Soundproof Windows

Beware of Citiquiet windows in NYC. I bought 3 windows from them. They never completed the installation and left me with unfinished work. There were numerous attempts from my end to get installers back, but I did not succeede. Also as I found out later their prices much higher then their competitor cityproof

I really want to the thank the folks at http://www.CitiQuiet.com for the work they did to my new apartment. I recently got a job in Miami and let me tell you – coming from a homey little suburb in New Jersey, I didn’t realize how loud the city could get! My neighbors like to play music all day long when I need to do some work from home; and when the sun goes down, the Miami nightlife noises are incessant! My sleep was lacking, and in turn, I was grouchy and not as productive a worker as I could be.

I spoke with my landlord and apparently the walls were pretty well insulated so my noise dilemma was due to the quality of my windows. My apartment is a loft, so the ceilings are really high with very large windows, allowing plenty of sunlight to shine through. But at that point, I was really starting to reconsider my residence of choice. I googled soundproofing windows and CitiQuiet was one of the first results so I checked them out. The rep on the phone was super friendly and did not make up some bull just to get the sale (I work in sales myself so I can spot insincerity right off the bat). Just like their website, he told me that their soundproofing technique does not eliminate 100% of all outdoor noise – but they sure come close enough for comfort.

What I liked the most about the product (besides finally getting a good night’s sleep!) was that they did not have to do any major construction. They were in and out of my place in just a couple hours and all they did was add a special unit on to the windows that were already there. Basically, if I WANT to open myself up to the sounds from the outside, I have that option!

What a HUGE difference!! The first night with my new windows in place I slept like a baby and honestly, felt at home for the first time since I moved down here. I don’t have to turn up my TV to overpower the others noise and when I want quiet time – I get it. Definitely a great investment; I would recommend these guys to anyone!

Oh my god. Please call Citiproof. They are marvelous. I was skeptical at first, but Christopher Ulrich was very professional, answered all of my questions, and even gave me the names of two references in my own neighborhood who had used them so that I could ask them questions. Fabulous. I live across the street from a bar / lounge who’s patrons hang out after the bar closes at 4 AM. The difference is like night and day. While they are not cheap (I paid $1,680.00 for the 2 in my bedroom) they are worth every penny, there’s no tax because its a capital improvement, and with our co-op, there was no problem because it installed on the INSIDE. Good luck!

The installation quality of a window is very important (the window should form a tight seal with the frame, and there should be no air gaps), but a good way to judge (meaning, “is the really expensive window worth it?” keep in mind that the smallest change in sound that humans can perceive outside of a laboratory setting is 3 dBA) price vs. sound reduction is to take a look at the window’s technical specifications. The OITC (outdoor-indoor transmission class) rating will let the buyer know approximately how effective the window is at attenuating sound coming from the the outside. Some manufacturers still use the STC (sound transmission class) rating system for their windows, which is more appropriate for interior spaces since its raiting system is primarily based on the frequencies that comprise speech (while the OITC rating system includes more of the lower frequencies that are apparent in vehicular traffic, especially trucks). As a result, the STC rating of a window is typically higher than the OITC rating. To get a detailed sense of how effective your new windows would be at attenuating outdoor noise, a building facade composite calculation can be performed. Although, the facade of a building is usually only as good at attenuating noise as its weakest link (window air conditioner, cheap window, etc). That being said, the OITC rating is a good metric, along with price, to guide you in your decision.

I second Cityproof! Christopher Ulrich was the Cityproof rep. who came to my house and gave me the consultation. He was professional and the whole process was quick and painless. I had the 1/2″ windows installed in my bedroom because I’m near a car wash and the loud music in the evening was interfering with my ability to sleep. I didn’t really need it anywhere else in my apartment because my front windows, which overlook a busy street, already had them installed before I moved in.

I had no idea that there wasn’t much difference between the 1/2″ and 1/4″ in terms of sound reduction. I considered getting the 3/4″ glass, but now I’m glad I didn’t. Too bad I splurged for the 1/2″, but I must say that I’m pleased with the result. I can actually fall asleep with someone washing their car and blasting their music just outside my window.