@apolloparker907 Good to know, thanks! I'll focus on the windows first then, and maybe add curtains later if needed.
I'll toss in a quick note for anyone working from home: new windows have been a game changer for my home office. I do a lot of Zoom calls and used to cringe every time the lawn crew showed up next door or a delivery truck idled outside, because everyone on the call could hear the racket through my mic. Since replacing the old windows in my office room, it's so much quieter that I don't worry about random background noises as much. I can still hear the loudest stuff faintly, but my headset usually doesn't even pick it up now.
My coworkers actually commented, "Did you get a new microphone? It sounds so clear now," and the truth was, I got new windows 😂. It's made working from home way less stressful on noisy days.
So, if anyone here is considering window upgrades and also happens to be WFH, you'll likely appreciate the noise reduction in your work life too, not just your relaxation time.
For those curious about specific window brands/types: I used PGT Winguard windows for my replacement project and they've been excellent in terms of noise reduction (and everything else). PGT Winguard is an impact-rated hurricane window line, so it has laminated glass. I chose them because a lot of folks in my neighborhood in Pinellas recommended impact windows after last year's storm season, and I liked the idea of getting the noise benefit too.
The outcome: my house is much quieter now. I live near a busy road and also not far from Clearwater Air Park (small planes). With the old windows, the propeller engine noise from planes taking off would roar through the house. Now, it's a barely-there hum. Traffic sounds are greatly reduced as well. I suspect any quality impact window would do similarly, but I'm happy with the PGTs specifically. They seem well-built and the sound dampening is noticeably better than the non-impact double-pane windows my friend has (he has a standard non-laminated glass window in a similar house and when he visited my place he commented how my place was quieter).
I also considered Simonton StormBreaker Plus (another impact window line) and some others like Custom Window Systems (CWS). From what I gathered, as long as it's a reputable brand, the key is the laminated glass if noise is your concern. So if you see that feature in the spec, that's the golden ticket. PGT just happened to be the one I went with due to availability and the installer I chose.
Just wanted to put that out there for anyone wondering which brands people went with. There are quite a few good options, but definitely look at those STC ratings or ask about the noise reduction features like laminated glass or thicker panes. 🙂
Funny story: I actually tried to get triple-pane windows here in Tampa, because I had read online about how they can be super quiet. When I called around to a few window companies, most of them told me something along the lines of "Triple-pane isn't really common down here" or tried to steer me toward impact double-pane instead. One rep explained that triple-pane is more popular up north for energy insulation, and in Florida, the added benefit vs. cost isn't usually worth it unless you're extremely sensitive to noise.
In the end, I went with laminated double-pane (impact) windows too, as recommended, and I'm honestly not sure triple-pane would have done much more beyond that. My house is pretty quiet now as it is. Maybe if I had a crazy noise situation I'd still wonder, but like others said, you get diminishing returns.
Just thought I'd share that in case someone is thinking "Should I hunt down triple-pane in Tampa Bay?" You might have a hard time finding a company that offers it readily. But the good news is, the options they do offer (like laminated/impact glass) seem to do a great job for noise anyway. I certainly have no complaints with what I got.
If you really want triple, there are a couple of custom manufacturers that can do it, but it was way pricier and would have taken much longer to get. I decided it wasn't worth the extra hassle and $$ for maybe a tiny bit more quiet. The impact windows have been fantastic already.
Lots of great info here. I’ll also throw in a quick shout out to the companies I dealt with, since finding a good installer is half the battle. I got quotes from both Karoly Windows & Doors and ProTech Windows & Doors (both were mentioned earlier in this thread). Both came highly recommended by neighbors. I ended up going with ProTech for my project simply because their quote fit my budget a bit better at the time, and their schedule worked with mine. But honestly, I felt either one would have done a good job.
The installation went smoothly and the crew was really professional (they even cleaned up thoroughly, which was nice). It's been about 8 months since the windows were installed, and I've had zero issues. And of course, as I shared earlier, the noise reduction is wonderful.
So if anyone is reading this and wondering who to call in Tampa Bay, definitely consider getting quotes from those two. It's always good to compare. I don't think you can go wrong with either. Just make sure to communicate that noise reduction is a priority for you – they might suggest the best glass options and such once they know that.
I'll add one funny benefit: even our dog seems calmer after the window replacement. He used to bark at every little sound he heard outside (car doors, other dogs, mailman, you name it). Now that it's quieter, he's not triggered as often. He actually sleeps through the afternoon instead of jumping up and running to the window every 5 minutes. So, apparently new windows = happy dog 🐶👍.
Same here in New Tampa! We replaced our windows last year and everything folks have said here rings true. The reduction in road noise was the first thing we noticed. This thread would have been great to read before we did it, but I'm glad others are finding it helpful now. Great community info here!
@josephfrost990 Haha, I experienced that too! After my new windows went in, the first night I was sitting in my quiet living room and suddenly I was super aware of the hum of my fish tank pump. Never really noticed it before with all the background noise from outside. It's crazy how once the outside din goes down, you start picking up on the subtle indoor sounds.
But like you said, it's a good problem to have. I'd much rather hear the soft whirr of my aquarium than the neighbor revving his motorcycle at 7am 😅. My wife even joked that the house felt "too quiet" and we needed some ambient noise machine or something. We got used to it pretty quick though, and now we love the peace.
@hiker61 Good point about not going with the absolute cheapest option. I was leaning toward a bargain brand quote I got, but after reading your experience, I think I'll pay a little extra for the better windows with laminated glass. I don't want to have any regrets later. Thanks for sharing that!
Man, reading this thread feels like a support group for noise-sufferers 😅. Good to know I'm not alone and that there's a solution. I'm calling up an installer tomorrow. Wish me luck!