DIY Guide to Soundproofing Your Own Windows
If you’re a DIYer, you’re a problem solver. And one of the biggest problems in a home might be the most surprising: excessive noise. If you live on a busy street or in a high-traffic downtown area, you’re already familiar with the many sounds of a vibrant neighborhood.
But if you’re a renter or have a smaller budget, you might not want to splurge on something like window replacements or a sound engineer to tackle soundproofing your windows.
There are a few ways to improve the acoustic performance of the windows in your home. Here are some of the best strategies we’ve found for DIYers like you.
What You’ll Need for Soundproofing Windows
Before you dive into your noise-canceling project, there are a few steps to cover before you get to work (or purchase anything).
Measure and account for all of your windows.
Assess all of your windows and calculate the size of each frame. If you’re adding curtains to the design, you’ll want to measure the frame and account for the length and width of the curtain panels you want — and any hardware that you’ll have to install.
Consider the investment you’ll make.
There are a few headache-free, inexpensive ways to prevent noise from infiltrating your space. Ask yourself a few key questions about the project:
- Are you working with a smaller budget?
- Do you have the time to wait for new windows to be installed?
- Are you renting your home?
Maybe you need faster, more affordable, and more effective solutions than replacement windows. If the products you use are tested for effective soundproofing , you might not need to splurge on a full replacement.
Think about your soundproofing options:
There are products that will prevent noise in your space, but if you spend some time researching options, you’ll note that some offer other benefits to your home design. Think about your dream home and what you value most — are you after products that will last for decades? Do you want lots of natural light without the cooling bills? Want a more comfortable and energy-efficient home ? Some products might offer you more than a calming space, so think about all the benefits you want out of your DIY project.
Style and soundproofing can go hand in hand.
The products you use to soundproof should ideally complement the look and feel of your home’s design, whether you live in a modern or more traditional home. It’s important to note how old your home is, too. There are building codes that require specific window designs on historic homes, and replacing them might require permitting and a higher budget.
Soundproofing Solutions + Strategies
Let’s take a look at some soundproofing materials and products that will offer you options for noise cancellation — and solutions for a more comfortable home.
Not all materials and products will have the same impact on your space, so consider the kind of noise you’re trying to cancel out — whether it’s outside traffic, noise from a lobby or stairwell or your upstairs neighbors.
Here are a few options to consider, regardless of how you might need to reduce noise.
Noise-Canceling Curtains
Noise-reducing curtains and blinds offer a stylish solution for soundproofing your home and are often heavier than traditional curtains. You’ll have to ensure that the material is wide and long enough to cover the entire window for optimal soundproofing. These products are an inexpensive option for homeowners who want less noise in the home and a touch of style. The only catch? The curtains need to be closed in order to block noise and the cracks around the curtains will let some noise through.
Stylish Decor (and Plants!)
Plants, rugs, and other soft decor can help to absorb sound and prevent reverberation. These kinds of materials can add more sound protection and as a bonus, they’ll amp up the personality of your home without extending your budget too much.
Sound Barriers and Shutters
Adding products that act as sound barriers will also help to prevent outside noise, but require additional labor and a bit of remodeling. Adding shutters to your exterior window design also adds a layer of noise protection but comes with the challenge of installing them.
Installing an additional layer of drywall will keep out the noise throughout your entire space and amps up your home’s insulation, but it’s a solution that might require some demolition.
Window Inserts
Window inserts offer homeowners and renters an efficient and inexpensive solution for soundproofing, even if you live in a historic home. Indow window inserts provide up to 70% reduction in noise coming through your windows, and their insulative qualities can reduce energy consumption in the home by up to 20%.
A Quieter, Comfier Home
Whether you’re in an apartment building or historic home, there are a few ways to ensure your living space is comfortable and quiet for years to come.
Using solutions like window inserts from Indow also offer energy efficiency and UV protection to your interior design without blowing your budget. Check out even more tips for soundproofing and protecting your home from outside noise
Want to know more about optimal soundproofing for your home? You can get a free estimate for your project here. If you are ready to get started, you can order your inserts today!
