I’ve definitely noticed the weird trade-off with double glazing—my place is a 1920s rowhouse, and after I upgraded the windows, it was almost too quiet. I didn’t think I’d miss the sound of rain or distant city noise, but now it feels a little sterile sometimes. I tried one of those white noise apps, but it’s just not the same as hearing actual weather.
The install was a headache. My frames were way out of square, so I had to use a ton of shims and some low-expansion foam just to get things reasonably airtight. Foam tape helped with a few gaps, but honestly, nothing beats old-school caulk for those stubborn spots where the wood’s warped. The prep took way longer than I expected—definitely not just a “pop in new glass and you’re done” kind of job.
Energy savings are real, but I do wonder if there’s a happy medium between blocking all sound and keeping some character. Anyone else ever try leaving one window single-glazed just for the ambiance?
Leaving one window single-glazed for the vibe is actually a pretty clever idea. I get what you mean about it feeling “sterile”—I had a similar thing happen after my upgrade. The silence was nice at first, but then I started missing the little sounds too. My place is from the 40s and none of the frames are straight either, so I totally relate to this:
The install was a headache. My frames were way out of square, so I had to use a ton of shims and some low-expansion foam just to get things reasonably airtight.
Honestly, sometimes I crack a window just to hear the world outside again. Not sure there’s a perfect middle ground, but you’re definitely not alone in wanting some character back.
Totally get what you’re saying about the old frames—those out-of-square installs are always a pain. Even with the right foam and shims, it never feels quite perfect. Honestly, I’ve had clients ask to keep one original window just for that bit of “life” in the space. There’s something about hearing a bit of street noise or the rain on glass that new windows can’t really replace. Maybe it’s not practical, but I get the appeal.
- Keeping one old window sounds like a nice compromise for character.
- I’ve noticed, though, that the noise difference is real—sometimes worth the hassle of new installs.
- Still, I get missing the city sounds or rain. There’s something about it you just can’t fake with modern windows.
- My place has a mix now... not perfect, but it works for us.
Still, I get missing the city sounds or rain. There’s something about it you just can’t fake with modern windows.
That’s so true. When we swapped out our old single panes for new ones, the first thing I noticed was how weirdly quiet it got—almost too quiet at night. I actually missed the distant sirens and the rain tapping on the glass. But then, on trash day when the trucks roll by at 6am, I’m grateful for the upgrade. We kept the old window in the kitchen for “character” (and let’s be honest, because it was stuck shut anyway). It’s not perfect, but it’s got some charm... and a little draft in winter.
I actually missed the distant sirens and the rain tapping on the glass.
It’s funny, I hear that a lot—folks missing the “character noises” after upgrading. Do you think part of it’s just getting used to a new kind of quiet? Or maybe it’s nostalgia for the way things used to sound? I get the charm, but I always wonder: how much of that is just habit, and how much is actual preference?
About keeping the old kitchen window for “character”—I get wanting to hold onto original features, but does the draft ever make you rethink it in winter? Sometimes I see people try to get the best of both worlds with those acoustic vents or trickle vents, but then you lose some of the insulation benefit. Is it worth it for a bit of rain noise and city life, or are we just romanticizing the inconvenience? Just curious where folks draw the line.
I get the nostalgia, but after swapping my old single-pane windows for double glazing, I can’t say I miss the drafts or waking up to sirens at 3am. Sure, rain on glass has a vibe, but honestly, the lower heating bill and not feeling like I live in a wind tunnel in January is worth it for me. Tried those trickle vents once—just ended up with cold air sneaking in anyway. Maybe I’m just too practical, but I’d rather play a rain sounds playlist than deal with actual leaks.
Tried those trickle vents once—just ended up with cold air sneaking in anyway.
Funny, I’ve seen trickle vents work well in some newer frames, but you’re right—if the seals aren’t spot on or the vent’s too big, you just get a draft. Double glazing’s a game changer for noise and insulation, though. I get folks miss the “character” of old windows, but honestly, there’s only so much charm in shivering through January. Ever notice condensation is way less of an issue now too?
Nailed it about the seals—trickle vents are only as good as their install, and the little details make a huge difference. Did you have any issues with condensation between the panes before? I’ve seen that a lot in older setups, especially where the glazing’s failed. Double glazing usually sorts that right out, but I get why people hesitate if they love their old frames. Ever try retrofitting with slimline units? Sometimes you can keep the look but get most of the benefits.
Yeah, you’re spot on about the condensation—had that exact problem with my old single-glazed sashes. Once the seals went, it was like living inside a greenhouse some mornings. I actually did go for slimline double glazing to keep the original look, and honestly, it's been a solid compromise. Not quite as airtight as full replacements, but way better than before. If you love your old frames, retrofitting is worth a shot. Just gotta find someone who really knows what they’re doing with heritage stuff... not every installer gets the details right.