DIY window soundproofing - Indow alternative (Tutorial begins at

[@YeahRica]

Helpful Mike, thank you so much for this tutorial! I live on a busy street in San Francisco, and this has significantly helped reduce the noise coming in through my bay windows. I ordered 3/16 acrylic from Tap Plastics (they’re fantastic!), used metal window screen clips, and 1/4 x 1/8 foam around the edges. Again, thank you!

[@HelpfulMike]

YeahRica, that's awesome!!! I'm in SF too. Great to hear the 3/16" acrylic works. When you move out you'll probably be able to sell them to the new tenant, or landlord. Or if you take them with you, Tap Plastics should recut them for you for free to fit any new windows you might want to soundproof at your new place. I actually moved a few months ago and took my acrylic with me and had one recut at Tap (for free!) for my new non-working fireplace that had tons of wind noise coming through. I literally just taped it to the front using black tape. It looks great and totally cut down the noise, woohoo! (I might make another video about that) Anyway, thanks for sharing your results, I'm super stoked people are having success with this design - I really wracked my brain trying to figure it out. Btw I watched one of your videos, GREAT voice, and that's some incredibly good pitch you have.

[@YeahRica]

@@HelpfulMike - thank you for your kind words, and great ideas if I move! Hoping to stay in this place for a while, but awesome that Tap will recut for free.

[@drumyogi9281]

What kind of noise was coming through before you used plexiglas? For me it is vehicles, mainly Harley Davidson's and Diesel trucks.

[@ohduana6746]

Which brand/kind of foam did you use?

[@jamesnorman4035]

@@ohduana6746 @helpfulmike this would be helpful for us.

[@-iIIiiiiiIiiiiIIIiiIi-]

I'm not even lying. Every Mike I've encountered has been helpful. That is so crazy.

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

My brothers name is Michael/Mike. He is helpful. Come to think of it, you are right!

[@veronicasmith2612]

Mikes and Marks!

[@alopez9149]

Thanks for the tutorial. You just saved my next-door neighbors dog's life.

[@HelpfulMike]

Hahaha...remember, if you try this method you'll still be able to hear the dog barking, but it will be a bit less annoying. Btw, if a dog barks for more than 10 minutes straight, you're allowed to legally complain (In many areas). That's something I didn't know about until recently.

[@HonestAbe689]

@@HelpfulMike Will this help deaden the sound of a bouncing basketball and the ball hitting the hoop? between me an my neighbor there is 20 feet and the ball noise echos off the three story brick walls.

[@HelpfulMike]

@@HonestAbe689 Hmm, not sure, probably a little at least. Deeper sounds penetrate more, even through walls. If you try it out let us know how it goes.

[@jamien1666]

@@HelpfulMike my neighbor thinks he lives on a 5 acre piece of land and the need for four dogs that they leave out all day. Sadly our housing people and the authorities won’t do anything. I hope these work!

[@HelpfulMike]

@@jamien1666 Just so you know, you'll still be able to hear the dogs bark, but you should notice a bit of an improvement. I think this design will make a much bigger difference with traffic noise, I wish I had clarified that in the video.

[@crystalp6018]

A year later and you’ve saved another city dweller. I can’t wait to share this to everyone 🙏🏼

[@Markous5122]

I just did this. “Made it sound like they were barking outside my unit, not inside” is a pretty good way to sum it up. I live in Brooklyn and my window faces one of the stations for the J train. Everytime the train came to the station I thought it was inside my room. The glass definitely reduced the noise but doesn’t make it whisper quiet. Helpful overall. Cost was ~$200 for everything I don’t have the ledge that you have. Instead, I got these heavy duty metal clips and fastened some on the bottom side and rest the glass on top of them. Thank you for the video!

[@mvanworm]

i am also living in brooklyn and wanting to try this. I think i have a similar window sill you have, what cips did you get and which plastics company did you go with? thanks!

[@DREDtheGERMANDIEMACHINE]

Thanks

[@onapig6449]

What a legend. Puts where the tutorial begins in the title so viewers can skip right to it instead of looking at the comments. Legend

[@calebsuh]

Thank you Helpful Mike. I followed your DIY guide with a 1/4 inch thick plexiglass from Tap, 1/4 thick weather stripping, and 3/8 inch window clips. The car noise is dramatically reduced. My window is large enough for the plexiglass to be quite heavy. So I needed someone to help me put it in place. Other than that, this project was exactly as your video showed. Kudos for coming up with a very smart and effective DIY project. Thanks for putting it out into the world!

