Heavy drapes can be decent for higher pitches, sure, but honestly they're pretty limited with low-end rumble. I've seen folks try mass-loaded vinyl behind curtains—bit pricier but way better at handling those stubborn bus noises...
Mass-loaded vinyl definitely helps, but honestly, if you're dealing with serious low-end rumble like buses or trucks, curtains—even heavy-duty ones—are gonna struggle. I've had better luck sealing gaps around windows and doors first. You'd be surprised how much noise sneaks in through tiny cracks. Weather stripping and acoustic caulk made a noticeable difference for me, and they're pretty budget-friendly too. Might wanna try that before dropping cash on pricier solutions...
"You'd be surprised how much noise sneaks in through tiny cracks."
Yeah, sealing gaps is key... but have you tried acoustic windows yet? Wondering if they're worth the extra cash or just marketing hype. Curtains barely made a dent for me.
I went through the same exact thing in my old apartment—busy intersection right outside, curtains did basically nothing. Ended up biting the bullet and installing acoustic windows, and honestly, it was night and day. They're pricier for sure, but I found them totally worth it. Not just marketing hype IMO... my sleep improved a ton, and I stopped waking up at every siren or honk. If you're seriously bothered by noise, I'd say go for it.
Went through something similar a couple years back. My place was right across from a fire station... sirens at all hours, trucks roaring past, the whole deal. Here's what I found:
- Tried soundproof curtains first. Honestly, they were okay-ish for muffling some street chatter or distant traffic noise, but for loud stuff like sirens or honks? Barely made a dent.
- Looked into acoustic windows after that and hesitated because of the cost. Eventually bit the bullet too (painful upfront, not gonna lie), but it genuinely made a huge difference.
- One thing to keep in mind: installation matters a lot. Make sure whoever installs them knows what they're doing—proper sealing is key. A friend of mine got acoustic windows but skimped on installation, and he wasn't nearly as impressed as I was.
- Also worth mentioning: if you're renting or can't swing the cost right now, you might try combining curtains with white noise machines or fans. Not perfect by any means, but it helped me a bit before I upgraded.
Bottom line from my experience: curtains alone probably won't cut it if you're dealing with heavy city noise. Acoustic windows are pricier upfront but honestly worth the investment if you're planning to stay put for a while.
I get why acoustic windows are appealing, but honestly, they're not always the magic bullet people make them out to be. A few years ago, I had similar issues—busy intersection nearby, constant honking and sirens—and went down the rabbit hole of researching acoustic windows. Got quotes and everything, but the cost was eye-watering.
Instead, I ended up going with secondary glazing panels. They're basically extra panes you install inside your existing windows. Way cheaper than full acoustic replacements and surprisingly effective. Sure, maybe not as perfect as dedicated acoustic windows, but they cut down noise significantly—enough that I could sleep comfortably again.
Also, installation was pretty straightforward; didn't need specialized contractors or anything fancy. Plus, if you're renting or might move soon, they're removable without much hassle. Just throwing this out there because acoustic windows aren't always practical or affordable for everyone... sometimes a simpler solution can do the trick just fine.
I went through something similar last year—busy street, buses rumbling past, you name it. I initially tried soundproof curtains, and honestly, they barely made a dent. Then I stumbled onto secondary glazing like you mentioned:
"Way cheaper than full acoustic replacements and surprisingly effective."
Exactly my experience. Installation was straightforward enough to handle myself, and the noise reduction was impressive. Acoustic windows might be great, but sometimes simpler solutions really do the job without breaking the bank.
Good to hear secondary glazing worked out for you. Curtains are usually a letdown for serious street noise—fabric alone just can't block those low-frequency rumbles from buses and trucks. Secondary glazing creates that crucial air gap, which is key to dampening sound waves. Plus, DIY installation saves a ton compared to full acoustic window replacements. Glad you found a practical fix without overspending... city living definitely has its challenges, but sounds like you've got it sorted now.
Secondary glazing sounds good, but honestly, thick blackout curtains made a noticeable difference for me. Didn't kill all the noise, sure, but enough to finally sleep through garbage trucks at 5am... guess it depends how sensitive you are.
Glad to hear the blackout curtains helped you out—I had a similar experience when I moved into my first place downtown. Initially, I was pretty skeptical about curtains making any real difference, but after installing some heavy-duty blackout ones, the improvement was surprisingly noticeable. Sure, they didn't completely silence the buses or late-night sirens, but they softened things enough that I could finally get a decent night's sleep. I think you're right though, sensitivity definitely plays a role here. Some people might need the extra step of secondary glazing or acoustic windows if they're particularly sensitive to noise frequencies or vibrations. Either way, it's encouraging to know there are practical solutions out there without having to break the bank on major renovations.