Keeping street noise out: what works for sealing old windows?

I get where you’re coming from - old windows can be a pain with both drafts and noise. I tried those foam weatherstrips (the sticky kind) on my 60s-era casement windows, and honestly, they helped a bit with the draft, but street noise was still getting through. The seals do cut down some sound, but not as much as I hoped. If you layer up - like heavy curtains on top of sealing gaps - it’s noticeably quieter, though not perfect. Acoustic seals are pricier and felt a little overhyped to me, but maybe I just didn’t install them right. Worth a shot if you’re desperate, but don’t expect miracles. You’re definitely not imagining things about the noise creeping in.

Heavy curtains definitely help, but man, I swear my 1950s windows just let sound sneak in no matter what I stick on them. Ever try those window film kits? I’ve heard mixed things - some folks say they help with noise, others not so much. Curious if anyone’s had luck with those or if it’s just another “looks good on the box” situation.

Heavy curtains definitely help, but man, I swear my 1950s windows just let sound sneak in no matter what I stick on them.

Yeah, the old windows are like, “What’s this? Another layer? Cute. I’ll just let the noise in around the edges.” I tried those plastic window film kits last winter, but honestly, I didn’t notice a huge difference with sound. Maybe a tiny bit less draft, but the street noise still came through - especially sirens and those lovely 2am motorcycles. I guess the film is more for insulation than actual soundproofing?

Has anyone messed around with those foam weatherstrips or the rope caulk stuff? I keep seeing them at the hardware store and I’m tempted, but I’m also not sure if it’s just going to make my windows look like a DIY disaster zone. Also, does anyone know if there’s a trick to getting those old sashes to actually seal, or is it just a losing battle unless you replace the whole thing? I’m renting, so new windows are out of the question, but I’d love to not hear every single car door slam.

Curious too if anyone’s tried those big acrylic window inserts (like Indow or something similar)? They’re supposed to be removable and help with both drafts and noise, but they’re kinda pricey. Wondering if they’re worth the hype or if it’s just another “sounds great until you try to install it” situation.

I get that nothing short of a full window replacement will make it totally silent, but if there’s a way to at least muffle the worst of it without spending a ton, I’m all ears.

Maybe a tiny bit less draft, but the street noise still came through - especially sirens and those lovely 2am motorcycles. I guess the film is more for insulation than actual soundproofing?

- Tried both foam weatherstripping and rope caulk on my 60s windows - foam helped a bit with drafts but not much with noise. Rope caulk was better at blocking gaps, but it’s not the prettiest if you care about looks.
- Heavy curtains did more for muffling sound than any tape or film I tried, honestly.
- Looked into those acrylic inserts too. Pricey, yeah, but a coworker swears by them for city noise. I haven’t pulled the trigger because of cost and measuring hassle.
- Getting old sashes to seal is tough…I shoved some felt in the worst gaps and it helped a little, but nothing miraculous.
- Realistically, unless you can double up glass or use inserts, it’s just about reducing - not eliminating - the noise.

You nailed it - most of those DIY fixes just take the edge off, but don’t expect miracles. I’ve worked on a lot of old windows, and honestly, unless you’re willing to do real storm inserts or replace the sashes, you’re just patching. Heavy curtains are underrated though; I’ve seen them make a bigger difference than any caulk or foam. Rope caulk works but yeah, it’s not winning any beauty contests. If you’re after real quiet, secondary glazing (like those acrylic panels) is the way to go, but they’re a pain to measure and install, and not cheap. Sometimes you just have to live with a bit of city soundtrack...

Heavy curtains are underrated though; I’ve seen them make a bigger difference than any caulk or foam.

Funny how true that is. I’ve been in some old brownstones where the only thing between you and the street was a rattly sash and a thick velvet curtain - and honestly, it helped more than I expected. Secondary glazing does work wonders, but yeah, getting the panels cut to size is a headache, especially if your windows aren’t square (which, let’s face it, most old ones aren’t). Rope caulk’s fine for a quick fix, but it starts looking grimy after a season or two. If you’re renting or just not ready for full-on window replacement, sometimes layering solutions - like curtains plus a temporary acrylic panel - gets you 80% there without breaking the bank.

- Heavy curtains do a lot more than people think. I’ve got some lined ones in my living room - probably the best “quick fix” for both noise and drafts.
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“sometimes layering solutions - like curtains plus a temporary acrylic panel - gets you 80% there without breaking the bank.”

Agree 100%. Did this in my old place. Used magnetic acrylic panels (not cheap, but reusable) and thick curtains. Not perfect, but it cut the street noise way down.
- Rope caulk: works in a pinch but yeah, gets gross fast. I tried painter’s tape once - peels off clean but doesn’t block much sound.
- If your windows are really out of square, just forget about a perfect seal. You’ll drive yourself nuts.
- Honestly, unless you’re ready to spend $$$ on new windows, it’s all about stacking little improvements. Curtains, panels, weatherstripping... None of them are magic, but together they make a real difference.
- Pro tip: draft stoppers at the sill help with both cold and noise. Ugly, but effective.

I’d love to replace my old windows someday, but until then it’s all hacks and heavy fabric for me.

Stacking fixes has been my go-to. Here’s what actually helped in my 1960s place: first, I stuck on adhesive weatherstripping (the foam kind) around the window frames - takes 10 minutes, cheap, and makes a surprising difference for both drafts and noise. Next, I hung blackout curtains (double rods for extra thickness). Not pretty, but it’s wild how much street noise they muffle. For gaps at the bottom, those tube draft stoppers work, but I wrapped mine in fabric to match the curtains so they blend in a little better. It’s not perfect, and yeah, new windows would be amazing... but this combo’s made things way more livable.

Funny, I did almost the same thing last winter when my old windows started rattling every time a bus went by. I used that rope caulk stuff too - super cheap, but if you forget it’s there and open the window, it gets everywhere. Blackout curtains were a game changer for me, though. I swear, my living room went from “city soundtrack” to “muffled jazz club.” Not perfect, but honestly, I’ll take any improvement until I can afford proper replacements.