[@HelpfulMike]

Woohoo, I'm so happy to hear this! Congrats on the successful installation. It really can be surprising how much of a difference this can make. Taking it down after it's been up for while is when you'll be like, woh, it was that loud before?! (You might also notice improved insulation from outside cold) Anyway, thanks so much for coming back and letting me and everyone know about your success. :)

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

Yes, congrats and thank you letting us know. Big window plexiglass - very cool.

[@aquahealer]

I was going to buy Indows but they cost more than a new window at Lowe's. After watching the Indow video I figured I could build the same thing myself being there's no moving parts. Pretty straightforward if you ask me, and you just proved it. Job well done sir.

[@chantelcarter7656]

Two years later and I’m really contemplating trying this because I’m in a similar situation: I just want the dogs to sound like they are outside - not sitting on my coffee table! Fingers crossed. Thanks for this.

[@dartherus]

Wouldn't it be better that everyone shut up their dogs? Shouldn't ne have the right to relax in the backyard or porch, to open the bedroom windows, without having to suffer from that annoying barking? It's not difficult to teach them and you don't have to mistreat them, you just have to go where the barking dog is and tell it SHH!! in a very firm way, making sure the dogs sees you and that you're not Ok with the barking. Two or three days in a row, doing this every time it barks, and the annoying pest will understand.

[@rosaguerrero399]

Nyc resident here living on a Main Street, thank you SO much for this tutorial!

[@HelpfulMike]

Woohoo, sure thing, come back and let us know how it goes!

[@___David___Savian]

That is a smart mind at work. He got all the right things and installed it the right way. Boss mode. if the bottom lip of your window does not stick out like he said may be your case, just buy L brackets and screw them under your window with one of the sides faces towards you. That way you can use the surface of the L bracket to mount the glass on it. Make sure to use three L brackets per window to give good support to the plexiglass that may be heavy. Only do this if you screw into sturdy studs.

[@HelpfulMike]

Great advice!!!

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

This would be a great comment to pin, so everyone can readily see it. @@HelpfulMike

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

I can hear it from my laptop great! Your invention made a huge difference. I love how you sealed it too Brilliant, Mike. Subscribed. I will share the video. After losing so much income and damage to health, I’m finally close to getting a house. So, I’m saving this method both to share and in case there is any noise problem. Seriously, you are genius for figuring this out. I’ve watched and read a lot to solve problem here. YOU figured it out, right down to including the air gap, using outside the casing. I don’t know if you have seen it, but a window specialist on KZbin shows creating a box frame around the window, And from there, he had plexiglass with rubber around it custom made. Yours is simpler, much more affordable, doesn’t require the box frame for depth of air space and creates a tight seal with removable plexiglass! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT. I am now armed and ready when I move My neighbors in side by side duplex dog train and bang with kids upstairs day and night as well as the neighborhood basketball gang 15-20ft from my single pane windows, refusing to have any regard or balance. Morning to night, inside or out. They teach their children to be that disrespectful and intrusive of others space. Air space is one’s home. We share it! I’ll be getting a cheap house, discounted. There is still the possibility of undue noise. I’m ready now.

[@bluetech2809]

Hey Mike. Just wanted to say great idea. I spent money and time building an entire window (and frame out of wood and plexiglass) when I could've just done what you did. Wish I'd seen this sooner!!!

[@me9628]

Oh boy Indow Wiindow people will be mad, for same setup they will charge you $1000, thanks for the video

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

Triple the cost for half the thickness. And, does indow solve the air gap? Mikes is better all around.

[@MrPadser]

the over charge all of them .

[@heidixxx2454]

The Indow Window product is a different product in that it seals in a different way and also can be easily installed AND removed without screws or other fasteners.

[@misterbg1]

Indow window needs to make prices reasonable. So glad I stumbled on your channel.

[@mattwhisnant5926]

That is the simplest, most elegant solution I have seen, and I've looked around. Granted, I haven't tried it yet, but I am going to!! Very impressed. Thank you!!

[@anaesterhazy631]

How about magnetic strips on l-brackets? What do you think about these?

[@bmzaron713]

I hope more people share stories about barking dogs

[@yomobog3289]

My neighbor blamed me for not coming to ask her to bring the dog in so I could use my back yard. We're not friends anymore.

[@bmzaron713]

@@yomobog3289 yeah dogs make things awkward between neighbors. I found it interesting there is a product that emits a high frequency noise every time a dog barks that has a range of I think like 75 feet.

[@ThePkmyself]

😂

[@1dogg]

​@@bmzaron713Which one have you used or heard about? I'm looking for specifics because reviews on these things aren't great. Thanks.

