Will Acoustic Foam Help Outside Sounds From Coming Through Windows ?

Acoustic Foam For Windows

We have had mixed reviews on using our acoustic foam panels for keeping outside sounds from coming through windows. The product is not designed for this use, but some people have had success.

Acoustic foam panels are designed to absorb sound waves in the room in which they are placed. They could help reduce noise coming from outside or a loud neighbor, but will not block the noise completely. If you place the foam on your side of the wall the foam will absorb some of the noise and vibrations, but not everything by any means.

We have had customers construct a panel out of cardboard/plywood, then mount the foam onto the cardboard/plywood. This constructed panel can be used to plug the window with the acoustic foam facing the windows. You could also mount the foam directly onto the window if you do not need the window at all.

Some other easy and cheap ideas for windows are weatherstripping and thick curtains. Many times there are small cracks in the windows that are letting the sound through. Weatherstripping can help tackle that problem fairly easy (Duck brand sells some good stuff). Thick curtains will also help dampen sound. Even having a thick comforter over the window might help if you have an extra one around.

The true fix to preventing unwanted outside noise from coming into your room is to increase the transmission loss of the acoustical barrier. This could mean buying new thicker windows with a better seal, adding more noise blocking insulation inside of the walls and structure of the building or by replacing a light gypsum board wall with a thicker brick or concrete wall. You could also use green glue in between your current layer of drywall and new layer of drywall to add extra sound absorption and blocking. 

If you live in an apartment building your landlord probably won’t jump at the idea of modifying the building structure so you may be stuck with trying thick curtains and other means to try and ease the noise a bit.

Hope this was helpful. Please contact us with any questions about your acoustic or noise problem. We are glad to help!

Read More:

Free Acoustic Room Analysis

What Is Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) ?

Soundproofing Foam For Music Studios

What Is Transmission Loss Of Sound ?

Acoustic Foam Room Calculator

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Frequently Asked Questions

Do acoustic panels really work? ▶
Yes, acoustic panels absolutely work when used correctly. Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, which helps reduce echo, reverb, and unwanted reflections in a room. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound environment.

Whether you’re treating a home studio, podcast room, home theater, or office space, acoustic panels can make a noticeable difference in speech clarity, mix accuracy, and overall listening quality.
How do I know which panels are right for my room? ▶
Every space is unique. You can contact us for a free room analysis, or check out our guides under the “Learn” section.

Absorption panels help reduce echo and reverb. We offer foam panels and fabric covered panels.

Diffusers scatter sound for a more balanced feel.

Bass traps help control low frequencies that tend to build up in corners.

If you’re trying to block sound from entering or leaving a room, you’ll need soundproofing materials, which are different from acoustic treatments.
Can I order samples? ▶
Yes, we offer acoustic foam samples and well as fabric color swatches. If you are looking for something else please Contact Us.

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What’s the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment? ▶
Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a room. Acoustic treatment improves sound inside the room by reducing echo and reverb.
Can acoustic panels improve speech clarity? ▶
Yes! Acoustic panels are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms to reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility. By absorbing excess sound and reverb, panels make it easier to hear and understand spoken words—even at lower volumes.

Want help improving clarity in your space? Contact us here.
Do acoustic panels block outside noise? ▶
Standard acoustic panels don’t block sound—they absorb it. Acoustic panels reduce echo and reverb inside a room but won’t stop external noise from entering or leaving.

If you’re looking for soundproofing, you’ll need materials designed to block sound transmission like mass loaded vinyl, or decoupled wall systems. We offer select products for this—Contact Us to learn more.

Learn the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption here.
Where should I place acoustic panels? ▶
The best placement depends on your room and goals. For general echo reduction, aim to cover 20–30% of your wall space. For recording studios, home theaters, or listening rooms, focus on:

• Front wall behind speakers
• Back wall behind the listening position
• Side wall reflection points
• Ceiling above your desk or seating area
• Diffusers at key reflection points for natural sound

Need help with placement? Contact us for a free custom recommendation.
Do these panels work for podcasting, streaming, or music production? ▶
Absolutely. We serve customers across all industries — from home offices to professional studios.
What fabric is best for wrapping acoustic panels? ▶
To get the best sound performance, use acoustically transparent fabric—material that lets sound pass through easily. A simple test: try breathing through the fabric. If air flows freely, it’s likely a good choice. Avoid dense materials like heavy denim or canvas, as they can block sound instead of letting it be absorbed.

Looking for a proven solution? Our professional-grade acoustical fabric is highly rated by customers and perfect for DIY acoustic panels.

Shop acoustic fabric here or contact us if you need help picking the right fabric for your project.
Can I order custom-sized acoustic panels? ▶
Yes! In addition to our standard panel sizes, we offer custom-sized acoustic panels for unique spaces, specialty builds, and large-scale projects. Just let us know your dimensions and design goals—we’re happy to create a solution that fits your space perfectly.

Contact us here to tell us about your project and get a custom quote.
Do you offer custom sizes or colors? ▶
Yes, we offer custom sizing and a variety of colors on select products. Just reach out and let us know what you need.

Contact Us for custom quotes.
Are your products easy to install? ▶
Yes! Our fabric-wrapped panels include mounting hardware. For acoustic foam, there are several easy mounting options, including double-sided adhesive squares, spray adhesive, or Command strips for installation without damaging your walls.

Check out our install videos here.
Do I need professional help to install acoustic panels? ▶
Most acoustic panels are easy to install with basic tools and a little DIY experience. We make it simple by providing tutorial videos. Check out our install videos here.

For more complex projects, we’re happy to guide you—or your contractor—through the process to ensure everything is done right.

Contact us here if you need help with installation planning.
How do you maintain acoustic panels? ▶
Acoustic panels are low-maintenance and built to last with proper care. Here are some general tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Clean gently with compressed air
• Spot clean with minimal moisture and dry immediately

Always check your panel’s product specs for specific cleaning recommendations.

Have questions about cleaning or care? Contact us here.
How much do acoustical panels or soundproofing materials cost? ▶
The cost of acoustic panels and soundproofing panels depends on your space and goals. We offer everything from affordable DIY acoustic foam to high-end custom panels for professional studios and luxury interiors. For an accurate quote, let us know your room size, usage, and sound goals—we’re happy to help you find the right solution for your budget.

Fill out our free room analysis for personalized acoustic advice.
How fast is shipping and fulfillment? ▶
Most orders ship in 1-3 business days. Cut to order foam may take a little longer. If you need something in a hurry please Contact Us.
Can acoustic panels be customized for my space? ▶
Yes! We offer custom acoustic panels tailored to your exact dimensions, layout, and design goals. Whether you’re working with an odd-shaped wall, a unique room layout, or a specific aesthetic, we can create panels that fit perfectly.

Choose from a wide range of colors and fabrics to match your space without sacrificing performance.

Contact us here to tell us about your space and get a custom solution.