Citiquiet/Citiproof vs. reglazing existing windows
Started by ximon
almost 10 years ago
Posts: 1196
Member since: Aug 2012
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In order to reduce noise into my fourth floor apt living room facing a major crosstown street, I am considering two different soundproofing options. First option is to install Citiquiet/Citiproof windows on the inside. I have these in my bedroom (installed by the previous owner) and, although I think they are a little ugly, they do a good job of allowing me to get a decent night's sleep. The cost... [more]
In order to reduce noise into my fourth floor apt living room facing a major crosstown street, I am considering two different soundproofing options.
First option is to install Citiquiet/Citiproof windows on the inside. I have these in my bedroom (installed by the previous owner) and, although I think they are a little ugly, they do a good job of allowing me to get a decent night's sleep. The cost for my four living room windows is reportedly about $1,500 each.
Second option is to have a window contractor such as Seekircher who specializes in steel casements do a weatherproofing/soundproofing job on the existing steel casements to include glass replacement with thicker 1/4" glass as well as adjust and service windows to create a better seal. This reportedly costs approx. $2,500 per window.
Does anyone know which option would provide better sound insulation? Also, does it make any sense to do both options so as to maximize the soundproofing?
BTW, my steel casements are landmarked so complete window replacement is not an option.
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Response by jelj13
almost 10 years ago
Posts: 821
Member since: Sep 2011
I lived in a building where we all had supposedly sound proof windows . They each had a gas inserted between 2 panes of glass. People complained about still hearing noises from a major avenue. They had a window contractor come in to work on the windows and the results were only slightly better. So a lot of people bought Citiproof windows. Since we already had sliding windows, the Citiproof windows blended in and eliminated the noise problems. They recommended different thicknesses of the glass dependent upon the rooms.
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Response by sippelmc
almost 10 years ago
Posts: 142
Member since: Sep 2007
Well, with steel casements I am guessing that you only have one pane. Most of your sound attenuation comes from the air gap between lites (which I assume you don't have), the seal, and the glass (inserting argon gas if you happened to have two lites doesn't do too much).
It really boils down to cost vs looks. If money is no object I would go with the contractor, seal all your air gaps (weatherstripping, sealants), replace with the 1/4" glass. If you use the contractor, specify laminated glass, which will add to cost but give much better attenuation. If that is insufficient you can then move fwd with citproof/citiquiet...or if you are on a budget go with citiquiet as you know what that will be based on your experience in the other room.
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Response by crescent22
almost 10 years ago
Posts: 953
Member since: Apr 2008
We actually have both types in our apt as a result of previous owner using the other type (citiquiet) for only one room and we used the other type (cityproof) for the remainder. Cityproof is better- it's a more sturdy implementation and does better on the decibels.
This reglazing thing sounds like a joke. The reason citiquiet/cityproof work is because the 2nd pane is not only an added barrier but sound dissipates as it bounces between the two panes.
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Response by 300_mercer
almost 10 years ago
Posts: 10570
Member since: Feb 2007
No amount of double or triple glazing with laminated and other glass combos (that is the best Seekircher can offer) will give you the same protection as an additional set of windows which is what city quiet is. However, double glazing with two different type of glass combo ( a laminated, the second of different thickness) may be enough improvement for you.
Another option, which is unlikely to work for you is storm windows which have an additional glass pane outside the normal double glazed window. It may be worth exploring alternatives to Cityquiet which are more aesthetically appealing.
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Response by ximon
almost 10 years ago
Posts: 1196
Member since: Aug 2012
Thanks to all for their comments. I agree with everything said although I do not see much benefit in doing both types of sound insulation especially as new glazing is more expensive than City windows. So I think the best investment decision (which is how I look at it most of the time as I tend to move a lot so do not appreciate as much the esthetics another owner might prefer). So Cityproof or Citiquiet it will be. Thanks again.
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I lived in a building where we all had supposedly sound proof windows . They each had a gas inserted between 2 panes of glass. People complained about still hearing noises from a major avenue. They had a window contractor come in to work on the windows and the results were only slightly better. So a lot of people bought Citiproof windows. Since we already had sliding windows, the Citiproof windows blended in and eliminated the noise problems. They recommended different thicknesses of the glass dependent upon the rooms.
Well, with steel casements I am guessing that you only have one pane. Most of your sound attenuation comes from the air gap between lites (which I assume you don't have), the seal, and the glass (inserting argon gas if you happened to have two lites doesn't do too much).
It really boils down to cost vs looks. If money is no object I would go with the contractor, seal all your air gaps (weatherstripping, sealants), replace with the 1/4" glass. If you use the contractor, specify laminated glass, which will add to cost but give much better attenuation. If that is insufficient you can then move fwd with citproof/citiquiet...or if you are on a budget go with citiquiet as you know what that will be based on your experience in the other room.
We actually have both types in our apt as a result of previous owner using the other type (citiquiet) for only one room and we used the other type (cityproof) for the remainder. Cityproof is better- it's a more sturdy implementation and does better on the decibels.
This reglazing thing sounds like a joke. The reason citiquiet/cityproof work is because the 2nd pane is not only an added barrier but sound dissipates as it bounces between the two panes.
No amount of double or triple glazing with laminated and other glass combos (that is the best Seekircher can offer) will give you the same protection as an additional set of windows which is what city quiet is. However, double glazing with two different type of glass combo ( a laminated, the second of different thickness) may be enough improvement for you.
Another option, which is unlikely to work for you is storm windows which have an additional glass pane outside the normal double glazed window. It may be worth exploring alternatives to Cityquiet which are more aesthetically appealing.
Thanks to all for their comments. I agree with everything said although I do not see much benefit in doing both types of sound insulation especially as new glazing is more expensive than City windows. So I think the best investment decision (which is how I look at it most of the time as I tend to move a lot so do not appreciate as much the esthetics another owner might prefer). So Cityproof or Citiquiet it will be. Thanks again.