[@FanaticDrummer]

Ive never had to report so many people to the city for sound ordinance than I have in the last few years in Florida. People and their stupid fuking dogs

[@arabella7979]

Thank you so much for this. I just bought a place that I checked up on multiple times of the day before and during the closing process to make sure it was acceptably quiet. Just my luck, an incredibly rude and loud neighbor moved in days after I did (either that or the prior owners had been paying him to stay quiet so they could sell the place, lol). I'm talking sits outside with massive speakers connected to his car stereo blasting music all day. I'm gonna try this otherwise I'll have to put my beautiful new place that I was so happy to be moving into back on the market :(

[@Penn_chill]

Oh, same, same, same! Loud neighbors but worse are the LOUD cars and trucks with even louder music. Driving me nuts! 😵‍💫 My first home, even have an acre plus of land, checked, visited, picnicked, etc. before deciding to build. Blissfully peaceful. Now the area has grown exponentially and along with it, neighbors. A rental, usually with said loud cars/trucks & a home with the same. And both? Right. Across. The street. Traffic noise is bad enough, but the idiots with extra loud mufflers, motors and music? I’ve lived close to a busy airport, under the landing path & it wasn’t quite as loud as this. My sympathies! 🤬 Thank you, Mike! Sleep loss and hours of aggravating noise day after day is a health hazard. At least in terms of solving a big part of the problem, you can call yourself a healer! 👏🥂💤

[@TraciDoering-hw8hu]

That’s horrible. I’m looking for a house now, living in torment till then. I already planned to make sure that I could be absolutely sure of quiet. What a horror to buy a house and have that. Check the noise ordinance with your city. Some have decibel limits written in, which defense dogs and loud music exceed. They get fined and can even do jail time if they repeat. 2arabella7979. @Penn_chill. It sure has destroyed my health and productivity.

[@reignandbongao9497]

Don't have a window shelf sadly but I think i can just create two platform both sides of the window just to support the weight of the acrylic pane and just seal all 4 side facing the window with the window clip. Love the idea for how to put on pressure. I needed more room for my workspace and the only available room is on the side facing a factory blasting constant hums. really thankful I stumbled on this!

[@Rocscrawler]

There are several different manufactures of ultrasonic dog bark trainers that will emit a sound that the dog can hear and will train them NOT TO BARK!! It takes about 2 to 3 days and then you can take it back down. If you don't like the neighbors, one of them has a audible sound that even hurts the owners ears and will cause them to train their own dogs. LOVE EM!! PLUS: This style seems better and more efficient at stopping the heat/cold loss through a window than the heat shrink plastic videos that I have watched. It also seem like it will last a LOT longer than the others. Thanks.

[@1dogg]

I would be interested in hearing your advice if you have personal experience with these dog barking devices. I've seen a handful and the reviews are typically not that great. Some say that you have to be within line of sight of the dog. But I've heard different things about others. Are they all the same? Looking for specifics. Thanks.

[@rmr3528]

Thank you. My neighbors' grandchildren park in the drive and thump thump thump loud bass music, and I work from home. I will at least do this with windows in my office. The low vibrational bass sets every nerve ending on fire.

[@HelpfulMike]

Bass is hard to fight because it comes through the walls too. But this might help a tiny bit. It sounds like having a friendly chat with the grandparents about the noise situation might be your best bet.

[@rmr3528]

@@HelpfulMike thank you that is what I feared. Yes. Will have to do just that

[@Leah.Something]

Helpful Mike, you're living up to your name! I recently moved to a new neighborhood and 4th of July here sounds like an actual war zone on all sides. My dog was a complete wreck, which made it a very stressful night. I will absolutely be looking into this solution for at least one room in my house. Thank you!

[@juggernautz]

Homedepot sells a 36 in. x 72 in. x .220 in. Acrylic Sheet for about $164 and they have different sizes. It may need cutting so buy, borrow or rent a skill saw and cut to size and add insulating rubber. Quarter inch sound proofs and resists the heat and cold which lowers the utility bill if added to all windows. Also you can buy Lucite or other versions of acrylic competitive products some are flexible & some are rigid for whatever is best. In the old days people would use clear plastic & some still do but your idea is way better. The alternative, feed those dogs peanut butter, lol.

[@bandido7994]

No need to buy rent or borrow power tools to cut plexiglass. Get a plexiglass cutter (scoring knife) form Amazon, it cost around $10 and you need a 48" aluminum ruler from the hardware store is only $15. Plenty of tutorials here on how to cut plexiglass it is very easy. Good luck fellas!!

[@juggernautz]

@@bandido7994 I have a wood ruler so that should suffice. I put off buying till spring due to costs and knowing which sheets will not yellow permanently ? How do you know which ones are quality vs cheap ones that age in 10 years or so? So far acrylic seems best. I found better prices elsewhere too.

