Window Plugs
These are typically made of foam and fit tightly into your window opening to seal the space and block out all the light, and can actually work okay and be useful in some cases. If you are in an apartment or rented space, it can be done without window replacement, etc. It is less costly than some of the other options. No one selling them gives you STC values because they are not that good.
Window plugs can stop a lot of noise in some cases and it may be your only alternative. Prepare to be disappointed and expect to lose your money. With that in mind, they might just work well enough to reduce your noise problem enough to get the sleep you want. At least the darker room will let you sleep later if the noise is reduced enough.
Anyway, proceed with this solution with caution and hope for the best. Note: the more often the window plugs are removed to let in the light, the worse they get at stopping the noise because the seals deteriorate.
Soundproofing Curtains
Soundproofing curtains are not what you think they are: you probably think they help block out the noise, but they do not. What they do is stop noise reflection, which is to basically stop the noise that has gotten into the room from bouncing around. They are noise absorbers rather than reducers. They will change the way noise sounds in the room, and will reduce the noise levels a little bit.
The reason they will not do a whole lot is back to the basics: Not a complete seal, not very much mass, and no sealed air space. They do have their place and work well for what they are intended for. Just be aware that they do not block noise.
Treating Windows May Not Help With Soundproofing
Sometimes taking action to reduce window noise is not enough. Replacing or adding better noise stopping windows is not always a guaranteed complete solution. Doors and walls can also be the problem. Maybe, after fixing the windows, you find that you need to fix the doors. After the doors, you might need to fix the walls.
While this could be true, it is also true that with each step it is getting noticeably quieter. Without extensive and expensive testing there is no way to know for sure.
Doors and walls are also discussed and can be resolved with the courses offered. Do not let this scare you away from doing something. Each step does make it noticeably quieter and it always starts with the windows. In most cases, the windows are all that is needed. If you want the quiet of a sound recording studio, you may expect to take several steps to achieve that level of quiet (but maybe not!).
Summary
We have covered most of the areas concerning noise and the window factor. As the weakest noise link in virtually any scenario, there is a lot needed here.
We did additional research for this course and will likely put up an even more advanced course covering the same information, but in more technical detail. The course will be called "Advanced Window Soundproofing, Course 301".
Thank you for studying "Window Soundproofing" with us. Your comments are welcome and we hope you give us a good grade!
Be sure to check out our other soundproofing courses.