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Noise-reducing windows?

11 years ago

Hello everyone,

We've recently moved into a house that backs to a fairly busy road. I definitely underestimated how much the noise would bother me even when inside with all the windows closed. It seems, though, like our windows let in an unusual amount of noise (when the yard guys were here the other day, I went around looking for the open window because it was so loud in the house -- turned out they were all closed).

A former neighbor once mentioned that her new windows seemed to make the house a lot quieter. Has anyone had any experience with this? Are some brands better than others?

Lastly, a google search led me to companies that install a second window inside the existing window (this would be easy to do in our 11-year-old house that doesn't have lovely old trimmed-out windows). I can't imagine that this looks good, though. Has anyone seen these in person? Maybe with window treatments in place they are not so noticeable?

Thanks in advance!

Amy

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Comments (7)

worthy
11 years ago
Some kind words about Soundproof from the Journal of Light Construction.

Before adding or replacing windows, though, check out your existing windows and their installation. Changing or adding weatherstripping and filling gaps between the window and the framing with foam can make a big difference.

Windows, however, are just one of the sources of noise entry. See link below for the others.

Here is a link that might be useful: Exterior Soundproofing that Works
BeardyMan
11 years ago
Double glazed?
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we have a duplex that had 27yr old Anderson casement windows and we just replaced them with newer Anderson casement, 400 series, and noticed a bit more road noise actually. the originals were not special, says my dad that built the house. so no idea why newer actually seems worse. maybe the installation wasn't done well but I feel I have little basis to go and argue that point. anyway, on our next home, which we are moving into in 4 weeks, I'm getting g new vinyl siding and trims installed. while at it, I'm replacing 30 yr old wood windows that seals have broken and so I'm switching to vinyl and looking for the best noise reduction windows. mom has Marvin's that she loves and I admit they are nice and seem to block out noise well. some friends like their triple pane sunrise windows but I wasn't all that impressed. I liked the look but they swore by the noise reduction yet when I opened and closed it, didn't seem amazing. maybe my expectations were too high. wife and I are just confused on this subject. wr have to buy 14 sliders and a patio slider. that's gonna be expensive so I think Marvin may be out of reach. looking at noise reducing premium models from sunrise, jeldwen, crestline, Simonton. as far as looks of white vinyl in and out, I'm not too picky. just care about noise reduction. stc on all of these range from 31-34 with jeldwen being the highest I think. wish I could find one closer to the 40s. my next house is near a 4 lane road.
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I'm sorry to say but the walls were keeping the noise in check. You can add large area rugs in every spot you can think of. Think of noise as marbles bouncing around in your room. Every time a marble 'hits' a hard surface it rebounds and moves to another surface (echo). This happens until the marbles run out of energy (multiple echos in one room). Now image every room has 6 sides (4 walls, 1 ceiling, 1 floor). The flooring is the most NATURAL place to put noise reducing materials. A cork floor would do the same for you as wall to wall carpet. If you do not want to replace the flooring in this space, you will need to look at other options and other surfaces. LARGE area rugs (in the dining and living space...as LARGE as you can get without running up the wall = best option) will help. Using thick, dense window coverings that are CLOSED will help a lot (glass LOVES to create echo...imagine the sound of marbles bouncing off glass...for hours at a time). You can mount LARGE wall art in soft finishes. And then there are the ceilings. The ceilings take up just as much square foot space as the floors. Acoustic wall/ceiling panels can be installed to get rid of the noise/echo. But the walls would have done a better job. I'm sorry you are going through this. It is never fun to find out the noisy down side of 'open' living spaces. So many people rejoice at the large expanse only to discover the echo (even when NOTHING is going on) is enough to drive you crazy.
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millworkman
11 years ago
Pockets around the frame insulated?
davidro1
11 years ago
Do a blower test. Airtight is the key word that you need to know about. It's a key word in the article that worthy linked to. Noise is like water, and will flow through cracks in your building envelope. Do not think about the windows. Do not think about the window installation. Think about the whole house and everything about it. It's the whole house.
worthy
11 years ago
IOW, anything you do to block sound will also make your home more energy efficient.
Nancy in Mich
11 years ago
In replacing an original aluminum slider in our living room, we chose a triple-paned glass window. My husband plays trombone, and for some reason worries that others may be bothered by it. We are on a corner lot, and there are no other houses near this room, but it mattered to him.

Another option is to get "laminated" glass in a double-paned window. Depending on the brand of window, you may find that one or the other is offered. If you live in a climate with large temperature swings, the triple-paned window has an advantage. Film is applied to the inside pane that both reflects outside heat out, and inside heat back in. This can only be done in the triple-paned window, since the film is fragile and must be protected from another pane of glass. This window is good in the summer for keeping heat out, and in the winter for keeping heat in.

Of course, during install, our builder filled all spaces with insulated bats or spray foam.

Just some info if you decide to look at replacement windows.
susanlynn2012
10 years ago
Nancy-in_mich, which brand of triple pane windows did you choose? I am ready to replace my single pane windows as it gets so cold in Northern NJ and I am tired of cranking up the heating and keeping all the blinds down to try to warm up my home.

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