I am about to install CitiProof windows in my bedroom. I am debating between their 9/16" sliding windows which block about 80-85% of the noise & their 3/4" which blocks about 90%. Price difference is a few hundred, though that's worth it to me in terms of soundproofing. I'm mostly concerned about how much harder it will be to slide the heavier windows. I'm told the difference is about 90 lbs... [more]
I am about to install CitiProof windows in my bedroom. I am debating between their 9/16" sliding windows which block about 80-85% of the noise & their 3/4" which blocks about 90%. Price difference is a few hundred, though that's worth it to me in terms of soundproofing. I'm mostly concerned about how much harder it will be to slide the heavier windows. I'm told the difference is about 90 lbs vs. 140 lbs, but I'm not sure how that translates into sliding windows since you are not actually lifting the weight but sliding instead.
I will be opening and closing my windows daily since I only intend to close them for sleeping (unlike some people who get these windows & keep them closed at all times. Therefore, I want to be sure to take the weight into consideration about as much as the noise reduction.
Does anyone have any experience with this? I heard from one source that the actual weight difference will feel more like 10 lbs and that it's only the initial "pull" that will be heavy.
I'd also be curious whether anyone has input on how much difference the two weights make in noise reduction. I live on 2nd Ave. and by a number of noisy bars where the drunk patrons often hang out and start fights below my window after the places close at 4 am.
Thanks!
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Response by nicercatch
about 15 years ago
Posts: 242
Member since: Sep 2008
Go for the highest noise reduction. they even have 95%. that's what i installed on some rentals that I own on west 38th street and the results are phenomenal.appartments that were barely livable (in my opinion) are virtually noiseless (except occasionally a fire truck). they are heavy but not hard to open at all. the significant cost is well worth it.
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Response by greenhouse
about 15 years ago
Posts: 10
Member since: Oct 2010
Thanks for your feedback! Sounds great. I was tempted to go for the slightly lighter only due to weight. I know many people get these and keep the windows closed but I will only close them to sleep so will open morning and night. Considering that, I want to be sure that the heavy weight are easy enough to slide so that it's not a "daily chore." I think the next weight down still does a great job but if you feel an average-strengthed middle-age woman would have an easy time with the heavy, all the better.
One other question. I'm aware that some of the other companies design the glide with ball-bearings. That usually makes things easy to slide. CitiProof does not use ball-bearings but they supposedly slide freely (and have felt along the slide to help with the sound, too). Does anyone have feedback on that aspect?
Thanks!
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Response by Bernie123
about 15 years ago
Posts: 281
Member since: Apr 2009
I just got the 3/4" put in from CityProof. They are very easy to slide and make a HUGE difference. Really the sliding is easy I think you might be making too much of it. Just a little more resistance than the regular window.
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Response by greenhouse
about 15 years ago
Posts: 10
Member since: Oct 2010
Thanks! I'm happy to hear this. Likely I am overestimating the weight. I actually just visited a neighbor who has similar windows and they are extremely light and easy to move. So, hopefully the others will be comparible and therefore a non-issue. I appreciate your feedback.
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Response by hofo
about 15 years ago
Posts: 453
Member since: Sep 2008
Just out of curiosity, how difficult is it to install these windows? Does it take them only a day and is there construction work involved?
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Response by greenhouse
about 15 years ago
Posts: 10
Member since: Oct 2010
They supposedly take about an hour or two to install. Everyone I've spoken to said both companies do a quick and clean job. Time from order to install seems to be 4-5 weeks from signing of contract. My building, like many, requires standard insurance forms to be filled out (with any sort of construction) but both companies were ready and willing to fill those out. FYI - They also can be removed for cleaning. I think the cleaning companies charge a bit extra since they are cleaning both windows but it doesn't seem to be a big deal to remove each time.
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Response by Bernie123
about 15 years ago
Posts: 281
Member since: Apr 2009
Greenhouse: righ, that was my very experience experience. Actual CityProof maybe took 3-4 weeks to create the windows and then they installed them in about two hours. Much simpler than I expected. While not cheap I feel completely worth it. BTW I hired a sound engineer to advise me on this and other matters and said CityProof was far superior to CityQuiet. Not sure if true but that's what he said and I went with CityProof and am quite happy with the results.
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Response by lobster
about 15 years ago
Posts: 1147
Member since: May 2009
Bernie123, you mentioned that you hired a sound engineer to advise you about soundproofing. Did you use the company Acoustilog, which is the soundproofing consultation company that I have heard of? Also did they advise you about soundproofing ceilings, floors and walls as well? Thanks.
