Interesting about the noise factor—could it be related to installation differences, maybe? I've heard that insulation around the frame can make a huge difference with sound dampening. Did you notice if your installers used foam or something else around the edges? Our vinyl windows were pretty quiet at first, but after a few years, they seem noisier...maybe it's just me getting cranky as I get older, lol. Curious to hear if anyone else noticed changes over time with fiberglass.
Installation quality definitely matters, especially with insulation around frames. If foam wasn't applied evenly or fully expanded, noise levels can creep up over time. Fiberglass itself holds up pretty well, but installation technique can make or break the soundproofing...might be worth checking yours out.
"Fiberglass itself holds up pretty well, but installation technique can make or break the soundproofing..."
Interesting point, but have you actually found fiberglass to be consistently reliable for soundproofing? I've done a fair bit of window replacements and sound dampening projects around my place, and honestly, fiberglass insulation alone never really impressed me much in terms of noise control. Sure, it's great for thermal insulation—no arguments there—but as far as sound goes, I've always found it a bit lacking unless you pair it with something denser or specifically designed for acoustic applications.
In my experience, the foam insulation around window frames is usually more critical for noise control because it seals up gaps effectively. But even then, standard expanding foam isn't always perfect—it tends to shrink slightly over time, potentially opening up tiny gaps that let noise seep through. Have you checked your install after a year or two? You might notice some tiny cracks or gaps that weren't there initially.
One thing I've had decent luck with is using specialized acoustic sealants along with foam insulation. They're flexible and stay pliable longer, so they're less prone to shrinking and cracking. Also, have you considered adding mass-loaded vinyl strips behind your trim boards? It's a bit pricier and definitely more work to install, but it made a noticeable difference in traffic noise at my old place.
Not trying to dismiss your results—if you're happy with fiberglass alone that's great—but just curious if you've tried other methods or materials alongside it. Could be worth experimenting next time you're tackling a similar project...
Fiberglass is decent enough for basic noise reduction, but honestly, I've never found it impressive on its own either. When I redid my bedroom windows, I initially went with fiberglass batts and thought I'd nailed it... until the neighbor's dog started barking at 6am again. Ended up adding acoustic caulk and mass-loaded vinyl later—made a noticeable difference. Fiberglass alone just doesn't have enough density to block sound effectively, IMO.
Did you notice a big difference with the mass-loaded vinyl? I've been debating adding it myself, but wasn't sure if it's worth the extra hassle and cost...
"Did you notice a big difference with the mass-loaded vinyl? I've been debating adding it myself, but wasn't sure if it's worth the extra hassle and cost..."
I was in your shoes a few months ago—first-time homeowner here, so every decision felt huge. I ended up adding mass-loaded vinyl when we upgraded our windows, and honestly, I'm glad I did. It's not a miracle worker, but it definitely softened street noise noticeably, especially traffic sounds. Installation was a bit tricky (and pricier than I expected), but now I sleep better, and movie nights are way more enjoyable... so yeah, worth it for me.
I debated the same thing when we redid our bedroom windows last year. Ended up skipping the mass-loaded vinyl because I figured the new windows alone would be enough. Honestly, they're great, but I still hear more street noise than I'd like—especially motorcycles and trucks. If I could do it over, I'd probably bite the bullet and add the vinyl. Sounds like you made the right call...enjoy the peace and quiet!
"If I could do it over, I'd probably bite the bullet and add the vinyl."
Honestly, mass-loaded vinyl isn't always the magic bullet people think it is. I've installed it plenty of times, and while it helps, it's not gonna completely silence motorcycles or heavy trucks—those low frequencies are stubborn. You might've noticed an improvement, sure, but probably not enough to justify the extra hassle and cost. Sometimes just adding heavy curtains or strategic landscaping outside can make a bigger difference...just my two cents.
Yeah, I hear ya. When we first moved into our place, I got sucked into the hype around mass-loaded vinyl too. Ended up just hanging some thick blackout curtains and planting shrubs out front—honestly felt like it worked just as well, if not better...and way cheaper.
Glad you mentioned the shrubs! When we moved into our first home, I remember obsessing over noise-proofing solutions too. We seriously considered triple-pane windows, but after seeing the price tag...yikes. Ended up planting a row of dense hedges along the street and putting in some heavy curtains. Honestly, the difference surprised us—it didn't silence everything completely, but it muffled the traffic noise enough that we could finally sleep through the night comfortably. Sometimes simpler really is better (and easier on the wallet).