You are here:

Architecture/replacement windows.

Advertisement

Expert: - 7/15/2007


Question
We're having windows replaced in a house built in 1979 in Seattle.  The house faces a fairly busy street, so traffic noise is an issue.  Windows we're looking at are Andersen 400 series, Andersen 200 series, Milgard fiberglass wood clad and a Canadian firm Fibertec, 300 series.  All windows would be argon filled double pane low-E mostly casement windows.  All are energy star.

Looked at Milgard Quiet Windows but they're extremely expensive.

The problem is that I can't find an OITC noise rating for these windows, only an STC rating.  Have you had any experience with these windows in terms of noise?   

Thanks,

Louisa

Answer
Louisa - thanks for your question!

Unfortunately, STC and OITC ratings aren't widely used for residential windows...they're primarily intended for hospitals, schools, and hotels.

But you can do a few things to minimize noise transmission from the street (other than buying commercial windows), including:

Choose the thickest window section you can find - the most space between the panes of glass, the better.

Choose a solid wood window frame rather than hollow metal or vinyl - a big, thick frame (as in Marvin's Magnum) is better.

But most important is the installation - make sure it's a good tight-fitting install. More sound leaks through the gaps between the window and framing in a "loose" installation than through the window itself!  Pack the opening around the window with expanding foam (not FG batts).

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
www.rtastudio.com
www.rtaplans.com  

Architecture

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Richard Taylor, AIA

Expertise

Ask me about all aspects of house, remodeling. , and room addition design and construction. Ask me about historic homes, renovation, and restoration. Ask me about materials and techniques, and about how you can get the best value for your design and construction dollar. Ask me how you can make your home a very special place. I can't, however, answer specific structural engineering questions in this forum - that's something you'll need on-site observation for.

Experience

I own a full-service residential architectural firm, and have been designing custom homes, remodelings, and room additions across the country since 1983. Check us out at Richard Taylor Architects and RTA Plans. I have written and been published extensively on the subject of residential architecture.

Organizations
American Institute of Architects, City of Dublin Architectural Review Board, Vice Chair of City of Dublin Planning and Zoning Commission, American Planning Association, Board Member Historic Dublin Business Association, Past Editor of SPLASH (a software forum), Past Editor of Open Directory Project, Assistant Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America

Publications
Business First of Columbus, Suburban New Publications, About.com, Cleveland Plain Dealer, Columbus Dispatch Residential Architect Custom Home Architect Remodeling Architect

Education/Credentials
Bachelor of Environmental Design (Architecture) Miami University 1983
For more about home design, check out my blog at Sense Of Place and join the conversation on our Facebook Page.

Awards and Honors
2010 Dublin Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.