Buzz
If you're living in an apartment or a noisy neighborhood, soundproofing your windows makes perfect sense. But how can you reduce the noise to a comfortable level, especially if you're keen on DIY solutions to save money? We're here to assist you! This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the soundproofing solutions you need to create the quiet, peaceful home you desire.
Steps
Seal the gaps with soundproofing caulk
Soundproofing caulk can seal the gaps between the window frame and the wall. Clean the dirt off the window frame and apply the caulk at a 45-degree angle to seal any gaps where air could pass through. Use a butter knife or a spoon to smooth it out and allow it to dry. Sound will be blocked if air cannot flow through the gaps, and the caulk will double the soundproofing efficiency.
- If there is any old caulk stuck on the window, scrape it off with a putty knife before applying new caulk.
- This option is affordable, and you can do it yourself at home without hiring a professional. It's also a solution you can choose regardless of whether you own or rent your home.
Install door gap seals
Door gap seals not only block noise but also provide insulation for your home. These strips are typically made from foam, silicone, or rubber. Simply clean the area around the window frame before cutting the strips to fit the size of the window. Press them firmly to the window to seal any gaps that air might pass through.
- Although these gap seals are designed to block rain from entering the house, they are also highly effective in sealing gaps and soundproofing.
Rearrange furniture in your home
Place furniture around the window to naturally absorb noise. Soft furnishings with uneven surfaces are ideal for reducing sound. Position a sofa or cushioned chair near the wall with the window you wish to soundproof. A large, thick rug on the floor will also help absorb noise. Similarly, decorative wall hangings can also serve as effective soundproofing solutions.
- Sound will bounce off the hard surfaces of furniture placed in front of the window. While you could use a bookshelf or wardrobe to block the noise, this would obstruct the natural light coming through the window.
Hang soundproof curtains on the windows
Curtains help block noise from entering the home and reduce echo. The thicker the fabric, the better it absorbs sound. Installation is simple - all you need to do is hang your chosen soundproof curtains on curtain rods, ensuring that the curtains cover the entire window and the space on either side of the window frame. This way, the curtains will absorb sound to the maximum!
- Blackout curtains are also a great option to reduce both noise and light, as they are designed to help you sleep better.
Hang soundproof blankets on windows
Use blankets instead of specialized wall panels. Soundproof blankets are made from dense, tight materials such as polyester, fiberglass, cotton fabric, and mineral fiber, which are effective in sound absorption. Choose blankets that already have eyelets and use hooks or curtain rods to hang them on your windows.
Install thick window blinds
Honeycomb blinds are especially effective at blocking sound. The honeycomb design of these blinds helps with both soundproofing and insulation, preventing outside noise and shielding against extreme weather. Install these versatile blinds for soundproofing on each window.
- Another option is Roman fabric blinds, which reduce noise and add color to your home. While these have a flat structure (unlike the honeycomb design), their thick fabric can still block sound effectively.
- You can also combine soundproofing methods, such as hanging both blinds and soundproof curtains, to maximize noise reduction in your home.
- Some rental homes may already have blinds installed, so be sure to check with your landlord before trying this method.
Apply vinyl window film
Vinyl film acts as a covering adhesive on window glass to reduce noise. Simply cut the vinyl film to fit your window size and apply it. Most vinyl films or eco-friendly PVC sheets adhere to the surface via static cling, making them easy to apply, remove, and reuse when necessary.
- Vinyl film is effective because it minimizes vibrations on the window glass, which also helps reduce noise.
- There are various types of window films available in different colors, transparency, and opacity for your selection.
Hang soundproof panels around the window
Soundproof panels absorb noise on both sides of the window. This is a popular DIY solution if you wish to reduce indoor noise as well. Simply hang these soundproof panels on the walls in areas around the windows you want to soundproof. The soundproof materials are often made from thicker fiberglass fabric than curtains, specifically designed to reduce noise and echo.
- These soundproof panels usually come with pre-attached hanging loops, making them easy to install.
Install inserts inside the window frame
These are inserts that you can install inside your windows. High-quality inserts are typically made from tempered glass, with each piece custom-fitted to specific window sizes. Install these inserts just inside the window, about 12 cm from the glass surface. The gap between the window and the insert absorbs sound and prevents it from entering the house.
- These inserts can be quite expensive - usually priced between $300 and $500 (6 - 10 million VND) per window, but generally, they are cheaper than replacing the entire window with double-glazed soundproof glass.
- The inserts need to be screwed into place, so if you’re renting, make sure to ask your landlord before purchasing!
Consider installing a barrier in front of the window
Barrier types such as bushes or fences can disrupt incoming sound waves. If your house has a yard, you might consider installing a wooden fence to block out noise from the street. Another option is planting a hedge or a row of shrubs in front of the window; thicker plants block more sound. This is a convenient, environmentally friendly option, especially if you're also looking to beautify your garden.
- Unfortunately, this solution may not be feasible if you’re renting, especially on upper floors. However, if noise is a major issue, you can discuss it with your landlord.
Install double-glazed windows
Double-glazed windows are quite effective but also expensive. Double-glazed windows have been proven to reduce indoor noise levels by up to 50%, making them one of the most effective soundproofing solutions, while also providing insulation for your home. This option will help lower your energy bills in the long run, but it requires a significant upfront investment. If other DIY options aren’t cutting it, this is the way to go!
- You can also install triple-glazed windows to further improve noise reduction.
- Soundproof windows are another great (but pricey) option, blocking up to 95% of outside noise when replacing old windows.
- Finally, installing double-glazed windows is a decision for the homeowner if you’re renting. Suggest it to your landlord; they might agree if there’s no other way to mitigate the noise in your apartment.
