How to Soundproof Window from Traffic Noise | 5 Quick Fixes That Work

I know why you landed on this webpage; you want to learn how to soundproof window from traffic noise, right?

If you live in a noisy neighborhood next to a busy street, you will agree with me that at times it gets hectic because you can’t have some quiet time to relax or sleep. 90% of the times noise makes its way through the gaps on your window or doors and learning how to reduce traffic noise coming through the window is very important. Below are some of the hacks I’ve tried in my home to reduce road noise in my house.

1. Use noise reducing curtains

 Soundproofed curtains are not the typical curtains you will found on the internet or your local Walmart store. These curtains are designed to muffle unwanted sounds coming through your windows.  Here is a review of 10 noise reducing curtains you can find on Amazon.  They are made of heavy and close-knit fabric to ensure that they block outside sounds including traffic noise. When buying such curtains, make sure that they extend all the way down to the floor and that they are a couple of inches wider than the window. Additional benefits offered by such curtains include heat insulation, and they help block out light from penetrating to your room. I would recommend these Nicetown Noise Blocking Curtains available on Amazon.

2. Seal all the gaps

The main culprit behind a “noisy window” is the gaps. You might invest in one of the most expensive noises blocking curtains, but the truth is that- if there are gaps on the window- road noise will still find its way inside your house. To ensure that your windows are airtight, it’s time to seal them.

You have different options when it comes to sealing the window and below are some of the different methods that work.

a) Weatherstripping

 One of the simplest methods in dealing with those small gaps on the window is the use of self-adhesive weatherstrip foam.  A good example is Keeping Fun Indoor Weather Strip; I use it for my soundproofing projects.  Most of these weatherstrips have a self-adhesive surface, so there’s no need to use glue.

b) Caulking

Caulk is very cheap and readily available. As long as you can draw a nozzle in a straight line, then caulking will be a walk in the park. You can use this Flex Shot Rubber Adhesive Sealant Caulk to seal the small gaps on the window. The only major problem with caulk is that it is prone to mold and will only last you a few years and before it begins to crack.

c) Try pulley seals

You should consider using pulley seals to block the air that escapes through the window cords.  You can seal the gaps by applying either of the methods mentioned above. Regardless of the method you use, be rest assured that it’ll work.

3. Try Soundproof Blankets

 I know this sound crazy, but because I know how it pains not to be able to get a peaceful night sleep due to road noise, using soundproofed moving blankets can help. But remember that I only recommend using a moving sheet in your bedroom. Installing the in your sitting room might interfere with the aesthetic beauty/appeal.

But you’re probably wondering, how can a simple moving blanket block out sound?  Let me explain to you how it works. Professional movers use moving blankets to wrap up furniture to prevent damage when transporting. These blankets can protect furniture from damage because they’re made of heavy, dense material like polyester, woven cotton, mineral wool, and fiberglass. The rule of thumb in soundproofing is that the denser the material, the better it is in sound deadening. Always go for blankets with grommets to make the installation process much easier.

You can try out these Sure-Max Moving & Packing Blankets, and if you’ve got some blanket without grommets, you can try these curtain grommets.

4. Try some material blinds

 Just like sound deadening blankets and noise-reducing curtains, material blinds will help reduce traffic noise in the room. They will also help reduce the impact of echoes in the room. However, for starters, it’s vital to buy blinds made of thick and heavy materials. For example, I went with these Calyx Interiors Cordless Honeycomb for my bedroom. They have helped in sound absorption but not to the level I expected. Though don’t expect them to be 100% efficient. Unlike blackout curtains, these blinds will still allow some light to penetrate inside the room. So I would recommend them for anyone wishing to block out sound but still have some light inside the room.

5. Soundproof Window Inserts

Also, know as window plug, soundproofing window insert is a frame designed to make the window airtight. It made of sponge or foam.

Nose reducing window inserts are convenient because you can plug them in when the need be and also remove them when not needed and due to this reason they’re ideal for temporary soundproofing.

Not only can you use window inserts to soundproof to reduce road noise, but you can also use them to soundproof your garage or practice room such that you’ll only use them when practicing or using the garage for “noise making” activities.  You can use this Acoustic Panel Studio Foam to make window inserts for smaller windows.

6. Use Double Panes

Only go for this option if you’ve got some decent amount of money to invest in soundproofing windows. Double window panes will reduce the amount of noise up to 60%, and as a bonus, the panes will offer heat insulation benefits.

Conclusion

That’s it folks, different methods on how to soundproof a window from traffic noise. Which method would find perfect for soundproofing your windows? I’ve tried a couple of techniques I mentioned above, and I’m quite satisfied with the result. But it’s important to note that these methods won’t completely block out unwanted noises, but they will reduce to manageable levels.