Soundproof Windows

I am just starting the process of research for replacing all windows (7 in total) in our rowhouse.  My primary concern are those in the bedroom and their ability to reduce street noise.  I am looking for the best combination between form and function as I have a 100yo house and wish to maintain its original look as much as possible. If anyone have any recommendations for 1) contractors specializing in soundproof windows 2) websites with reviews on different window configs 3) a specific window brand, it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

anonymous

in Doors & Windows 13 years and 2 months ago

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laurie11201 | 11 years ago

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I second the recommendation for Indow Windows. We have (3) 4×8 windows in our 2nd floor studio, overlooking Atlantic Ave, near Henry St. Very noisy. And our actual windows are single-pane glass in old, drafty wooden frames. We’re landmarked and replacing the windows wasn’t an option (although there’s a plan to replace all of the windows on this side of the building eventually, but it’s going to be a long and expensive project that won’t happen any time soon, unfortunately). We had the Indow Windows installed last year and we absolutely love them. The thermal benefits have been great – no more drafts making us shiver on the couch in the winter. But the acoustic benefits have improved our quality of life in ways we never imagined. What little sound we do still hear is significantly dampened and muffled. It no longer sounds like the cars and trucks are driving through our apartment and the sports fans from Chip Shop and Floyd no longer wake us up early on the weekends (or keep us up late at night).

hermanweaver | 12 years ago

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You may want to look at Indow Windows, who provide an interior storm window insert that allows you to keep your existing windows and still reduce noise and energy costs. They also cost a lot less than new windows. They are used a lot in landmark buildings as there is no approval required – no construction is needed, no changes to existing frames. We just installed some last fall and are very happy with them. You can find them in the Directory section of Brownstoner.com

soundman | 13 years and 2 months ago

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My kinda topic.  Dual pane and triple pane windows do not stop much more noise than whatever you have.  Add expensive options like laminated glass and maybe it can stop 20% more noise than your current windows.  More details can be found at soundproofing101.com.  The best noise stopper is adding a window made of laminated glass.  It insulates, seals from drafts, and reduces noise.  If the recording industry is any indicator – soundproofwindows.com makes the best on the market.  I know their recording studio windows and doors are the best in the world.  They do make add on windows that work great – my aunt loves them.  Cuts energy and totally handles the noise problems she had.  She’s in New Jersey, so I know they ship and install the residential stuff locally.  They ship the recording industry stuff worldwide.

stevecym | 13 years and 2 months ago

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triple pane as mentioned above.  There are other options if you do some research.  A number of years ago , a buddy of mine won a government contract to install windows in the houses surrounding LI McArthur Airport.  The FAA paid for these windows becuase of noise complaints.  My friend said they were pricey but I never found out what made them so special.  Steve

Augustiner | 13 years and 2 months ago

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I know an importer of custom manufactured tilt&turn windows with double hung look (recessed lower window) and triple glazed with sound insulating option. Wood or wood alu clad. You never experienced something like it, but it will not come at home depot prices. For technical reasons these are already x times more silent than any double hung. sound insulating glass option is about 10% more.

anotherposter | 13 years and 2 months ago

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We recently had our orignal (also 100+ years old) windows replaced with Marvins (we are landmarked and Marvins are apparently the standard) and just going from the old to new ones that properly fit and have insulation added around them has made a huge difference plus they look really good (our busy-body neighbors, the type to who report all kinds of crap to landmarks, all love them).  We get a lot less street noise but I’m sure you could get better.  If you’ve not looked at windows much, there is some serious sticker shock and I imagine any better sound-blocking glass is really pricey.   Our windows are from Lucky Window Products (recommended by many) and our contractor installed them but I’ve heard good things about LWP’s installers.  They came out several times to make sure the measurements and decisions were right (colors, etc.).  They might be a good place to start.