[@becca22891]

Thank you so much for this Mike! We just moved to an apartment with very heavy traffic and need creative solutions. Cannot wait to try this!

[@HelpfulMike]

Let me know how it goes!

[@couloir1]

This video is why I love YT. Thank you so much.

[@nameno480]

Holy cow!! Mike is not only helpful. Mike is a genius!!!

[@veronicasmith2612]

Thank you for sharing this idea! Much simpler than the other DIY soundproofing tutorials I’ve seen, effective too!

[@colinblake24]

I'm at that exact part of figuring out how to attach the TAP Acrylic sheet to my window. I was thinking of using a Router to cut inserts in wood for installation, but you have a great idea with the window clips-THANKS SO MUCH.

[@clcnj5365]

$1000 for two window inserts is insane. Thank you for posting I just saw their product and was wondering about the safety aspect, but it $500 per window it’s probably cheaper to actually remove and replace the window entirely.

[@sarahperez1384]

Mike made two window inserts for just over $300. I'd go with the inserts if I was renting.

[@NavaBromberger]

Thanks Mike! I'm going to try it. The little demo you did made a big difference.

[@HelpfulMike]

Let us know how it goes!

[@JasmineBreanna21]

I got an estimate today for 2k for 3 windows. so happy I found this.. going to find a place to give me cuts!

[@soundproofist]

Thanks for the helpful video. TAP Plastics is great, and yes, that window-insert company is much more expensive. I have a really big front window (94 inches wide) with a lot of traffic and construction noise coming through it all the time. I was planning to build an insert comprised of 3 panels and put them side-by-side inside the window sill. Which would have been challenging to make them all fit together. But after watching your video, I think making them bigger than the window opening, so the Plexiglass overlaps the surrounding wall is a better idea and also more forgiving. That's because no window is perfectly square, as I learned when I cut the Plexiglass for the smaller window and of course one corner was smaller than the others. So you've just made my big-window project much simpler! Thank you for explaining this so well.

[@HelpfulMike]

Yep, I think your original plan might have worked but man that would be reeeeally hard getting those measurements just right. I'm curious, do you have a plan for connecting the panels together or will they just kind of rest against each other?

[@soundproofist]

@@HelpfulMike I'm still trying to figure out the best way to connect the three panels together. Right now I have a flexible gasket between two of them... but I'm thinking of something more rigid to stabilize them. I want to be able to remove one of them to get fresh air sometimes, so I can't just seal them together permanently. It's a challenge. The overall noise reduction varies from 10 dB to 15 dB, but lots of trucks accelerate hard in front of the window and that's a low-frequency sound that's hard to eradicate. I produced a video about this and referred people to your video (this one), since it was so helpful!

[@HelpfulMike]

@@soundproofist I just watched your video, good stuff, thanks for the shout out! :) Did you check out Indow's website where they talk about extra large windows? They use something called a "Mullion" to divide two plexiglass panels. I'll put a link here but not sure if it will work: indowwindows.com/about-indow/how-to-order/mullions/

[@soundproofist]

@@HelpfulMike Thanks! And you're welcome. I'm going to look into a solution like this (the "mullion") to join the two outside pieces with the center panel. I might have something already that I can repurpose. Thanks again for sharing your "window fix" so generously!

[@user-lo4er8wy9l]

I have a similar window ledge. I was thinking about doing something similar and your video popped up, thank you. I want to use the window ledge to get the maximum distance from the window, even though I don't know how to quantity the improvement I will get by using that additional 10/16 inches of added distance. I'll probably find some white silicone seal to place on the 1/4" acrylic and use a similar bracket system you are using.

[@debtimmons9730]

I’m so grateful to have found this video, so thanks so much! In our house our outdoor a/c unit is right outside our bedroom. We have two windows and have already installed a condenser blanket, which reduced the sound some. We’ve been looking at double layer “soundproof” curtains but the Sykes are limited and we don’t really need blackout. I’m a super light sleeper and the cycling on of our a/c wakes me up. Going to try your solution as your crowd demonstration really sold me! Thanks again.

[@HelpfulMike]

Let me know how it goes! Also, you might want to buy a sound machine like the one I used in my video, and pick a sound that is close to the sound/tone of the a/c unit. That way the cycling on and off won't be as jarring, it should kind of smooth out the transition if that makes sense. It's worth a try, I'm a light sleeper too so I totally get it! You place the machine between you and the offending sound. It takes a few nights getting used to sleeping with a sound machine, but they can make a big difference and I love mine. :)

[@leoesposito8762]

great stuff very helpful.. im from Australia i have a bedroom window facing near the next door back yard and well a lot of noise comes from there specially on the weekend.. so i will look in to this idea thank you for your video..

