wrote:
I'm looking for anyone with experience solving a soundproofing issue.
I have the privilege of owing a nice condo at a beach resort, but I
really don't sleep well there due to the constant traffic noise. The
condo is about 30 yards from the costal highway and it can get quite
loud. Apparently it's very cool to alter your truck's exhaust system
and rev the engine at 2:00 am. Are guys modifying the motorcycle
exhaust systems too?

The building is concrete with a dryvit styrofoam facing, so I think
that's doing a fine job of noise reduction. The bulk of the noise
seems to be coming through the sliding glass doors at the south end of
the unit. One in the master BR and one in the LR.

These glass sliders look to be cheap builders grade low cost doors.
They slide fine, don't leak in storms, and generally work ok, but they
are your basic 6' sliders. I want to keep the glass doors because
they connect to the balcony, let in light, and give nice views.

Should I look into buying new glass doors? Do I go top of the line
name brand from the local vendor, or are some better than others?

I did read that adding a 2nd door outside the original will help, but
I'm not sure I want that drastic of a solution.

What about rolling blinds? The kind that roll up into an exterior box
at the top of the window. Will these just block light, or do they
actually help with traffic noise.

I'm sure there are other folks who have similar issues, how did you
solve them?

I have been researching windows for noise reduction for my home,
although not as drastic a situation as you have.

As you describe it, it's not a just a matter of "double pane" or
"triple pane" windows. You need specially designed ones that have
laminated glass. For such an extreme situation, laminated glass is the
only thing that will make much difference. The bad news is the it is
VERY expensive.

One company I have looked at has a "quite line" or maybe it's called
serenity. Anyway, check out http://www.milgard.com/ and find the sound
control windows. They come in different STC ratings (higher the better
and also more expensive). Again, these will run you at least two to
three times the cost of regular dual pane windows. Other brands offer
these too, usually used around airports.

One suggestion: when getting a replacement window contractor, see if
there is a "glass shop" in your city that does the replacements and
hopefully carries a good quality brand. Unlike most of the replacement
guys who have jumped into this now popular field, the glass shop guys
usually are much more educated on noise issues.

--
John