Customer Reviews
4.49 Average 1505 Reviews
Anonymous
WE just took delivery of the two window inserts we ordered. they both fit perfectly. The most difficult part of the process was me trying to hold the laser measuring device still while taking the diaginal measurment! The Indow team was helpful and the ordering process was catch free. the finished product is just as they described. once installed, you can not even tell that they are there. I will warn you, if you have larger sizes they will come in a pretty large packing crate/box to protect them so be prepared. The only reason for 4 stars insted of 5 is they have just been istalled and we shall see how effective they are at reducing cold air, but they fit so snug that I anticipate they will be very effective. Just in time too, because our area is in a low temp/low wind chill pattern at the moment.
Craig F
The Indow I ordered was a perfect fit. It looks great and is an extremely well made product. The ordering process was seamless.
Catherine J
Noise reduction by at least 50%! I cannot hear most car that drives by now. My bedroom is so quiet! Thank you!
Walter M
Easy to order and install.
Dianne F
Window inserts help with sound since I live facing the street and the highway
Dianne
This is a 5 star company from beginning to end. I purchased the I inserts in 2017 because the bedroom on the second story faced the street. These are very effective for street noise. Noticed a problem on one of the windows recently and they quickly took care of it due to their warranty. Customer service personnel are very helpful. The price of the windows was acceptable for top quality of sleep and less noise during the day
Charles C
Recently purchased the acoustic window inserts for a couple of old windows facing a busy street and they've made a huge difference in terms of noise reduction! The measuring process was relatively easy with the laser measuring tool that Indow sent and the windows were delivered faster than expected. Martin was easy to work with and we would highly recommend Indow to those looking for window inserts.
Dean C
Installed noise canceling acrylic Indow window inserts to deal with the road noise at my condo, 4 lane state road is 40 feet from the condo. Expensive custom fit, but oh my gosh, they cut the noise by 75%! Decibel meter app I trust shows a 6 Decibel noise reduction, average Db over 30 minutes. Turns out 6 Db is letting only 25% of noise through! I am one happy camper…
Harry T
The Indow team was great from start to finish! They were very clear about each step. After installing the inserts my home has been significantly while still preserving the fabulous city views. For anyone who lives in a noisy street or city like NYC I would highly recommend it. Leave the chaos outside and come home to piece and quiet.
Paula S
From start to finish, we were very pleased with our rep, Reed, and the other staff at the PDX will call! The inserts themselves are stupendous! We purchased six total for the noisiest, road side(s) of our home. The outcome was beyond our expectations! Not only did the three rooms that bordered the road become at least 70% quieter, the other end of our home did as well! I cannot recommend Indow inserts more! The technology makes sense to add the inserts rather than purchasing new windows. Great results and thank you! Paul and Paula Spilsbury
JD
Brian was very helpful & informative. He helped me order the correct windows for my needs. They were shipped with the utmost of care & arrived ahead of schedule. Ultimately, the Indow Windows have been very helpful in muffling unwanted noises & they have helped save on our energy costs. Thank you, Indow Window!
Cynthia M
Very happy with the reduction in noise. Easy to install and use. Great customer service.
Juli E
We are thrilled with our Indow window inserts! I'd been on the lookout for a more permanent solution to leaky windows in our third floor living space. I discovered Indow on social media but since then have learned of friends who'd had Indow recommended to them by their rennovation contractor. The entire process went smoothly with friendly reps at hand to talk through questions during measuring, etc. They fit perfectly and help us to maintain the beautiful design of the windows on our 100 year old home! Highly recommend!!
Jen F
Worth the money!
Elizabeth H
For townhouse living, this solved my problem with noise from my neighbor's with my kitchen window. A considerable decrease of noise indeed! Measurements were a bit frustrating so I recommend using a laser measurement device and following directions to use a string for the diagonal. They look great and were easy to push into place. I highly recommend as an alternative to buying a new window.