[@nunya_123]

Living in the Mission and dealing with a similar situation. Thank you so much!

[@richardking6066]

I once moved into a place where I only found out ,too late, that the building behind me had water heating from a coal boiler - which was lit and stoked every morning at about 3am! (15 ft from my bedroom window) If you can imagine the shovelling of the coal, then the loud 'CLANG' of a grating being closed.... Luckily my dad worked at a factory which made plexiglass, and it was possible to buy quite large off-cuts very very cheaply! I put a temporary wooden frame within the window opening, which supported the plexiglass over the quite large window. As you said - not perfect - but a big improvement!

[@lizs1865]

Best solution I've seen yet. Well done!

[@nightgrid]

Great idea, I have a barking dog neighbor issue also.

[@coryscoolcorner8480]

Thank you for this wonderful presentation. It is clear, possible, and important. I know because I just moved to a new apartment. I enjoy having more space.... but people love to launch booming fireworks in my neighborhood. I think you know what I'm getting at.

[@canyouspellophthalmology]

Brilliant! Ty for this! I’m in the Bay Area too and just got a quote from Indow that was too $$$ for me. Might give this a try.

[@susiecarmichael5423]

You are a blessing I'm definitely going to try this.. thank you so much.

[@dattdude2000]

This is super cool man .... I have been having so much trouble with my noise sensitivity and dog barking that I wasn’t going to rest until I found a solution, but this just may be the best .... thanks for trying this and hey great, great video. You explained and demonstrated everything very well👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@HelpfulMike]

Right on, thanks for the nice note! Let us know how it goes. Btw, I'm going to cut and paste what I wrote beneath the video: "I think this method of soundproofing will be most effective against city/traffic type noise, I should have clarified that in the video. I could still hear the dogs barking after I put the acrylic/plexiglass up but it reduced the volume a bit, and made it sound like they were barking outside my unit, not inside. (I've since moved from that cottage) I was definitely glad I did it but people should temper their expectations if they're doing this to quiet the sound of dogs barking. Traffic noise should be greatly reduced though. "

[@dattdude2000]

@@HelpfulMike Hey thank you for such a great Idea and demonstration the Indow guys definitely need to consult with you on how to do demonstrations. I’ve watched countless videos of theirs and they miss the mark on that every single video bigtime. Yes I did see your other responses letting people know that your solution was geared more towards high frequency sound , specifically city traffic, etc. I guess I was just super hopeful that even the slight relief from the barking would be helpful and I see your saying it is just “ slight “ relief so I’m probably still going to go with it and try playing some low frequency background noises in addition to maybe block the barking inside my home better. I’ll definitely let everyone know if it helps. I’m super happy for you dude that you were able to move ...at least someones happy 🤷🏾‍♂️😎.

[@HelpfulMike]

@@dattdude2000 Right on man! It should help a little. Also, you may have read in some of my other comments but many areas have noise laws about dogs barking. I recommend doing a google search on the subject for your city or state. I've also heard about little high frequency devices that train dogs not to bark, but I don't know much about them or if they're bad for the dogs or not.

[@dattdude2000]

@@HelpfulMike Yeah I think will be better then if I don’t have it. Yes I’ve studied those laws vigorously and in my area it’s 15 minutes, but I was reading some community blogs and some were saying that the police don’t really enforce them 😞 , but I’m still going to give it a try. Hope your able to remain in an that peaceful area your in now man and I will definitely give a update if everything works once I get some time to actually try it out . Take it easy man ✌🏾

[@Allypumpkin]

Absolutely brilliant, I was thinking along similar lines and then your video came up . Thanks so much

[@monav4062]

Dear Helpful Mike: I hope you realize that the way you think is "Pure Genius" !! There are so many of us out here who love the inside of our rentals but hate the street noise and the barking dog noises!! I can hardly wait to get the materials together and get mine up! I have barking dogs on one side AND street traffic noise on the other side!! You're a genius!! Pure Genius !! Is it okay to say "I love you" for this? I had found those insert windows online and I couldn't afford them so I had to give up on what to do, and then here comes "Helpful Mike" !! Thank you!

[@HelpfulMike]

Woohoo, I'm so glad you appreciate my video! I literally spent weeks racking my brain trying to figure how to do it, so I knew I had to make a KZbin video to share what I discovered. I think you'll find this method will do a good job of reducing your traffic noise, but your barking dogs will still cut through, although the sound will be slightly less abrasive. There are sound laws about barking dogs, I suggest you look up the laws in your area and see if you can't get those neighbors to be a little more considerate. :)

[@ShawnThuris]

Awesome, thank you. In my case it's noise from 40mph traffic going by...mini-blinds don't do much for it and the Indows kits are way too expensive for me. I'll get some of this extruded acrylic from the store in San Leandro. If I have anything to report I'll add a comment here.

