Soundproofing from street noise

We have an auto mechanic shop directly across the street from us that installs boom stereos in cars. We are in Williamsburg. Every day there is intermittent heavy bass and music that one can hear/feel no matter where we go in our building. The front wall that faces the street is exposed brick. And we are thinking of replacing the windows with 3 paned glass windows. Will adding a sound proof wall on top of the brick help deaden the noise/vibration, and would anyone know what’s the best way to do that? Solid blue foam insulated sheet rock? Anyone able to recommend a good quality sound proof window?

jla

in Soundproofing 13 years and 7 months ago

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hermanweaver | 11 years and 11 months ago

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You could try using interior storm window inserts, especially if you want to avoid the expense and construction involved with replacement windows. We used Indow Windows and have noticed a significant reduction in ourdoor noise. Sleep is good now.

BobMarvin | 13 years and 7 months ago

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I suspect that the shop is violating noise regulations. Have you called 311?

Augustiner | 13 years and 7 months ago

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A tilt & turn triple pane noise reduction window will give you a significant 35-40 db reduction. You need an assymentrical construction (http://www.bieberusa.com/sound-reducing-windows.html). No regular triple pane or double hung window will do the job as good.
I think you should first look at changing windows (and entrance door), usually a brick wall is a good sound barrier.

bowl-of-dicks | 13 years and 7 months ago

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But if OP hears it “no matter where they go in their building” then the problem isn’t isolated to the exposed brick wall and windows facing the street.

wyckoff | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Thumping base is really hard to deal with because of the frequency.  Standard triple pane windows won’t help – you need variation in the thickness of the different glass panes.  Marvin makes a good double pane window with sound reducing glass which we installed a couple of years ago.  They are great for standard street/traffic/party noise, but we still hear thumping base drive by, unmuffled Harleys, etc. On the Marvins you can get also get an exterior storm window, which is going to look much nicer than the standard interior soundproof windows you see offered, and the STC ratings for the combo are really good.   We used Historical Windows (aka EZ Tilt) and were very happy.  For the exposed brick look into a wood framed wall (not metal studs) and 2 layers of 5/8 QuietRock.  If you wanted you could even hang the QuietRock on sound insulation channels.  Dead air space and density are the two keys to blocking noise.  Good luck.

STARGAZER | 13 years and 7 months ago

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double windows means more to clean…ugh !!

brucef | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Sorry I don’t recall what they are called, but facing the BQE, developments have a 2nd, separate window, 6″ in from the outer window, that cuts the sound amazingly. Open just that inside window, and you hear the traffic noise loud. Shut it again, … tranquility.

masterbuilder | 13 years and 7 months ago

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Sound transmission is complex.  I posted on this earlier this year as we were involved with a construction project that had sound control requirements from the DOB via the DEP.  The glass was required to have an OITC rating of 32 or better, and overall the construction required significant sound dampening throughout.  (Williamsburg project on Grand St).  Take a look at this link:  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/noise/index.shtml If you do upgrade your windows you want to ensure you have a high OITC (outdoor indoor transmission class) rating on the product.  http://www.archtest.com/testing/faqs.aspx?id=2 The architectural testing site indicates that most windows will not reach a high OITC rating without the inclusion of an an interior storm window.  We are considering this type of installation for another project, principally for insulating properties, but it will undoubtedly make the house very quiet.  For our Williamsburg project, it took a lot of digging, but I was able to prove via a manufacturer that normal 3/8″ tempered storefront glass has an OITC rating of 32. Mostly you need air gaps to deaden sound transmission, so typically sound isolation isn’t a matter of building up insulation but building up an insulating envelope that does not touch the walls and floors acting as the transmitter (just like a drum or eardrum). Here’s the approved list of DEP noise consultants.  http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/pdf/noise_consultants_list.pdf