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Noise-Reducing Windows for Homes Near MSY and I-10
If you live in Kenner, near Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), or anywhere along I-10 through Kenner and Metairie, you know the sound. It's the low roar of a departure, the rumble of trucks at night or the steady hum of the interstate that never quite stops.
New windows can make a real difference in how much of that reaches your living room and bedrooms. But "soundproof windows" is mostly a sales phrase. Here's what actually reduces noise, how to read the ratings and what to ask before you buy.
Why airport and highway noise is hard to block
Different noises behave differently. Voices, a barking dog and a TV next door are mostly mid- and high-frequency sounds, and they're easier to block. Jet engines, diesel trucks and highway traffic carry a lot of low-frequency energy. That deep rumble moves through glass and walls more easily, and it's what you still hear with the windows shut.
That's why the rating you look at matters.
STC vs. OITC: the two numbers to know
Window sound ratings come from lab tests that measure how much sound a window blocks across a range of frequencies. Two single-number ratings come out of those tests.
STC (Sound Transmission Class)
STC is the number you'll see most often. The standard behind it, ASTM E413, says STC ratings line up with how people perceive sound from speech, radio, television and similar sources. The same standard says STC is not appropriate for sources like motor vehicles, aircraft and trains, and it points to a different classification for building façades.
OITC (Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class)
That classification is ASTM E1332, which defines OITC. Its reference sound is an average of three transportation sources: aircraft takeoff, road traffic and a diesel locomotive. ASTM says the reference spectrum has strong low-frequency content, so a window needs strong low-frequency performance to earn a high OITC.
For a home near MSY or I-10, OITC is the more relevant number. Ask for both, but weigh OITC more.
Two cautions from acoustics professionals:
You can't convert between STC and OITC without the underlying test data. A window with a good STC doesn't automatically have a good OITC.
Glass-only numbers usually look better than whole-window numbers. Ask for ratings on the complete window, frame and all, in the configuration you're buying.
What the numbers can look like
Pella publishes an example on its sound resistance page: a single-pane 23" x 59" casement window with standard glass rated STC 25 / OITC 21, compared with a triple-pane casement of the same size with 5 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm glass rated STC 36 / OITC 31. That's Pella's own example for specific test units, not a promise for every window. It shows how much glass design can matter.
What actually makes a window quieter
1. Laminated glass
Laminated glass bonds two layers of glass to a plastic interlayer. That interlayer damps vibration, which helps with sound. It's the same glass used in impact windows, so storm protection and sound reduction often go together. NT Windows lists improved sound reduction as a feature of the NT Window 1800 Series Impact, and Pella lists added noise reduction for the Pella Hurricane Shield Series.
2. Different glass thicknesses
Panes of the same thickness tend to let the same frequencies through. Pella explains that pairing different thicknesses helps dampen different sounds at different frequencies. That's the idea behind its mixed-thickness triple-pane glass.
3. More panes and more space
Dual- or triple-pane glass with an air or gas space between the panes performs better than single-pane. Some sound-control packages add a third pane.
4. A tight frame and a tight installation
Air leaks are sound leaks. Gaps around the sash, worn weatherstripping and an opening that isn't sealed all let noise in. Pella notes that proper installation helps ensure airtight seals. A great window installed loosely won't perform like its lab rating.
5. Don't forget the rest of the wall
Doors, especially older sliding glass doors, attic vents and thin walls also carry sound. If the noise is coming from one side of the house, start with the windows and doors on that side.
Options we install
Pella Lifestyle Series: Pella offers sound control glass packages. Pella says the Sound Control package reduces 52% more noise than single-pane windows.
Pella Hurricane Shield Series: a vinyl impact window with laminated glass. Pella lists added noise reduction among its benefits.
NT Window 1800 Series Impact: a vinyl impact window with .090 laminated glass. NT lists improved sound reduction.
Other lines from ProVia, Andersen and Marvin with upgraded glass packages. Ask us for the whole-window ratings for the exact configuration.
See our hurricane and impact windows page and products page for more.
A simple plan for a quieter house
Find the loudest rooms. It's often bedrooms facing the flight path or the interstate.
Note the time of day the noise bothers you most.
Replace by priority. You don't have to do the whole house at once. Our phasing guide explains how.
Ask for STC and OITC on the complete window for each option you're comparing.
Check the install details: how the opening will be sealed and insulated.
If you'd like to report aircraft noise, the FAA's noise inquiry page explains how to contact the airport and use the FAA Noise Portal.
Frequently asked questions
Are there truly soundproof windows?
No window makes a house silent. Good sound-control windows can noticeably cut how much outside noise gets in, especially with laminated or mixed-thickness glass and a tight installation.
Which rating should I use for airport noise, STC or OITC?
OITC. ASTM built it around aircraft takeoff, road traffic and train noise. STC is designed for things like speech and TV, and ASTM says it isn't appropriate for transportation noise.
Do impact windows reduce noise?
Laminated glass, which impact windows use, helps damp sound. Both NT Windows and Pella list noise reduction as a benefit of their impact lines. Ask for the whole-window ratings to compare.
Will new windows fix noise from my sliding door?
Not if the door is the leak. Old sliding doors are a common path for sound. Consider the door when you plan. See our sliding vs. French patio doors guide.
Want a quieter home?
We're based in Kenner and know the airport and interstate noise firsthand. We'll help you pick the rooms that matter most and compare glass options with real ratings. Every install comes with a limited lifetime manufacturer's warranty plus our 5-year workmanship guarantee. Call 504-332-9770, email support@singletonwindows.com or request a free estimate.
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