How to Block Road Noise Heard Through a Window

When your window faces a busy street, it can sound like cars are driving through your home. Single-paned glass transmits sound much better than insulated walls, making the window a weak point in blocking outside sounds from entering. One option is to professionally replace the window with a double-paned sound-blocking unit, but that is costly. Take a less expensive route and reduce the road noise significantly by making a window plug to break up and diffuse the sound waves after they hit the glass.

Tape measure
Soundproof mat foam roll, 2 inches thick
Utility scissors
Fiber board
Hand saw
Contact cement
Sound-reducing blinds or curtains

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the window from one end of the frame to the other, for both width and height. Add one-quarter inch to each measurement
- 2
  Unroll the soundproofing foam and cut it to the measurements you recorded. Use utility scissors for an even cut. Set it aside.
- 3
  Cut the fiber board with the hand saw to match the height of the window frame. Disregard the width, because it doesn't matter in creating the soundproofing plug. Test the board in the window frame. It should fit exactly against the top and bottom of the windowsill. Trim to fit, as needed.
- 4
  Lay the fiber board flat on the ground and apply an even layer of contact cement. Press the soundproof foam onto the fiber board so that the top and bottom ends are evenly aligned. Allow it to dry for 10 minutes.
- 5
  Install the soundproof plug against the window by gently pushing the foam side toward the window. Maneuver the backing board so that it holds the foam in place by wedging it into the top and bottom of the windowsill. Inspect the foam all the way around the windowsill to ensure there are no gaps against the foam and the window frame.
- 6
  Install soundproof curtains or blinds over the plugged window to further reduce road noise from coming through.

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