Sound Reduction Windows
We’re looking to replace our aluminum framed windows with sound reduction windows. Bay Ridge Windows & Doors recommended Marvin windows that are wood frame on the inside and vinyl on the outside and have two grades of window panes. Sound right to anyone who’s had sound reduction windows installed? And has anyone ever used Bay…
We’re looking to replace our aluminum framed windows with sound reduction windows. Bay Ridge Windows & Doors recommended Marvin windows that are wood frame on the inside and vinyl on the outside and have two grades of window panes. Sound right to anyone who’s had sound reduction windows installed? And has anyone ever used Bay Ridge Windows and have any thoughts on working with them, positive/negative? Thoughts about the windows would be appreciated too.
Thanks.
DO NOT buy windows from City Proof Windows. The interior windows installed will prevent you from cleaning the exterior set of windows. Also they will prevent you from replacing the balances on the exterior, which will break every year or so. Now I have to pay them 500 dollars to completely uninstall my windows, fix the balance which I can do myself, and completely install them again. Insane… don’t buy from them. I do not look forward to paying them a yearly fee of 500 dollars.
I had Bay Ridge Windows replace windows in my house and although their price was competitive, the instillation was extremely bad. They made several errors and then when I asked them to correct them, the BRW staff acted as though they were doing me a favor and asked for additional $ to boot!
If I had do it all over again, I would have used a different company.
When comparing building materials or wall/window/door assemblies, you can consult two types of ratings. One is the Sound Transmission Class, or STC. The higher the STC value, the more noise is stopped. The other is the Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class, or OITC. Both ratings are based on transmission data.
Secondly, varying the thickness of two panes of glass in an insulated unit is the most cost effective option for reducing sound transmission through the glazing. For instance a 1/4†exterior pane with 11/32†interior pane will offer the greatest amount of sound rejection in a dual pane insulated glass unit.
Keep in mind that most manufactures can produce STC ratings for their products. The higher the STC rating the more sound is rejected by the total unit and is shown decibels. Generally using dual pane insulated glazing the highest STC rating is about 35db-38db. To get anything higher, you may need to move to a different type of glazing system (i.e. Triple-pane, additional Exterior Storm Sash,…etc).
In addition, the manufacture will probably use Laminated Glass which is a plus for security and UV rejection, but will slightly reduce the amount of light let into the home when compared to annealed low emissivity glass.
Oh and lastly (this may just be semantics), if the windows are vinyl on the exterior they are not Marvin. Probably Anderson.
Christopher Harold
Project Manager – Reeb Millwork Corp.
Thanks for the info.
We have a brick house and want to reduce the noise coming from PPSW but also want to eliminate the drafts. I’ve heard great things about citiquiet type windows but don’t want to lose the sill space and have to open two windows for some fresh air. Any further experience with 2 vs. 3 pane windows and brands? I like the shatter proof window suggestion since we’d love to lose the bars. We’ll also check the other places mentioned here for quotes. Think we’re leaning towards all wood frames, too. Thanks for the info.
Read this post on Apartmenttherapy:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/window-coverings/hot-tip-cityproof-windows-will-make-you-feel-like-charleton-heston-in-omega-man-000538
It talks about the Citi-Quiet windows. Apparently the glass is 1/2 inch thick. I can’t imagine that you can beat that on a normal window.
Citi-Quiet is a system that installs inside of your existing windows, which will be a bit cheaper, and most likely even more productive in decreasing noise than window replacement, if that is your ultimate goal. I have never used them in a project, but have heard good reviews from other professionals.
Kyle Page, AIA, LEED AP
Sundial Studios Architecture & Deign, PLLC
We just had Kolbe windows installed last week. All wood, not vinyl, which I hate. Kolbe are less expensive than Marvin, and come factory-painted on the exterior, primed on the interior (an extra expense if you get Marvins.) They are really nice looking, and definitely cut the noise (my son napped sweetly while a high school band warmed up in front of our house for the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday.) And no drafty air wafting through! We had heights Historic Windows do them, and were very happy with the job they did.
The weak point for sound transmittance is first the frame and then the glass, that’s why your window guy is recommending a two material type window frame, they will inherently have two different resonances.
Be aware that the vinyl exterior jambs are fairly ugly, if you live in a larger condo or co-op building it’s not an issue (just match your building’s predominate color, hopefully it’s dark) but if you’re in a townhouse I think it’s worth considering an upgrade to wood exterior for the aesthetics. But if you are in a townhouse you will most likely need use a double hung, for aesthetics. Tilt &Turn Windows as well as casement do offer better sound reduction.
I know that Marvin can make a triple glazed window, we’ve used them in buildings along the West Side Highway – I remember that there was about a 15-20% increase in cost to upgrade. But it is the best insulation from noise you can get. I’m not sure if Marvin uses it but there are some glass companies that make glass IGUs with a PVB (Polyvinyl butyral) interlayer that reduces the glass sound transmittance as well as reducing UV to 99% and has the added bonus of being built proof. So for the same about of money as triple glazing you might be able to upgrade to a PVB interlay and get the added UV reduction and shatter resistance (which is a decent alternative to bars).
All of this is good for stopping high frequency noise but there’s little you can do to stop low frequencies (like Jake Brakes or dump trucks hitting potholes).
Marvin generally makes a good product – they have a good value. We use them in 90% of our jobs.
If you are skeptical about what this guy is recommending there are tons of Marvin distributors. There’s nothing wrong with getting a second opinion – and maybe a better price.
Drew Stuart
Incorporated Architecture & Design
http://www.incorporatedny.com/
Bay Ridge told you Marvin windows because they are Marvin window dealers. Marvin are the most expensive windows you can buy. Doesnt mean they are the most soundproof. They are high quality windows and each is custom made (I had Marvin windows put in but not for sound reasons). You should look into new windows from the perspective of sound. Keep searching. There are triple glazed windows out there as well. And there are systems that help you sound proof your windows.