Diagnose the noise you actually have
Different sources need different tactics. Spending on curtains will not fix illegal drag-pipe flybys; a police complaint will not quiet a freeway.
| Type | Sounds like | Best first moves |
|---|---|---|
| Highway / freeway | Steady broadband roar; worse with trucks & wet pavement | Seal envelope, window inserts, sleep masking; ask DOT about barriers |
| City street | Stop-go engines, buses, horns, occasional peaks | Seals + curtains; traffic calming requests to city |
| Modified exhaust | Sharp, intermittent blasts; often nights/weekends | Log + bylaw/police; neighbor coalition |
Low frequencies travel. Truck rumble is harder to block than tire hiss. That is why OITC ratings (outdoor-indoor) matter more than glossy STC numbers alone for highway homes.
Next: quick wins or take the quiz.