Best way to help reduce street noise

[Lacey Denton]

I recently purchased a great duplex, but it is on a busy street. The street noise drives me crazy! All of the other units are rented out, so obviously it is not a deal breaker for everyone, but are there any tips on how to reduce heavy street traffic noise? I have researched sound-proof windows, but they are very expensive. Anyone else have any inexpensive, DIY tricks? Thanks!

[Tim Watts]

You can get a film for the window that would reduce the noise a bit.  It is basically the same thing they do to windows when you order them with soundproofing.  It may not be as expertly done, but same idea.  You are changing the thickness of the glass.  If there are two pains of glass, it will work better.  The idea is that one pane of glass is a different thickness as the other... thus disrupting sound waves.  It may not have a huge impact, but it does work some.  I think it is something like $40.

Other tips that I know of are more for the tenant/owner.  You can use heavier curtains, rugs on floors and walls, etc.  Use materials that would absorb sound from bouncing around the room.... a busy plant next to the window, tapestry on the wall, rug on the hardwood floor.  It is not fancy, but if night noise is too bad, you could put foam in the window... it would help cut out light too.  I personally would start with good curtains and add more as you need.

If you are renting it out... You could schedule showings for low traffic times.  I did this for a house that was on a busy corner across the street from a school.  Can't hide the location, but don't need to meet people there when all the kids go screaming by.