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).

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

Excellent
4.49 Average 1514 Reviews
Lyn K

I'm enjoying the units, however will need to wait until next year's colder weather to get a truer feel or read on how well they work - thanks

Posted 5 days ago
Glenn G

They work very well for my 3 Bedroom windows.easy to install.

Posted 1 week ago
Mike B

I purchased two Indow window inserts for two west-facing bedroom windows. These windows are exposed to the hot afternoon sun, making it difficult to cool the bedroom, and there is considerable outside noise. The Indow inserts work great at reducing the outside noise and keeping my bedroom cooler. I absolutely recommend Indow window inserts.

Posted 1 week ago
Ian W

Very professional from website to delivery and installation was well explained and easy. Noise reduction was quite noticeable and sealing from cold just as good if not better. Would recommend 100%.

Posted 2 weeks ago
Anonymous

Wonderful product

Posted 3 weeks ago
Tracie J

My husband and I can finally sleep all night without being woke up by outside noise! Indows are game changers if you live on a busy road, by a loud industrial business or just want a quieter inside environment. The customer service is pretty amazing too! Thanks Indow group for giving us back great sleep!!

Posted 1 month ago
Norbert M

fit perfect, weny in easyand make a diffrence with noise ,thank norbert

Posted 1 month ago
Jessica V

Easy DIY measuring, and an obvious immediate increase in warmth. Huge difference in a historic home with historic windows.

Posted 1 month ago
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.

Posted 2 months ago
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.

Posted 4 months ago
Catherine J

Noise reduction by at least 50%! I cannot hear most car that drives by now. My bedroom is so quiet! Thank you!

Posted 4 months ago
Walter M

Easy to order and install.

Posted 4 months ago
Dianne F

Window inserts help with sound since I live facing the street and the highway

Posted 5 months ago
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

Posted 5 months ago
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.

Posted 7 months ago