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 1491 Reviews
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.
Anonymous
Easy to install, and instantly stopped drafts and dampened outside noises very effectively!
Robert C
The process could've been smoother with the sending of the measuring kit. There was a delay with weather in Oregon but then it felt like my kit was still delayed due to other reasons. Most new homes (like mine) have textured paint and it can also be inside your window frames. I measured everything out but I still have little tiny gaps due to the texturing. Not indows problem but just be aware you made need to sand or fill in those gaps yourself to get a perfect seal. I did the acoustic grade inserts and they have reduced some noise but they will not completely block or significantly reduce road noise. This is most apparent with deep or lower frequencies like truck exhausts or modified street racing cars that are quite popular these days. Taking the inserts out to open your windows isn't an easy task. The little metal hook they provide needs to be either bigger or you can attach something to it as a way to leverage yourself. Overall the process was average. I think they're definitely a good option for weatherproofing and some sound reduction depending on the type of windows you have. I would purchase again.
Shelley C
The process for ordering and installing the Indow Widnow inserts was so easy. They sent the measuring information and it had great instructions. The inserts were delivered by UPS was crushed on one corner, but the company had packed them well, so there was no damage. We installed them the same day. It works best if you have two people completing the installation. We felt the results immediately and are glad we spent the money to make our home just a little more efficient.
Barry B
The insert fits like a glove and insulates the window! No more frost and condensation on the interior of the window! Thank you for an easy, effective and attractive fix!
Susan A
The support during the entire process was wonderful, thank you so much for the extra quiet space!
Volodymyr R
Very good good quality. Overall very satisfied with this product and service. Thanks
Jane H
Our home was built in 1913 and has beautiful old wavy glass single-paned windows. I’m so glad we were told about Indows and didn’t have to replace the original windows. We live in Canada but had no difficulty placing the order and were very impressed by how accurately the company met its deadlines, including cross border delivery. The Indows inserts blend in perfectly with our home and the existing window frames. You don’t see them unless you’re actually looking for them. But what we did notice was how much warmer the rooms feel the minute the inserts were installed! I can’t speak to any heating bill savings because they just went in this week, but our home feels much, much cozier. Our contractor who took all the measurements and installed the Indows says: “Excellent instructional videos: clear and informative. Very impressed with the design and the product. Overall, the ease of installation is quite impressive. Working with all the staff at the company was great – everyone was very helpful.” I’m already recommending this company to any of my friends who live in drafty older homes and want to reduce their heating/cooling bills and do some good for the environment.
Anonymous
Don't be afraid of buying an older home with single pane windows. This company has you covered. Their inserts are super high quality and fit well thanks to the laser measuring kit they send. Highly recommended!
Katie M
We purchased three Indows to reduce drafts and noise in our bedroom, which faces the street. The improvement was immediate. Our house was built in 1958 and although we have exterior storm windows we didn't want to replace the windows outright due to cost and architectural consistency. These were an excellent solution.
Matthew L
Indow inserts were easy to measure, order and install. They've provided great insulation for old single-pane and stained glass windows in an antique home. We can significantly feel how much better the home holds heat.
Ellis W
I ordered two Indow inserts for my home. They are doing a great job, entirely happy with them and the ordering process.
Elizabeth W
I can't say enough good things about this product and company. Our house is 101 years old and the sidelites next to our front door are single pane ancient wavy glass which means when it gets very cold (Chicago temps) we can have an inch of frost covering the INSIDE of our windows. I was desperately searching for a solution so our front vestibule was not so cold and a friend recommended Indow. The process could not have been simpler and the temperature difference it has made is off the charts.