[@HelpfulMike]

Awesome, let us know how it goes. I think you'll be happy with the results. :)

[@jayman3575]

What shop in san leandro did you use? Any luck? I noticed professional plastics in san jose that I'm thinking of trying out...

[@AlastairGames]

how did you go Shawn?

[@avvn9331]

Thanks for this video that was very helpful, I am going to try this.

[@Tottorul]

Thanks, this clip method looks easier, and also lets you create more space between the glass and the plexiglass

[@dexmack5489]

Great info. Thanks for sharing what you discovered. Going to try this

[@dtate7756]

Thanks a million Helpful Mike! I used this method for winterization. Worked like a charm.

[@HelpfulMike]

Nice! Yes, I should have mentioned this method should help keep the cold out!

[@DEUSCATTUS]

looks interesting , I might try it... moved to new place and one of windoes goes directly to busy road, windows are double ones and traffic is basically endless hum, but maybe something like this could help... house walls are very thick so its basically only windows leaking outside noise...

[@PichuPeekaboo]

This definitely works for reducing traffic noise. The key point is to use material that is thick enough. Hardwood Plywood also works.

[@HelpfulMike]

Yep, I think this tutorial will mostly help people who are dealing with traffic noise. It did reduce the piercing quality of my landlord's dog barks, but I could still hear them barking of course and it was still annoying. I wish I had clarified that more in the video.

[@_VICK_]

I thought about wood but I don’t want to compromise natural sunlight by covering my window with plywood. That’s the only drawbacks unless there is see through plywood I’m not aware of lol

[@EdieBabeMonster]

Yasss! This IS the tutorial I need right now! Thanks a bunch!😜

[@lovewenwin]

Hey, you might want to tag this as "storm windows" - I think that would attract a lot more views. I was actually looking for something similar, not so much for noise but for weatherproofing since I live in New York. I'm retired, so I didn’t want anything permanent or that would block the view. Plus, I wanted to be able to open the window to let in fresh air because it's super drafty here. In fall and winter, even if the room is at 70°F, the draft makes it feel like it's in the 50s, even with layers on. Thanks for the info!

[@donnaweeks1311]

Thank you so much. Mine isn’t so much the noise but for privacy for a small bathroom shower window. Frosted one side and can still clean the side in shower. Great temporary fix.

[@renatapirro3277]

What a great idea buying the thicker material for much less! Sadly my windows are practically flush with the walls, but thanks for mentioning the need for air space for it to work or I would have wasted time & money trying this.

[@Victorylap-fy4ke]

Try some bubble wrap the size of a quarter. The air space in the bubbles insulates. Research how to use it. possibly the p[exi with it might work.

[@urippe]

Definitely want to try this and will see if I can

[@hellodolly9879]

Great tutorial. I'm going to try it! Thank you.

[@mrjukes9234]

Wondering if command strips/Velcro will work for those of us without the screen clips. Placing the Velcro somewhere in the overlap.

[@HelpfulMike]

I would be concerned the velcro wouldn't be totally air sealed and therefore might let sound leak through.

[@kimmnickerson4512]

Thank you. I've been searching for an affordable way to take care of my barking dog problem. I'm going to give this a shot!

[@HelpfulMike]

I mention in some of the other comments that you'll still be able to hear dogs barking, but it will reduce the volume a bit and take a little bit of the high end off them. Deep sounding dog barks will still penetrate. I think this method will be most effective against traffic noise, I wish I had clarified that in the video. In any case, if you go through with it check back in a let us know how it goes!

[@StepBrothersTV1]

I contacted Indow... 90 percent of the time very quiet home.... neighbors throw some PARTAYS in the summer... the bass shakes my couch!!.... I might try this... Thank YOU.

[@AlastairGames]

I'm not sure how much this will affect bass unfortunately, since bass sound waves is really hard to block with thin material.

[@HelpfulMike]

@@AlastairGames Very true, bass can even pass through walls!

[@DanielGrimes]

Very helpful, big difference! I'm working on a good solution for a friend and this just might be perfect. Thanks man!

[@kvpce6313]

great Idea Thank you maybe you should patent this and have this ready to buy kits

[@PriusRaj]

This is a fantastic video! Unfortunately my window doesn't have a shelf so I'm trying to figure out a way for this to be adapted.

[@HelpfulMike]

Someone else mentioned the possibility of screwing a board to the wall right beneath the frame to create your own shelf. If you painted it white it could blend in pretty well I would think.

[@akiffpremjee]

Thank you Mike this was very helpful!!

