Sound proofing windows, your experience?

[unperson]

Hoping to get some sound insulation in the windows, looking at youtube stuff, it seems like laminated glass is the preferred choice (like windscreen glass). Also I have old wooden sash windows, wonder if they just replace the glass or if you need a complete new window (not heritage style, just a 1960's house, some of them are a bit heavy.

Any advice/experience?

 

[Yeshuasdaughter]

I used to live in an apartment Downtown on the busiest street (6 lanes of 24 hour traffic), right next to a major freeway bridge, and across the street from a MLS stadium.

We had floor to ceiling windows throughout the unit, and no exterior walls. The windows were thick, and were double paned, sealed with argon gas inside. It was so very quiet in the house when we had the windows closed. And it kept the house insulated from heat and cold.

 

[Judge]

Yep, might be best to start with double paned windows. Not cheap though.

 

[unperson]

aw, I was expecting MOAR from a noise sensitive/techie group of people, but thankyou for your replies.

 

[Skittlebisquit]

I would say new windows. And go plastic/resin and triple paned. Of course the fine thing about what you have is you can put storm windows right over the top of it.

Also I have used sheet acrylic panels on the inside of a two story building before. No ladder required. In the winter one year I used spray glue on the glass and put bubble wrap right on the glass, for thermal insulation.

You won't get great results without replacing the entire thing, at least for sound. However.....

Out west, there is a program that low income ppl can qualify for to have the old ones swapped out, at little or no cost to the homeowner, it's a grant program avail thru the power company

 

[watersprite]

I had all the windows in my house replaced. The old ones were 100 yrs old literally.

I chose double paned types - but relatively inexpensive. They removed the entire wooden framed windows, and installed new fiberglass framed units. Sound and loss of heat/cool is now much improved.
They sold the antiques to a guy who’s re-doing an old barn.

p.s. When they have the old window out: take a look down there to see and make sure the wall is packed with insulation.

 

[unperson]

Luckily it's double brick, so very soundproof! I should be able to get a reasonable result with the right windows. It's mainly bedroom and living room where I don't want noise coming in, depending on cost, I might only do the noisy side of the house. I live near a recreation zone ugh, (near scouts - screaming, yelling kids 3 nights a week, football practice in winter, bowling club traffic in summer).