In this guide, I’ll take you through different ways on how to Soundproof a window cheap.
If you’ve been a follower of this online diary, I’m sure you already know that doors and windows are the biggest culprits in leaking outside noise into our houses.
Soundproofing windows alone can go a long way in reducing the amount of noise that enters your house- mainly airborne noise.
There are different methods you can implement to soundproof the windows. One of the most effective ways involves the installation of soundproof windows or double pane glass.
Unfortunately, these are not cheap options, and you should be prepared to fork out chunks of money.
On the other hand, there are cheaper alternatives that are effective as well, and that’s what this guide is dedicated to. Read on to find out different methods on how to Soundproof a Window Cheap
Related: Soundproof Film for Windows
A-List of Different Methods on How to Soundproof a Window Cheap
Below is a step by step guide on how you can soundproof your windows if you’re on a budget. While these may be considered as cheap hacks, it’s essential to know that they are effective.
However, they won’t get rid of the noise problem 100% but will reduce noise to manageable levels. Let’s get started:
1. Rearranging the furniture
This is the cheapest method to soundproof a window since what you require is physical strength to push the furniture to the window. You can use furniture like wardrobes, cupboards, or bookshelves.
The furniture dampens the sounds passing through the window by bouncing it off. However, you can only use this method if you don’t need natural light from outside.
The best side is that it is free, and it dampens a lot of noise that may be penetrating through the window.
2. Use soundproof curtains
Soundproof curtains absorb the sounds entering the room through the windows. The thicker and denser the curtains, the more the sounds absorbed. They absorb echo sounds reducing the effect felt inside the room.
Installation is simple; what you need is curtain rods to hang the curtains on. The curtain should be able to cover the entire window and extra width and length for maximum noise absorption.
The curtains not only block sounds but also shield you from excess light while in the room. They also improve the visual impression of your house since most of them look attractive and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Seal all the gaps around the windows
Windows might have some holes around them, especially the area where they are attached to the walls. Although these gaps may look tiny, they allow a lot of noise to penetrate your room.
There are easy ways you can deal seal the gaps, which include weather stripping and acoustic caulk. In weather stripping, you will need weather stripping tape. The tape is made from materials such as rubber, foam, silicone, and others.
You can choose which material you prefer depending on your windows. A closed-cell Foam Tape is a great weather stripping tape that serves as a good gap sealer. It is very cheap, airtight and waterproof. The tape is also durable and since it does not wear out easily.
The installation of the weather stripping tape is simple. What you have to do is clean the area you want to stick the tape then cut the tape depending on the size of your window.
You can then apply the strip to the four sides of the window. Repeat the entire process for all the windows in your house.
On the best side is that the strip prevents water leakage through the window and also gives protection from insects.
Acoustic caulk can also be used to seal the small gaps on your windows. The process of installing is easy and quick. Make sure you clean the surface you are applying first.
Dirt and dust interfere with the elasticity and curing time of the acoustic caulk.
When the surface is clean, the caulk will adhere better than when it is dirty. The acoustic caulk is more durable than the regular caulk and can serve you up to three years.
It is designed to be flexible, which keeps it free from shrinking.
4. Use soundproof blankets
Soundproof blankets work effectively in absorbing noise passing through the windows. The blankets are made with a dense and heavy material that work out well in soundproofing the window.
The soundproof blankets are more effective than regular blankets since they mostly made of cotton, fiberglass, or polyester.
Some blankets have grommets while other does not have. The grommets help you hang the blanket on to the rods on the windows. For those that do not have grommets, you can install them yourself or screw the blankets on to the wall.
There is a variety of these blankets in the market, and they come in a different color to choose the one that complements your room. The blankets also reduce the amount of light that penetrates your room.
5. Install thick material shades and blinds
Blinds and window shades can also be used in soundproofing windows. Those made with a thick material are the best since the thicker they are, the more sounds they block.
Installation is easy and quick, and they don’t require any special skills. You can combine this method with another one since the blinds and the shades do not block all the noise.
The good news is that the blinds and shades do reduce not only noise but also control the amount of light penetrating your room. Cordless Single Cell Shades work affectively and are thicker than the regular shades.
The above type of shades dampens and absorbs sound waves passing through the window since it is made of pure polyester. They also give you privacy and peace when resting in your house. The shades reduce both echo and all kinds of sounds entering through the window.
The shades come in different colors so you can choose the one that compliments your room. They improve the visual impression of your house.
6. Use Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are bulkier and thicker than the soundproof blankets. An example of the panels includes the Singer Safety Fiberglass Panel. As the name suggests, it is made with quilted fiberglass, which is a good sound barrier.
The material does not allow any sound waves to pass through; thus, they are good at reducing echo sounds and other kinds of noise on either side of the panel.
Installation is not hard since the panels have grommets on all sides. The grommets simplify the process since you have to hang them on the nails or hooks.
The close the panels are to the window, the more effective they are in sound absorption. If you find the panels not visually appealing to you, you can add curtains on them.
The acoustic panels are the most expensive method compared to the earlier discussed methods, but they work effectively.
7. Add an Extra Layer of Glass
Adding an extra glass can be hard, but it is quite useful in soundproofing. What you do is attach a piece of glass on the inside of the window.
Consider using an acoustic grade glass or a laminated glass for better results. Also, ensure that the newly applied layer holds to the existing glass tightly, leaving no space between them.
You will need special magnets to hold the glass sheet to the window frame. You can purchase a soundproofing window kit that comes with al tools needs when making your soundproof window.
The best thing is that the extra glass reduces the amount of light, and you can remove the glass when cleaning. On the downside is that the method is a bit costly and require more time and effort to install.
8. Install window DIY Window plug
It is possible to build a soundproof window plug on yourself. The materials to use are less costly, and they serve as noise blockers. You can remove them when the noise is gone.
First, measure the length and the width of the window before you cut the material. Make sure you cut extra inches on both dimensions to eradicate any air gap that may exist between the windowpane and the plug.
Then squeeze the material into the window’s frame. It will form a tight fit that will both block the noise from outside and insulate your room. Add a board to offer support to the plugs and add more mass on it.
The plugs not only block noise but also block some amount of light from penetrating your room.
Final Thoughts on How to Soundproof A Window Cheap
If you’re someone who enjoys a peaceful and quiet living, then soundproofing can improve your life if you live in a noisy neighborhood.
I hope you now know ways on how to soundproof a window cheap. However, if you’re not on a budget, I’d recommend the most effective methods, which involve installing soundproof windows. Also read: Top 5 Ideas on How to Break a Window Quietly
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.
Thanks for these tips! Great article by the way.