[@bikbik5200]

Does anyone know what's the type of window seal used at 2:25? I can't seem to find that stuff, not sure what the name is.

[@HelpfulMike]

Any kind of adhesive weather stripping should work well. I bought mine from home depot I think, or maybe it was lowes.

[@Wewazkangs]

Have you thought about using a magnetic strip all around. Something like a refrigerator seal.

[@MrPadser]

magnetic tape on plastic and on windows .very good .

[@mattski1979]

That's cool dude. Great job. Thank you for the video.

[@mediatrix1111]

Absolutely brilliant. Thanks for this video.

[@vitinhuffc]

I wanted to make a similar design, but i want the plexiglass to open like a top hung window

[@dancallide544]

Nicely done!

[@marylmarx]

This is exactly the same idea I came up with for my apartment! you've confirmed for me that it works. I was trying to figure out what thickness I should get, so it looks like 1/4" is the way to go. :)

[@HelpfulMike]

Right on Mary! Yep, I recommend 1/4" although another commenter tried 1/8" inch and said she got good results. Let us know how it goes!

[@marylmarx]

@@HelpfulMike Thanks - so I'm ordering little 1/8" panes to fit within the window frames of the double hung windows (old wood ones), and larger 1/4" panels to go over the whole frame. Should reduce the sound considerably. $366 for ALL of that from Plastic Zone in Van Nuys, CA! That doesn't include the window seal though, so I need to find out where to get that. So excited for eventual noise reduction!

[@HelpfulMike]

@@marylmarx You got an awesome deal on all that acrylic! Congrats. I bought the window seal at Home Depot, or maybe it was Lowes? I can't remember. It's not terribly expensive though.

[@mrobertson9222]

Hi Mary Marx, I see that you went with the 1/8" thickness, how are things now?

[@marylmarx]

@@mrobertson9222 I actually went with the 1/4” for the full window, but I used 1/8” for the smaller panes. So I had four small panes cut for each, which I put in with sticky back sealing tubing inside and out for an air barrier, the a 1/4 panel that goes over the whole window. Lots of work, but there’s a store across the street with a loud generator and the extra sound deadening really helps!

[@garyrowe5059]

I'm going to try this on my living room windows. Will let you know how it goes

[@BrendanEvan]

Ooh thanks for the good tips!

[@helloworld-ow9tf]

You don't headphones to tell the difference. Anyways this is great - thank you!

[@edythesandefur1298]

thank you for this video. im gonna try this on my sons house they have a 1 yr old and his bedroom window is right where the neighborhood kids play in the streets and it keeps waking him up. hopefully it will work for them. thanks so much.

[@HelpfulMike]

Let me know how it goes! I think soundproofing the windows combined with a white noise machine placed between the window and the baby might do the trick.

[@sidneyw5040]

Two things. Tenants have a right to "quiet enjoyment.' Just like other pests, the landlord is required to take care of noise...esp. when it's coming from their own dogs. Record it, present it, and request/demand resolution. When that fails, train the dogs yourself. I suggest reward based training. You toss 'em a very small treat when they are quiet. It takes time and patience, but it is the most reliable and long-term solution. Susan Garrett, dog trainer, has solid information on her blog/podcast, etc.

[@ryanbradley9383]

Thank you for such a great video. I’m working with Tap now on getting some cut. Any thoughts on how dramatic a difference the sound reduction might be at half an inch thick vs a quarter inch?

[@HelpfulMike]

I'm not sure. I know that Indow only does inserts of 1/8" and 1/4", so that makes me think a jump to 1/2" might not do too much. It would also be much heavier. Let us know how it goes!

[@robbrookes4686]

Great plan.. i will try also now

[@moniebugg8721]

I HAVE to do this for my sliding patio door.

[@jebb.]

This information was helpful for me

[@codygilliland9471]

Thank you for the tutorial. 🤙

[@kqh123]

Thanks Mike for the video! To mike, or others: Would thicker plexiglass, say 1/2 inch, work better? In theory I guess it would reduce more noise, but would it be a lot more, and would there be a downside?

[@HelpfulMike]

I believe that 1/4" is the thickest size that Indow makes, so maybe more thickness won't make much difference? The key factor is having an air gap between the two surfaces, and having your seal be as air tight as possible. If you end up trying it, regardless of what thickness you choose, come back and let us know how it goes. :) (One commenter said she used 1/8" and got great results)

[@watchuu3]

Great DIY! Thanks for the video.

[@vincentwelaxsfx]

Hey mike great video btw! I want to ask u if is possible to use 2 plexiglass panes where there is a 2-4 inches gap between them and probably some accoustic foam to help with sound absorption?

