Replacement windows are noisier than our old windows...

TjbDIY

I installed Pella Thermastar replacement windows in our house last summer, we were hoping the noise level from the highway ( about 1/2 a mile away as the crow flies ) would be greatly reduced. Sadly the highway noise is worse than it was with our old single pane + storm window setup. With the new replacement windows the highway noise has taken on a different quality, like you're listening to it in a tunnel is the only way I can think to describe it.

It's been a year since I installed these and have revisited the install a few times in between, adding more insulation to make sure there are no gaps, etc...nothing has seemed to change it.

Any ideas on this one? Maybe I should have bought better windows?

jerryh3

Yes. You should have bought better windows. You could try heavy curtains to deaden the noise. Noise reduction was a big factor when I bought my Patio door. I ended up with an Andersen Impact Resistant Frenchwood Gliding. My kids can be on the other side screaming and I can barely hear them. Worth the money.

Thurman

"our old single pane + storm window setup" IMO-the air gap between your old single pane windows and the storm windows may have been your noise insulator. I believe in storm windows, even with double-pane windows. I just like the idea of them keeping the elements off of my expensive windows. I promote and install storm windows in my area and have had many respones back about them reducing noise levels. I' sure you're proud of you new Pella windows but, did you save the storm windows? Would an alternative be to put them back on? Good Luck, David

Scuba_Dave

I have almost all Anderson 400 series & my house is much quieter then with the old double pane replacement windows

I may put a couple storms on the East side, undecided