Soundproof windows to prevent noise

If you live in an apartment or a noisy neighborhood, soundproofing your windows is understandable. But how can you reduce the noise to a comfortable level, especially when you prefer to do it yourself to save money? We are here to help you! This comprehensive guide will give you all the soundproofing solutions for the quiet and peaceful home you desire.

Table of Contents

Seal the gaps with soundproof sealant

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Soundproof glue can seal the gaps between the window frame and the wall. Wipe away dust and dirt on the window frame and apply soundproofing glue evenly at a 45-degree angle, sealing any gaps where air can enter. Use a butter knife or spatula to smooth down and wait for the glue to dry. Sound will be blocked if air cannot get through the openings, and the sealant will double the sound insulation. ^{[1] X Research Source}

If there is still old sealant on the window, be sure to peel it off first with a plaster knife before applying new glue.
This option is inexpensive and you can do it yourself at home, without hiring a professional. You can also choose this solution no matter where you live (in your own home or rented.)

Attach the door slit guards

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The door gap strips both prevent noise and insulate the house. These barriers are usually made of foam, silicone or rubber. You just need to clean around the window frame before cutting the door slits to fit the size of the window. Press down firmly to stick to the window and seal any gaps where air could get in. ^{[2] X Research Source}

Although slit barriers are designed to block rain from entering the house, they are also very effective at blocking openings and soundproofing.

Rearrange the furniture in the house

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Place furniture around windows as natural noise absorbers. Soft furniture pieces with uneven surfaces are perfect for reducing noise. Place the sofa or sofa close to the wall with the window that you want to soundproof. A wide, thick rug on the floor will also help absorb noise. ^{[3] X Research Sources} Similarly, tapestries hung on the wall are also effective in soundproofing.

The sound will bounce off the surfaces of hard furniture placed in front of the windows. You can use a bookshelf or dresser to block out the noise, but that will take away the natural light coming in through the windows. ^{[4] X Research Sources}

Hanging soundproof curtains on the windows

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Curtains help block noise from entering your home and reduce echoes. The thicker the carpet, the better the alcohol absorption. Installation is also simple – all you need to do is hang the soundproof curtains you like on the curtain rods, remembering that the curtains should cover the window and the space on either side of the frame. Thus the curtains will absorb the sound to the maximum! ^{[5] X Research Sources}

Blackout curtains are also a good choice for reducing noise and light, as they are designed for a good night’s sleep.

Hang a soundproof blanket on the window

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Use blankets instead of specialized boards. Soundproof blankets are made of thick, tight materials, including ppyester, fiberglass, cotton and mineral wool that absorb noise. Choose blankets that already have loops and use hooks or curtain rods to hang them on the windows. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

Install thick curtains on the windows

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Honeycomb curtains are particularly effective at blocking sound. The honeycomb shape of the curtains provides sound and thermal insulation to the windows, which not only helps block outside noise but also protects against extreme weather. Install these multi-purpose curtains to soundproof each window. ^{[7] X Research Sources}

Another option, Roman-style fabric curtains have the ability to reduce noise and add color to the house. Although it has a flat texture, (unlike a honeycomb structure), with a thick fabric, this curtain can effectively block out noise.
You can also combine soundproofing measures, such as hanging curtains and soundproof curtains to increase the effectiveness of noise reduction for the house.
Some rentals also have pre-installed blinds, so you may want to ask your landlord before trying this.

Window glazing with vinyl film

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Vinyl film acts as a window film and reduces noise. You just need to cut the vinyl film to fit the window size and stick it in place. Most eco-friendly vinyl film or PVC sheet adheres to the adhesive surface by electrostatic attraction, so it’s easy to stick, peel, and reuse when needed. ^{[8] X Research Sources}

Vinyl film is effective because it minimizes vibration on the window panes, which in turn also helps to reduce noise.
There are many types of window film with different colors, transparency and opacity for you to choose.

Hang soundproof panels around the windows

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Soundproof panels absorb noise on both sides of the window. This is a common solution that you can do yourself if you want to reduce noise in the house. Hang these soundproof panels on the walls in the spaces around the windows that you want to soundproof. Soundproof panels are usually made of fiberglass fabric that is thicker than curtains to reduce noise and echoes. ^{[9] X Research Source}

These soundproof panels are usually fitted with hanging rings, so you can hang them yourself easily.

Install the inserts inside the window

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These are sliding panels that you can install inside windows. High-quality inserts are typically made of tempered glass, each custom-fitted to a specific window. Install these panels just inside the window, about 12cm from the glass surface. The space between the window and the insert will absorb the noise and prevent it from entering the house. ^{[10] X Research Source}

These inserts can be quite expensive – typically around $300 – $500 per window, but in general it’s still cheaper than replacing the entire window with soundproof double-glazed glass.
These inserts require screws to be installed, so if you’re a tenant, ask your landlord before you buy!

Set up barricades should be outside in front of the window

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Barriers such as bushes or fences can disrupt incoming sound waves. If your home has a yard, you might consider installing a wooden fence to block out street noise. Another way is to plant a hedge plant or a row of bushes in front of the window; The thicker the tree, the more noise it can block. This is a convenient and eco-friendly option if you’re also looking to spruce up your yard. ^{[11] X Research Source}

Unfortunately, this solution may not be feasible if you are living in a rented house, especially on the upper floors. However, you can still tell your landlord if noise is a big problem.

Installation of double-glazed windows

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Double-glazed windows are quite effective but also quite expensive. Double-glazed windows have been proven to effectively reduce indoor noise levels by up to 50%, making it the most effective soundproofing solution, while also helping to insulate the house. This solution will help you reduce your electricity bill in the long run, but it will cost you a lot of money to install. If other simple homemade options don’t work, go for this one! ^{[12] X Research Source}

You can also install 3-layer windows to increase their effectiveness against unwanted noise.
Soundproof windows are also a good (but expensive) option, blocking out 95% of outside noise when you replace old windows.
Ultimately, installing double-glazed windows is a landlord’s decision if you’re a tenant. Make suggestions to the landlord; they may agree if there is no other way to reduce the noise in the apartment.

Steps