
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
Charles T
Working with Indow has been a great experience from start to finish. They answered all our questions & guided us through the whole process. We ordered 15 inserts & they have reduced the Highway noise that we were experiencing after buying our house. A great product & innovative company.
Sue W
I live 20 feet from a busy road with lots of trucks. We almost didn't buy the house because of the noise. my house is the perfect candidate for indows. After installing them (myself. .. directions were so easy) we can barely hear any trucks noise at all. Indies live up to their claim and has made a huge difference.
Richard H
I am very pleased with the noise reduction and heat-trapping effects of my Indow inserts. I bought three small inserts as an experiment for the noisiest part of the house all year round, and where it's cold in winter. They have done beautifully well in sealing out both noise and heat. My only issue has been to get one of them installed perfectly straightly on one side, but it was done in a difficult location and isn't that important. They are also quiet expensive, but I may get a federal tax rebate on them.
Hee D
It could have been better if the pallet was collected after the delivery. Also the inserts are more beneficial for picture/fixed windows rather than open windows. The price of insert are expensive.
Larry S
I was pleasantly surprised how well the appearance after installation, perfectly clear, plus reduce the noise from the outside more than I expected. I would definitely recommend anyone looking for noise reduction to consider these. I will be purchasing more as time goes on, thank you Indow
Anonymous
Called about price $1000.00 For 2 small windows asked about energy savings? They said no guarantees depending on location and almost other factors, why would I spend that money w no guarantees
Christie R
It has cut down noise tremendously and is definitely more efficient with keeping our cooling in and heat out this summer.
William U
Indow is a trendsetter in eCommerce. They make the entire process of ordering, purchasing, and installing their product very easy for any walk of life; and, their communication processes are excellent. The inserts I purchased and installed were just as described. They are effectively blocking soundwaves, but not vibration, which was discussed during my initial call with an Indow Representative. I would recommend Indow window inserts to a friend.
Anonymous
Our window inserts have decreased road noise in our bedroom by 75 percent which we are very pleased with. The whole process was extremely simple and organized. Everyone we dealt with was professional and helpful. The inserts were simple to install and I would recommend to others.
Jeanne S
They make it easy to measure and install and it does reduce the noise as I live next to a busy highway. I am happy with the purchase.
Ivan L
We have a multi-story building construction next block that starts at 7 a.m. daily and a busy street a few blocks away. Before the insert was in place in our bedroom, we heard every piece of construction equipment there, including the obnoxious beeps from vehicles backing down in the lot, and all of the emergency vehicles passing by on the avenue. Now, this sounds like something happening twenty blocks away, barely noticeable. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement from day one of the insert installation.
Stan B
All fit as planned and are good
Cassie M
Overall very easy process from ordering to install. Was just hoping that the sound dampening would have been a little better.
Dan C
Effective and frequent communication from Indo Window starting with the order process, through production and post-delivery. The insert fit was excellent, fitting snuggly. The panel is quite effective in reducing noise. My wife was sleeping in the basement due to traffic noise. She is able to sleep in her bedroom again. Overall an excellent experience!
Lynett P
Great product. Arrived a bit dirty.