Totally agree about sealing gaps—it's crazy how much noise sneaks in through tiny cracks. But honestly, window film and thick curtains can be surprisingly effective too. I did a similar combo in my old apartment (busy intersection, buses rumbling by constantly), and it made a noticeable difference. Sure, it's not double-glazing-level quiet, but for the price and effort involved, it's a solid DIY fix. Glad you found something affordable that works!
Window film and curtains definitely help, but honestly, if you're dealing with heavy traffic noise, sometimes it's worth investing a bit more in acoustic panels or even DIY window inserts. Did that in my bedroom—game changer for sleep quality. Just something to consider down the line...
"sometimes it's worth investing a bit more in acoustic panels or even DIY window inserts."
Yeah, I went down the DIY insert route myself after trying curtains and film. Worked great until my cat decided they were scratching posts...still, totally worth it for the quiet nights while it lasted.
I feel your pain on the cat situation—mine once mistook my carefully installed acoustic foam for a climbing wall. Took me a week to figure out why bits of foam kept appearing around the house...
Anyway, DIY window inserts are definitely effective, especially if you use materials like acrylic sheets or polycarbonate panels with weatherstripping around the edges. I found that adding a layer of mass-loaded vinyl between the insert and window frame really boosts noise reduction, though it does bump up the cost slightly. Still cheaper than professional-grade soundproof windows, though.
Also, don't underestimate sealing gaps around windows and doors—sometimes even tiny cracks can let in surprising amounts of street noise. A tube of acoustic caulk or weatherstripping tape can make a noticeable difference without breaking the bank.
Just keep an eye on your pets... apparently acoustic treatments double as irresistible scratching posts and climbing gyms.
I've had pretty mixed results with mass-loaded vinyl, honestly. It does help a bit, but for me, the cost-to-benefit ratio wasn't quite there. I found that just sealing gaps and adding thick curtains gave me nearly the same noise reduction without the hassle of cutting and fitting heavy vinyl sheets.
Also, about pets and acoustic treatments—totally relate. My dog decided my weatherstripping tape was a tasty snack one afternoon... spent ages cleaning up shredded bits everywhere. So yeah, pet-proofing is a whole other DIY project.
One thing I'd add is that window film alone doesn't really do much for soundproofing. It's great for privacy and insulation, but noise-wise it's pretty minimal. Pairing it with heavy curtains definitely helps though, especially if they're floor-to-ceiling and have multiple layers. Still cheaper than inserts or full replacements, plus easier to install and remove if you're renting or planning to move soon.