Ever try those window inserts that fit inside the frame? Curious if those actually help with noise or if it’s just another layer of glass.
Tried those inserts last winter because the street noise was driving me nuts. They made a difference, but honestly, not as much as I hoped. Helped with drafts way more than noise. Maybe my old frames are just too far gone...
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually had better luck with inserts than expected—at least for noise. Maybe it’s the brand or just my windows, but I noticed a drop in traffic sounds after putting them in, especially at night. Drafts were still an issue around the frame though, so I had to add weatherstripping too. If your frames are old and leaky, sometimes nothing short of full replacement really does the trick... but those inserts can buy some time if you’re not ready for that kind of project (or price tag).
If you’re still getting drafts after inserts, check for gaps around the frame—sometimes the old caulk’s just shot. Scrape out the old, run a fresh bead, and press in new weatherstripping. That combo usually helps with both noise and drafts, at least until you’re ready for new windows.
Funny you mention caulk—mine was basically dust when I pulled it out last winter. Helped a bit, but I still hear every garbage truck at 6am. Has anyone actually tried those triple-pane windows? Worth the price, or just overkill for city noise?
I actually went down the triple-pane rabbit hole last year when my old single panes started rattling every time a bus went by. Ended up going with double-pane with laminated glass instead—honestly, that made a pretty noticeable difference for less money. Triple-pane is definitely better on paper, but unless you’ve got traffic like Times Square outside, I’m not sure it’s worth the extra cost and weight. My neighbor did splurge for triple and swears by them, but he also can’t open half his windows now because they’re so heavy. Tradeoffs everywhere, huh?
Triple-pane windows get a lot of hype, but honestly, I see more people surprised by the downsides than the benefits once they’re installed. You’re spot on about the weight—triple panes are no joke, especially in older frames. I’ve had a few clients call back because they didn’t realize how much effort it’d take just to crack a window open for some air. One guy told me he basically gave up and just runs his AC now.
I replaced my own windows a couple years ago—live about half a block from a busy intersection, so noise was a big deal for me too. Ended up doing double-pane with laminated glass, similar to what you did. The difference was night and day. The laminate does wonders for cutting down on the sharp, high-frequency stuff like sirens or horns. It’s not dead silent, but it’s way more livable. Plus, I didn’t have to reinforce the frames or worry about the sashes sagging over time, which can happen with the heavier triple panes.
Triple-pane makes sense if you’re in a super cold climate and want the extra insulation, or if you’re literally right next to a train track or something. But for most city noise, I’d say laminated double-pane is the sweet spot between cost, performance, and usability. And like you said, the tradeoffs are real. Some folks don’t mind the extra weight or cost, but I’ve seen just as many regret going all-in on triple when a solid double-pane would’ve done the trick.
Funny thing, I worked on a house last fall where the owner insisted on triple-pane everywhere, then ended up swapping out two of the most-used windows for lighter doubles because her kids couldn’t open them. Sometimes “more” isn’t always better, especially with windows.
- Had the same debate when we redid our windows last year.
- Triple-pane sounded great, but honestly, lifting them is a workout.
- Double-pane with laminated glass cut noise way down—sirens and traffic are just muffled now.
- Didn’t have to mess with the old frames either.
- For city noise, I’d skip triple unless you’re right on top of a train or something.
Double-pane with laminated glass cut noise way down—sirens and traffic are just muffled now.
That’s been my experience too. I’ve put in a bunch of triple-panes for folks who live right next to the L or heavy rail, but honestly, for most city blocks, double-pane with a good quality laminate does the trick. The weight difference is no joke—had one client call me back because their kid couldn’t open the window anymore! Laminated glass is like the unsung hero for noise. Only thing I’d add is make sure the seals are solid—no point in fancy glass if there’s a draft sneaking through.
Right there with you on the seals—people always forget about those. Had a job last winter where the glass was top notch, but the old frames let in a breeze that’d make you think you left the door open. Funny thing, sometimes folks get so caught up in the glass specs they overlook the basics. Laminated panes really are a game changer for noise though, and yeah, they’ll give your biceps a workout if you’re installing more than a couple.
Can’t count how many times I’ve seen high-end glass paired with drafty old frames or sloppy seals—ends up being a waste, honestly. Laminated panes do help with noise, but if the sash isn’t tight or the weatherstripping’s shot, you’ll still hear traffic. Sometimes I wonder if people underestimate how much sound leaks through gaps, not just the glass itself. Swapping out the whole unit (frame and all) usually makes a bigger difference than just upgrading the pane. It’s not cheap, but neither is living with sirens blaring in your living room...