What can anyone tell me about specs on RBA Acclaim windows.
Does anyone know how thick the glass is on Acclaim windows and are they different thicknesses? In my brief research since this I've learned each pane needs to be different otherwise the sound can be amplified which is what it feels like.
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We've been in this house for 3 years. It's next to a University and corners on a pretty active road - during the school year there's barely minutes when cars don't pass by. We got new windows (NT Windows) on the back side of the house during a remodel w my contractor last year. Now we did the remaining original single pane aluminums w storms that were on the front and side facing the busy road. I had 2 appts for bids - Anderson and the company that we had used on the back of the house. I was just ready to get the ball rolling and RBA was first and they're the best they claim right? Noise was my number one issue to the sales guy. I was not expecting sound proof but I expected SOME improvement. Especially when RBA says on their website "Are you tired of hearing the trash truck" on their site. Noise attenuation is standard on all RBA windows. GREAT! I'll get SOME relief.
I see them installed, they looks snug, no obvious gaps before sealing.
It's the end of the day so pretty quiet. The next day I'm in the bathroom - the farthest room from the noisy road - and it's so loud as the morning work and school crowds start moving through the neighborhood. It's like the hum of an airplane constantly. There's a reverberation - It sounds like I'm in a tin can is the best way I can explain. I can even hear road noise coming out of that bathroom when I stand within my room/closet area where I never heard noise before.
Standing in the kitchen along the road side of the house it's also so noisy and 'tinny' sounding. I also notice my brand new AC is making noise outside my window - oh no I can just hear it now w these Anderson windows.
I did decibel readings before and after and it's literally the same but worse quality of sound - the tinny feel to it.
We spoke the supervisor and had someone come take a listen - of course school is out and traffic has dropped significantly but he admitted hearing the noise - as did the intall crew when I asked them the next day when they came to do 1 last window. But I said image that brief tinny sound CONSTANTLY w the school traffic. Oh and on the 2nd day I thought the bathroom window was open since I could hear the guys outside chatting. I looked out expecting to see them right there - they were on the other side of my front door walkway in front of another window. It was just talking - not laughing loud joking.
SO not sure where this will go or what my options might be.
The guy pulled back some siding and saw the correct liners and foam around and believes install looks correct.
But if noise outside is a concern DO NOT BUY RBA windows.
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millworkman