Hey everyone, need some guidance here. I replaced the windows in my house with Anderson 400 casements. They are flashed properly, squared and all gaps are foamed. They open very smoothly, do not leak air or water. Problem is they amplify outside noise , my once quiet house is now not quiet. I hear cars on a parkway miles away that I never heard before. I am annoyed as all hell and need to fix this issue. I have read that Anderson windows use very thin 1/8 in glass panels while other manufacturers offer thicker glass panels. What are my options here?? Anderson is playing stupid "We never heard of this issue". Do I have to buy different windows or can I modify these somehow??

thanks!
Ralph

 

Only option other than total replacement is to add an interior storm.

 

What type windows did you have prior to replacing them?

 

Not sure what they were but they roughly 50 years old. single pane glass but thick. It seems like all window manifacturers have their issues. I am not looking at Jeld-wen, Anderson, Pella or Garvin anymore. To many issues. I am hoping a glass shop can do something to one of the panes??

 

Did you have storm windows on your old windows? It doesn't make sense that you should have a noise problem going from 50 year old single pane windows to 5/8" insulating glass used in Andersen casement windows.

 

Any change in the glass configuration or thickness will probably change what frequencies are decreased or some may even be amplified.

 

It makes sense to me considering the glass is so thin I thought it was going to shatter when I was taking off the protective plastic off of it, I was shocked how much it flexed. The glass is 1/8 inch thick.

 

There's nothing really wrong with any of those manufacturers (though I don't recognize Garvin...maybe you meant Marvin?). They all sell quality windows when they are spec'd out correctly. Windows are made for energy efficiency first...anything else must be specifically requested when buying. Andersen (and the others, I'm sure) can increase the STC of windows by using thicker, tempered or safety glass in the manufacturing process. You could probably order new IGUs (insulated glass units) and have the sashes re-glazed or just entire new sashes which would be the easiest to swap out.

A glass shop could also order new IGUs and install them, but they will probably charge more than Andersen and there won't be any sound testing done on them, it will just be an educated guess.

 

This is what I am hoping I can do. I would like to buy new igu's instead tearing up my siding and trim and pull the whole frame out. I am worried that Anderson will not have this option, such as laminated glass and 1/4 in thick outside panel as well as 1/8 thick inside panel. I am going to call them tomorrow. If a local place does it what do they do with the argon gas?? I dont think they have the resources to rebuilt them.

 

No local places will rebuild your existing IGUs. They will simply take measurements and order new units from the factory. That's why I suggested getting them direct from Andersen. Actually, better to order from a local building material supplier or even a big box store if you get a knowledgeable salesperson (like I was) and know exactly what you want, as they get a discount. You will pay full retail price if you order them direct.

I believe ordering just IGUs from them will require you to have an Andersen authorized company do the replacement to keep your warranty in effect. I think you can do the full sash replacement yourself. If you go local, your warranty (at least on seal failure) will be totally through the local shop.

 

Gunguy. can you please tell me whats the diff between a IGU and a sash?? I thought they meant the same????

 

IGU is just the 2 layers of glass with the spacer between (along with sealant, gas, etc). Sash is the whole moving part of the window including the wood frame, cladding, etc.

 

Thanks, I did not know they could take the IGU out of the sash. I thought it was pretty much molded in there. I now know whats going on here. The A-Series windows offer all the glass options while the 400 series does not. I am going to call Anderson tomorrow and I am hoping I can get a discount towards new sashs. I am going for 2 different thickness's and laminate glass. I am not sure what thickness but thinking 1/4 and 1/8. I was told by several people the panels should not be the same thickness, this will lower the freq of the noise.

 

A-series are their architectural brand... found in expensive houses and almost always very custom. You can't go by just the website....I'd lay odds every glass option in the A series will be available on the 400.

The 400 series has been around for 30-40 yrs with various improvements and is probably their most popular line. I don't have access to the design software and specs I used to...but what you need to ask them is for the best STC rating glass they have. They don't custom build unless it is for a very large expensive project. Don't count on any discount unless the order was done incorrectly. If sound transmission was a problem, then the blame falls to the person that did the ordering if they were aware of such issues.

Sound transmission depends on much more than just thickness of glass. How large is the pane, is it double thickness, does it have the polymer film between layers, and so forth. Many areas require high STC on windows and doors (that was one of my last big projects before I left HD....almost $30K in windows for a $600K home in the flightpath of a nearby AFB). Required by code and it took me several days and lots of calls to Andersen to get all the info.

 

Before doing anything, you had better find out if you are going to realize the noise reduction you are looking for. All the suggestions are costly and some are not possible. Keep in mind that Andersen IGU are 5/8" overall and that is all that will fit into their sashes. If you're thinking of using use 2 lites of thicker glass, you wll be limited to 3/16" with 1/4" air space which equals 5/8". I think you have a lot to consider before doing this project and I doubt if Andersen will be of any help.

 

What you are noticing is a difference. Over time, you will adjust. My first home was directly on the glide path to a local airport (regional). Mostly commuter planes but the would allow 737's to land. I live there for 5 years and really never thought twice about it. People would come over and ask what that sound was, that was the only time I noticed it. It became the normal sound of nature if you will. I have Anderson casements in my house and I don't notice anything odd other than the normal sounds of the neighborhood. Give it some time, don't stew over it and let it run its course, before long you won't even notice it except for the occasional loud motorcycle or truck.