The following material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered an endorsement by the Port of Seattle. We recognize that some homeowners may wish to replace windows for other reasons or on a faster timeline than the Port can deliver. You can use this page as a resource when searching for windows that provide equivalent soundproofing to those previously installed by the Port.
The Port of Seattle has installed sound insulation packages in nearly 10,000 homes over the past 40 years. A variety of products by different manufactures were installed at different time periods. Certain products may still be under manufacturer's warranty. Explore the Milgard Windows Replacement Options in the pull-down tabs of this webpage to see if you have Milgard Windows.
Window Sound Control – Explaining ratings
A window’s acoustic performance or ability to reduce exterior noise is measured by either a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating or an Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class (OITC) rating. Both provide a single number rating. The higher the rating, the greater levels of sound reduction.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires Sound Insulation Programs use window products with a STC rating of 44 or OITC of 32. Window products that meet the STC44 or OITC32 ratings are not readily available in the market.
Acoustic-rated windows
Below are the currently known manufacturers of these products that are used by SEA and other FAA Sound Insulation Programs. Not all manufacturers will sell to the public and may have minimum quantity requirements that are greater than a single home. Contact the manufacturer for more information:
| WINDOW SYSTEMS: | |
|---|---|
| Stergis Windows | Sonic Sound Reduction Windows Reduce Noise Pollution |
| Prime Windows | Silent Guard® Acoustic Window Series | Prime Window Systems |
| AMSCO Windows | Serenity Series - AMSCO Windows |
| Mon-Ray Windows | MON-RAY, INC. | High Performance Windows and Doors |
| St. Cloud Windows | Custom Commercial Window & Door Manufacturer |
Other window options and Storm windows
If purchasing STC44 or OITC32 products is impractical, explore using windows that are not part of the FAA sound insulation program. They will have ratings ranging from 26 to 37 STC. Pairing the highest available STC/OITC rating window you can purchase with a storm window may be a good alternative. A storm window is a secondary window that can be installed on the outside or inside of the home as shown here. The US Department of Energy explains the benefits, such as reducing noise and improving energy efficiency associated with installing storm windows: Storm Windows | Department of Energy
Below are the currently known manufacturers of operable and fixed storm windows. Contact the manufacturer for more information:
| STORM ADD ON | |
|---|---|
| Mon-Ray Windows | MON-RAY, INC. | High Performance Windows and Doors |
| Soundproof Windows | Soundproof Windows, Inc. | Eliminate Your Noise Problem |
| Indow (not operable) | Reduce Noise with Window Inserts | Indow Window Inserts |
Glass replacement vs window replacement
In some cases, replacing the glass instead of the entire window may be a good option. Finding a local window dealer that also provides glass replacement is a good first step. If you need parts or glass replacement, they may be able to perform that work for you at a reasonable cost. They would also assist you in determining if a replacement window is needed.
Examples of common glass conditions Condensation, Seal Failure and Low E coating defect are explained in the other pull-down tabs of this webpage.
Disclaimer
The above is provided for informational purposes only. The Port of Seattle does not recommend or provide warranties for products. There is no funding available to reimburse replacement of windows outside of the Port’s pilot program. Replacing windows outside of an FAA-approved program could affect eligibility for the Port’s pilot program.
