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lee71959

Best Soundproof Replacements on East Coast

lee71959
9 years ago

Hi all, just discovered this forum today and the wealth of window information is generally amazing. I couldn't find the answer to my situation so would greatly appreciate if someone could advise me on the best window (and installation) options or alternatively, suggest a course of action that could be better.

I recently purchased a condo unit in NJ (very close to NYC) that I didn't realize had a major noise problem due to nightclub-like conditions at a seemingly posh restaurant immediately across the street. As our entire family (2-month old daughter, wife, me) is very sensitive to noise, I need to find a way to reduce (and hopefully almost competely eliminate) the noise from the offensive "restaurant".

The details of my situation are below:

1) I am on the 5th floor condo directly across from the restaurant, with 8 ~45' x 70' single hung windows and 1 ~85' x ~70' fixed un-openable window, all with wood frames.

2) The original windows are of subpar quality in every condo unit. The pieces no longer fit together easily and the top part also slides down, requiring that I manually push it back up in order to lock. I cannot get 2 of the windows to lock no matter what I do, meaning that those 2 also have significant air/noise leakage.

3) The noise I hear is mostly (i) bass dance rhythms and (ii) loud drunk clubbers on the street.

4) When there is noise and I put my ear close to the windows, I hear that the windows are the source of the vast majority of the noise that comes into the unit. When I put my ear close to the wall below the window, I hear only a very muted sound.

Given the sad state of my current windows, I plan to replace the windows as opposed to adding supplementary options (e.g. SoundProof Windows), understanding that the cost will be more significant but the resulting utility (can actually use my windows freely) greater.

After spending the few days researching various options, I started to focus on Milgard's Quietline windows for their great sound-blocking attributes, particularly since I need to block rhythmic bass noise. Unfortunately, I am not able to purchase these windows because Milgard does not operate on the East Coast. Cost-wise, I am willing to pay for top-notch quality as (i) my quality of life would greatly improve and (ii) the investment would feasibly pay for itself in property value increase in the expensive NYC area and possible energy cost savings.

My newbie questions are:

A) Would the Milgard Quietline windows have been a good choice for my "nightclub" noise problems? Would my wood frame have been a problem with the vinyl Quietline windows?

B) What are similar high-STC windows that are available to someone in the NYC area? And any recommendations for contractors in the NYC area?

Though all of the ~130 units in the 8-year-old condo have the same subpar windows and problems, I may be the first one to seriously look into replacing the windows according to building management. From discussions with new neighbors, I think they're waiting for me to be the guinea pig.

Any advice, including on something I may not have considered at all, would be greatly appreciated.

This post was edited by lee71959 on Wed, Aug 27, 14 at 18:03

Comments (14)

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Most any modern window with insulated glass and tight weather seals will greatly reduce the amount of noise coming through the opening. Old double/single hung windows are the worst in keeping out weather and sound. You can get options on windows to get them to a higher STC rating from the standard window, that being laminated insulated glass.

    There are others on this forum such as millworkeman and Windowsonwashington who are more familiar to East Coast window offerings so they will guide you to proper brands.

    With all that being said, even if you went overboard with a "quiet" window, there are still many areas sound can enter an older building besides the windows.

  • kiko_gw
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I use my Bose Noise Cancelling headphones for peace and quiet. I am in a realtively quiet suburb, but I'm a light sleeper and we have noisy birds, loud packs of joggers "screaming" at each other (I swear they talk soooo loud when they run by) and car noise/slamming doors from people who go to work at 5 a.m. It really helps. You could try something like storm windows (Larson Sound Control, IndowWindows, or something like this http://www.acousticalsurfaces.com/window-inserts/acoustical_window_inserts.htm). I have no idea if any of those things work. Good luck! Unwanted noise is the worst.

  • millworkman
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Don't know much about soundproof windows at all and not up on these guys but have not heard anything bad (which is a plus in my mind)

    Here is a link that might be useful: Citiquiet Windows

  • lee71959
    Original Author
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Thanks all for the responses so far.

    Fenestration, I am definitely looking to have STC 40+ windows that have lamination, different pane thickness, plenty of air between panes, etc. Just need to find a good company that does this around the NYC area. I'm hoping that fixing the substandard windows will do the trick because the building itself is only 8 years old and the unit seems to be in otherwise very good shape.

    Kiko, I enjoy noise cancelling headphones as well. I think the inserts are an good idea if I want even more soundproofing after replacing the windows, which is possible since I can be very particular about noise. Since I would like to replace my current windows so I can actually open and close them as I like in nice weather, I'd pass on storm windows.

    Millworkman, I'll give Citiquiet a call tomorrow. I can't tell from their website if they replace windows or operate essentially the same as SoundProof Windows. Or maybe they do both.

    Could others chime in also?

    It's been surprising to me that I'm having a difficult time finding a replacement window company with reputable STC 40+ windows in the largest (and probably noisiest) metropolitan area in the US,

  • millworkman
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    As mentioned above as well as windows if you do not take the steps to improve the sound transfer through your walls your as they say "pissing in the wind", to put it bluntly. Just because you do not hear much sound through the walls currently does not mean they will be the same with new windows. Quietrock or the sound attenuation insulation should be used as well.

  • lee71959
    Original Author
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I agree with your assessment millworkman. To the extent that I can feasibly soundproof walls without having to tear into the wall too much, I would consider that in addition. Given that I'm on the 5th floor of a condo building (i.e. its not just my preferences that matter), I may have problems doing much. I plan to get a professional assessment as to whether there are other avenues for noise pollution to get into the unit.

    Again, would have thought that it would be fairly easy to have a number of options for replacement soundproof windows in the NYC. If I had any handyman skills or interests, it'd be a good business opportunity.

  • PRO
    Out of the Woods Inc.- Window & Door Specialists
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The building is only 8 years old? Geez I assumed they were old single pane wood doulbe hungs.

  • lee71959
    Original Author
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Yes, the building is fairly new and my understanding is that the developer (Hovnanian) used subpar windows as a cost-cutting measure.

    The windows are double pane single hungs, but the cheap wood part of the windows (not the frames) are already falling apart and very difficult (and some impossible) to lock. I'll have to replace the windows soon anyways and figure I should try to alleviate the noise problem as much as possible at the same time as well.

  • millworkman
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    All those condo/apartment/hotel type buildings use about the least expensive crap they can find.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Its a shame those QuietLine aren't available out here anymore as they were great.

    You will have to move the window inward on any of those stacked type designs that have an exterior storm sash.

    Post up a picture of the interior of the home and an interior storm would probably work in the meantime and couldn't hurt the performance of any assembly that you finally decide on.

  • ksc36
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    You could check out Harvey Industries. They carry a good selection of replacement windows including an acoustic line.
    http://www.harveybp.com/product.aspx?pid=17

    Here is a link that might be useful: windows

  • EFHouseman
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The Milgard QuietLine windows have very thick frames (about 5") and aren't very well suited for remodels. You'll need to completely remove your existing windows and start from scratch.

  • PRO
    Windows on Washington Ltd
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    The Milgard Quitelines are not for an insert application and you do need the wall depth to bury them to the inside so your windows don't look bug eyed.

    They aren't here on the East Coast so the point is moot.

  • PRO
    Residential Acoustics, LLC
    8 years ago

    For noise entering your home there are other solutions than replacing windows or doing costly renovations. We have a full line of fully customizable soundproof curtains which block 70 - 90% of noise and have an STC rating of 29. They come at a significantly lower price than double pane windows and are quick and easy to install. Visit our website at www.residential-acoustics.com for more information or to see a demonstration for yourself. Hope we can help!