[@HelpfulMike]

I'm not sure, but it sounds like an ambitious plan and might work great. Did you ever try it?

[@afox710]

I'd love to try it!

[@cansisco]

I don’t live in San Francisco, who should I go to in my town to fabricate the acrylic

[@HelpfulMike]

I would do a search on "plastics" in your area.

[@Utoober729]

This looks great. If the shop asks what you need it for, say you dont know. Say your dad or brother asked you to pick it up. Lol.

[@mygt8a4re]

Why say you don't know? I'm guessing I missed something, lol.

[@ohduana6746]

@@mygt8a4re the shop may have a new business idea

[@mygt8a4re]

@@ohduana6746 heheh, gotcha. 👍

[@averymergedpl3155]

haha " why did I sign that lease" My exact words crying in bed....

[@HelpfulMike]

I honestly wish there was a way to spend a night or two in an apartment before signing the lease. One year is too big of a commitment to make when you have no idea what the soundscape is going to be like from just a 15 minute walk-thru.

[@canyouspellophthalmology]

Just subscribed to get you one closer to 1000 subs! Thanks so much for the helpful video!

[@HelpfulMike]

Woohoo, thank you!!

[@blacktechhack]

Amazing work friend, thank you very much!!!

[@Tinyteacher1111]

Thank you! I wonder if they make black plexiglass because my neighbors also leave bright lights on all night!! I can’t sleep!

[@bigstinky99]

Add window tinting film.

[@alisonhughes5286]

God bless you sir! I am in distress over my neighbors dogs & I hunted you video down. I'm shopping for plexiglass in the morning 🙏

[@HelpfulMike]

Just remember, you'll still be able to hear the dogs because the barking sounds are going through the walls and doors too. And some of the barking noise will make it through the plexiglass too, but it should help! Let us know how it goes. Honestly I think people will notice the most benefit when they're trying to block out traffic noise etc.

[@patriciosantana8754]

Thank you Mike...your tutorial is excelente ...has helped me a lot. God bless you

[@bluestarhealingangels9162]

Ooo I sure hope this could work for us live in mobile home the guy across the street has a barking howling dog plus he Never sleeps at night races his engine for 15 minutes before ripping up the road it’s starts at 8pm until 5 am goes on every half hour & then around 7 am his dog starts non stop barking through out the day we can not afford to move & you can’t talk to him without him yelling telling us to F off so we’re hoping to block some of the noise but this looks like this could help a great deal…!!!

[@williamkerr8836]

Hey Mike, I tried something similar before I found your approach. I tried inserting the plexiglass, but didn't have great results as I didn't make much of a gap. I can easily do your over the window method as I have a ledge also which will provide the 2-3 inch gap. However I now have two plexiglass inserts that are just a smidge smaller than my window insert. I'd like to repurpose them and use your method, but obviously they are a little too small. I was trying to think if there is some way I could create a frame or other method to use plexiglass that is 1/4 inch smaller than the window instead of 2-3 inches overhang like you have. Any thoughts?

[@HelpfulMike]

Interesting challenge! I would probably go back to the shop where you had the plexiglass cut to begin with, and see if they have any ideas? You might be able to sell your current cuts on craigslist, and start over? I don't really have any other ideas, maybe someone else will chime in?

[@benborsa8266]

Hey for the metal 1/2 screen clips just fill them down so you can get them tighter.

[@HelpfulMike]

I already moved from that unit, but that's a darn good idea and I wish I had thought of it!

[@kqh123]

Yeah that's what I was thinking too. File them, or sand them down with coarse sandpaper? For my 1/4" acrylic I am deciding between getting 3/16" clips or 1/4" clips so the filing idea might work for the 1/4"s.

[@benborsa8266]

@@kqh123 yeah course snad paper but a metal file would be faster. Depending on the metal, you could eat through the paper fast. ypu can pick up files pretty cheaply.

[@benborsa8266]

@@kqh123 if you're getting 1/4 plexy, youll need bigger then 1/4 clips because of the weather sealent. so probably 3/16 is better. unless you leave thw screws loose and tighten them down once you put the glass up

[@kqh123]

@@benborsa8266 ok yeah I just rewatched the video and Mike said he got 1/2" clips for 1/4" plexi. I thought he said 1/4" clips so you're right 3/8"s are probably the best bet for 1/4". If I cant get them then I'll probably do 1/4" and leave them a bit loose from the wall

[@stevend984]

I'm still searching for a good compression sealer/tape to attach to the insert. For some reason I am having difficulty finding a real solid adhesive compression type strip to use for the insert. I'm open to suggestions.

[@lifeisagift5627]

Another one on the outside and you are double protected!