window is not necessarily safe or suitable for an overhead skylight. Use a shade approved for the specific skylight model and slope when light control is needed. See our curtain guide for standard window applications.
Do not assume a particular STC rating or fixed loudness reduction without test results for the complete installation. Avoid improvised overhead fabric or fittings that could fall or obstruct a venting sash.
A custom interior secondary-glazing panel or insert may reduce noise by creating another separated layer, but an overhead installation must be designed for its weight, secure mounting, condensation risk and required access. Unlike ordinary vertical window inserts, skylight panels need specialist assessment. Do not obstruct ventilation, cleaning access or emergency egress.
Another option is a skylight model or manufacturer-approved glazing assembly with documented acoustic performance. Multiple panes alone do not guarantee superior isolation: pane thickness, interlayers, frame seals and installation all matter. Have a qualified skylight installer assess glazing compatibility, weatherproofing and safety before replacement.
If you are interested in simply changing to soundproof windows, you can see my blog on these windows. This would require you to replace your current windows completely.
So, where do you find these windows? The global marketplace offers up many possible merchants. Alibaba.com provides many such merchants all in one place. @Pro Building Material company is one such verified merchant that can customize soundproof sash windows for you.
Conclusion
Skylights provide useful daylight, but noise reduction begins with identifying whether sound travels through the glazing, frame or surrounding shaft. Address suitable interior gaps without disturbing roof waterproofing. For greater isolation, seek tested skylight-specific glazing or professionally designed secondary glazing; no retrofit makes every skylight completely soundproof.
Good luck and happy soundproofing!