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Response by hofo
about 15 years ago
Posts: 453
Member since: Sep 2008
Is it even possible to soundproof an apt's ceiling to block your neighbor's cowboy boot stomp? That would be awesome.
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Response by Bernie123
about 15 years ago
Posts: 281
Member since: Apr 2009
Lobster: I did use Acoustilog! Small world! I was referred to them by a friend of the owner. He came out and did a bunch of tests and delivered a comprehesive report. Not cheep but seems to really, really know noise and how it travels and to treat it.
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Response by Bernie123
about 15 years ago
Posts: 281
Member since: Apr 2009
Hofo: yes according to acoustilog, celings can be dropped and filled with a special sound-proofing material and it is very effective. But you have to give up some height obviously - I'm wrestling with that trade-off now (and simultaenously trying to work with upstairs neighbor).
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Response by lobster
about 15 years ago
Posts: 1147
Member since: May 2009
Bernie, I am glad that you had a good experience with Acoustilog. Everything that I have heard and read about them seems to be favorable.
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Response by hofo
about 15 years ago
Posts: 453
Member since: Sep 2008
Bernie, how much do you need to give up, inches or feet? thanks
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Response by Bernie123
about 15 years ago
Posts: 281
Member since: Apr 2009
The report I have is pretty technical so I have a call this week with acoustilog but it looks like he's recommending 8" to get full effect.
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Go for the highest noise reduction. they even have 95%. that's what i installed on some rentals that I own on west 38th street and the results are phenomenal.appartments that were barely livable (in my opinion) are virtually noiseless (except occasionally a fire truck). they are heavy but not hard to open at all. the significant cost is well worth it.
Thanks for your feedback! Sounds great. I was tempted to go for the slightly lighter only due to weight. I know many people get these and keep the windows closed but I will only close them to sleep so will open morning and night. Considering that, I want to be sure that the heavy weight are easy enough to slide so that it's not a "daily chore." I think the next weight down still does a great job but if you feel an average-strengthed middle-age woman would have an easy time with the heavy, all the better.
One other question. I'm aware that some of the other companies design the glide with ball-bearings. That usually makes things easy to slide. CitiProof does not use ball-bearings but they supposedly slide freely (and have felt along the slide to help with the sound, too). Does anyone have feedback on that aspect?
Thanks!
I just got the 3/4" put in from CityProof. They are very easy to slide and make a HUGE difference. Really the sliding is easy I think you might be making too much of it. Just a little more resistance than the regular window.
Thanks! I'm happy to hear this. Likely I am overestimating the weight. I actually just visited a neighbor who has similar windows and they are extremely light and easy to move. So, hopefully the others will be comparible and therefore a non-issue. I appreciate your feedback.
Just out of curiosity, how difficult is it to install these windows? Does it take them only a day and is there construction work involved?
They supposedly take about an hour or two to install. Everyone I've spoken to said both companies do a quick and clean job. Time from order to install seems to be 4-5 weeks from signing of contract. My building, like many, requires standard insurance forms to be filled out (with any sort of construction) but both companies were ready and willing to fill those out. FYI - They also can be removed for cleaning. I think the cleaning companies charge a bit extra since they are cleaning both windows but it doesn't seem to be a big deal to remove each time.
Greenhouse: righ, that was my very experience experience. Actual CityProof maybe took 3-4 weeks to create the windows and then they installed them in about two hours. Much simpler than I expected. While not cheap I feel completely worth it. BTW I hired a sound engineer to advise me on this and other matters and said CityProof was far superior to CityQuiet. Not sure if true but that's what he said and I went with CityProof and am quite happy with the results.
Bernie123, you mentioned that you hired a sound engineer to advise you about soundproofing. Did you use the company Acoustilog, which is the soundproofing consultation company that I have heard of? Also did they advise you about soundproofing ceilings, floors and walls as well? Thanks.
Is it even possible to soundproof an apt's ceiling to block your neighbor's cowboy boot stomp? That would be awesome.
Lobster: I did use Acoustilog! Small world! I was referred to them by a friend of the owner. He came out and did a bunch of tests and delivered a comprehesive report. Not cheep but seems to really, really know noise and how it travels and to treat it.
Hofo: yes according to acoustilog, celings can be dropped and filled with a special sound-proofing material and it is very effective. But you have to give up some height obviously - I'm wrestling with that trade-off now (and simultaenously trying to work with upstairs neighbor).
Bernie, I am glad that you had a good experience with Acoustilog. Everything that I have heard and read about them seems to be favorable.
Bernie, how much do you need to give up, inches or feet? thanks
The report I have is pretty technical so I have a call this week with acoustilog but it looks like he's recommending 8" to get full effect.