I've wondered about layering myself, especially since heavy curtains seem like they'd absorb at least some sound waves. But then again, curtains are mostly fabric and might not block lower-frequency noises (like traffic rumble) as effectively as we'd hope. I suspect the effectiveness of storm windows might depend heavily on how airtight the installation is, rather than just the thickness of the glass itself. Older houses often have gaps around windows and doors, so maybe sealing those up first would make a bigger difference?
Also, has anyone looked into acoustic caulking or weatherstripping in combination with storm windows? I'd imagine that sealing small gaps could significantly reduce noise infiltration, but I'm not sure if that's just theoretical or actually noticeable in practice...
"Older houses often have gaps around windows and doors, so maybe sealing those up first would make a bigger difference?"
Definitely start there—sealing gaps made a noticeable improvement for me. Acoustic caulking around storm windows helped too, especially with higher-frequency sounds, but deep rumbling noises were still tough to block completely...
I sealed up gaps last summer and it definitely helped with drafts and higher-pitched noises. But honestly, if you're dealing with trucks or buses rumbling past, acoustic glass might be the only real fix... Expensive tho, so depends how much it's bugging you.
- Acoustic glass is definitely the gold standard for heavy street noise, especially low-frequency stuff like trucks and buses. Regular storm windows help a bit, but they're mostly good for drafts and higher-pitched sounds (like you've noticed).
- If acoustic glass feels too pricey right now, you might wanna try laminated glass inserts as a middle-ground solution. They're cheaper than full acoustic replacements and can noticeably cut down on rumbling noises.
- Also, don't underestimate heavy curtains or thick blinds—they won't completely block out the noise, but they can dampen it enough to make things more bearable.
- Had a client last year who lived near a busy intersection; she went with laminated inserts plus heavy drapes and said it made a huge difference. Not perfect silence, but way less annoying.
- Might be worth trying something like that first before committing to the big spend on acoustic glass...
When I first moved into my place, I totally underestimated how loud street noise could be. Thought I'd get used to it after a week or two, but nope... every garbage truck at 5 AM felt like it was driving straight through my bedroom. At first, I tried regular storm windows because they were cheaper and seemed like they'd do the trick. They helped a little with the higher-pitched stuff—like honking horns or people chatting outside—but those deep rumbling noises from buses and trucks still came right through.
Eventually, I decided to try laminated glass inserts after reading about them online. Honestly, I wasn't expecting miracles, but they made a bigger difference than I thought. The low-frequency rumble was noticeably quieter—not gone completely, but definitely less intrusive. Plus, I paired them with some thick blackout curtains I found on sale, and that combo really improved things. It wasn't perfect silence by any means, but it was enough that I stopped waking up every morning at dawn.
I still sometimes think about acoustic glass and wonder if it'd be worth the splurge someday down the line. But for now, the laminated inserts plus heavy curtains have been a pretty solid compromise. If you're hesitant about dropping big bucks on acoustic glass right away, maybe give something like this a shot first. It might surprise you how much of a difference these smaller changes can make.
Laminated inserts are definitely underrated. I've installed acoustic glass for clients before, and while it's great, the cost difference is pretty steep. Curious if you've noticed any temperature insulation benefits with your laminated inserts too, or mostly just noise reduction?
I've used laminated inserts a few times, and honestly, the thermal insulation difference wasn't really noticeable. They're great for noise, sure... but if temperature control is a priority, storm windows might actually give you more bang for your buck. Have you compared the two directly?
"They're great for noise, sure... but if temperature control is a priority, storm windows might actually give you more bang for your buck."
Interesting point, but honestly, I've had a slightly different experience. We installed storm windows a few years back, mainly hoping they'd help with street noise (we live near a busy intersection—ugh). They did help a bit with insulation, but the noise reduction was pretty underwhelming. Eventually, we bit the bullet and went for acoustic glass inserts in our bedroom windows, and wow, what a difference. It was like someone turned down the volume knob on the city.
I agree storm windows might be better for temperature control overall, but if noise is your main issue, acoustic glass is hard to beat. Maybe it's just me, but I'd rather throw on an extra sweater than listen to honking horns all night...
That's interesting, because in my experience, storm windows can vary a lot depending on how they're installed and the type you choose. If they're not sealed properly, noise still sneaks through pretty easily. Acoustic glass definitely has the edge for soundproofing—no doubt about that—but it's also pricier. For anyone considering storm windows, I'd suggest looking into adding weather stripping or sealing gaps first; sometimes a simple fix can make a noticeable difference without breaking the bank.
"I'd suggest looking into adding weather stripping or sealing gaps first; sometimes a simple fix can make a noticeable difference without breaking the bank."
Totally agree on this one. You'd be surprised how often folks spend a fortune on fancy windows only to realize later that the real issue was just some sneaky little gaps around the frame. Here's a quick test: light an incense stick and slowly move it around your window edges—if the smoke dances, you've got leaks. Patch those up first, then reassess. Might save you from dropping big bucks unnecessarily...and hey, your house will smell nice too.