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DIY soundproof curtains

motivation

• want to block out low frequency noise (such as from HVAC systems and road noise)
• but soundproof curtains are expensive
• and it doesn’t seem like they are that complicated, so it should be possible to make a cheaper DIY version

basic idea: moving blankets are heavy and should be able to block out noise

moving blankets don’t absorb sound very well… but neither does most other stuff, so it’s probably a good option. And I can of course use a bunch of layers, since moving blankets are relatively cheap.

Why curtains specifically? so that I can easily move them out of the way in case I need to get to something that’s behing them. Therefore I am free to cover electrical outlets, windows, doors, lightswitches, etc.

inspiration

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yetft2kcVPw
  • shows how to install grommets (cool)
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YmT4VPNKcLM
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=316QQqrGchc

which moving blanket to buy

harbor freight option is way cheaper than alternatives

• https://www.harborfreight.com/72-inch-x-80-inch-movers-blanket-66537.html
• it doesn’t say the actual weight, but based on the shipping weight (5.55 lb), it should be about 60lb/dozen
• and it’s only $8.59 each
• no grommets, though, so I’ll have to install those myself
  • grommet kits: https://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-grommet-installation-kit-104-pc-63237.html https://www.harborfreight.com/grommet-pliers-with-100-grommets-66707.html
  • if I’m installing a whole bunch of grommets I probably want an arbor press https://www.harborfreight.com/1-ton-arbor-press-3552.html
    • (I also just want an arbor press in general lol)

curtain rod systems

• I would like a system that would allow me to cover the whole length of my walls in one stretch, so that I don’t have any gaps where sound would get through.
  • this probably also means the curtain rod will need to be supported in the middle
  • It seems like curtail rail/track systems are the most common way to do this?

potential curtain options:

• Ikea VIDGA https://www.ikea.com/us/en/cat/track-systems-18893/
  • buying guide https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/files/pdf/26/9c/269c8bc8/ikea-vidga.pdf
  • multiple sections can be joined together for longer lengths
  • wall clamps can (must) be added in the middle,not just at the ends of the track
    • there’s ceiling clamps available too https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vidga-ceiling-bracket-white-90299091/
  • there’s a corner piece available: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/p/vidga-single-track-with-corner-connector-white-s79166403/
  • pretty cheap: $18/6ft
  • con: it doesn’t look like it can support a whole lot of weight
    • could maybe solve this by using more roller hooks than it recommends? probably not, it looks like it’s by default a whole lot of rollers
    • this amazon listing says it can do 11lb (5kg). ikea.co.id backs this up. (not sure why this spec isn’t listed on ikea.com)
    • so I should be able to just barely do 2 harbor freight moving blankets. But probably less, because the moving blanket is smaller than a curtain
• other curtain tracks, such as variants of this one
  • much more expensive than the ikea one (example is $60/6ft)
  • higher load-bearing capacity (that one claims 25kg per track)

alternatives

• DIY encased insulation
  • something like this I think https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spg4y5_zsMs
  • that kind of insulation can generally be dangerous/toxic/caustic/whatever though
  • and these kinds of panels are small compared to curtains, so it would require a lot of them to cover a wall
  • and they obscure electrical outlets and doors and stuff.
• for windows: magnetic panels, such as https://magnetite.com/gallery/