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The house we moved to sits near an interstate. The walls are well insulated but the windows were cheap and let in a lot of noise.
I've been looking at STC ratings on several windows and I'm trying to get advice from anyone who has installed or purchased windows that are supposed to reduce noise.
Pella appears to have a Lifestyle triple pane window and a Hurricane window. Simonton has a Hurricane window with laminate in it.
Does anybody know of or recommend a brand and type of window that actually reduces noise?
From what I can tell too it appears that casement is a better option than double hung for noise reduction as well?
Most any Double or Triple Pane glass will reduce exterior Noise Hurricane and or Laminate glass will not reduce noise.
A casement is among the best due to the way the close and seal.
Note 1 Wood will rot
2 Thicker the glass the better
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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We replaced all of ours with triple pane, not due to noise, but to help keep down the winter heating costs. After they were put in we were surprised at how much noise was eliminated. One day we had a power outage and I had to run the generator, and it was barely noticeable. Note: It did also reduce the winter heat cost, despite being home all day working since 2/2020 the worst bill since the new windows in summer 2020 was $150 less than before.
*Note 2 to Note 1...
It only rots when its not properly maintained! Hence the reason for aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, etc.- cause people don't want to do "maintenance"(but even those need some maintenance)!!!
Pella appears to have a Lifestyle triple pane window and a Hurricane window. Simonton has a Hurricane window with laminate in it.
Any window that has multiple glazings or laminated (meaning thicker) can attenuate sound waves compared to single pane.
Does anybody know of or recommend a brand and type of window that actually reduces noise?
There are literally hundreds of brands that may, or may not, reduce noise. Type of window is definitely a casement.
From what I can tell too it appears that casement is a better option than double hung for noise reduction as well?
Yes; casement because of it's sealing which is done by compression. As opposed to single hung or double hung that have meeting rails and styles that depend on friction for sealing.
Thank you
You're welcome!
As a note- The use of landscaping can sometimes be cheaper, more aesthetically pleasing, and better for your health when it comes to controlling sound (waves).
*Note 2 to Note 1...
It only rots when its not properly maintained! Hence the reason for aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass, etc.- cause people don't want to do "maintenance"(but even those need some maintenance)!!!
I did maintenance for over 20 years on my wood windows. I was TIRED of it. They were a lot of work, and it just never ends. I am beyond happy with my new vinyl replacements.
I did maintenance for over 20 years on my wood windows. I was TIRED of it. They were a lot of work, and it just never ends. I am beyond happy with my new vinyl replacements.
I truly appreciate all the input you've given me. So it looks like a casement window that is vinyl is the best way to go?
I talked to my local Pella office about trying one of their casement noise reducing windows. Of course it is wooden.
Pella wants $800 to install one window on the ground floor. Should take them about an hour. $800 an hour sounds like a lot of money. But that's what "their installer" wants...
Get self-cleaning glass.
You will be happy years from now.
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