Month: September 2024

5 Proven Ways to Reduce Noise in Your Home

If your place is feeling too loud and you are bothered by noises from cars, neighbors, or anything else, you’re in the right place. In this article, we share five simple ways to reduce noise in your home and enjoy a quieter living environment.
№1. Impact-Resistant & Soundproof Windows
Windows are often the main source of unwanted sounds in our homes. They’re basically the ears of your house that catch all types of sounds from outside. While regular windows can let a lot of noise in, there are also special ones called noise reduction windows, made specifically for sound insulation.

What Are Soundproof Windows?
At first glance, a soundproof window might look similar to a standard one. But the difference lies in how they’re built. Compared to regular ones, soundproof windows usually feature thicker glass and often come with multiple panes separated by spaces filled with sound-absorbing gasses.
The window frame also plays a role in sound reduction. They’re typically made from materials like vinyl or fiberglass that don’t conduct sound well. In addition, the frames of these sound-resistant windows create a tight seal when the window is closed, so there are no gaps for unwanted noise to sneak in.
How Does Window Noise Reduction Work?
Window noise reduction works by setting up barriers that make it tough for sound waves to get through. Regular windows don’t have such barriers, which is why you can catch traffic noise even when your windows are shut.
Thanks to window soundproofing features, they’re able to stop sound from getting in. The best windows for noise reduction even come with a vacuum between the panes, which is effective at blocking sound since sound waves can’t move through a vacuum at all.
Single-Pane, Double-Pane, and Triple-Pane Windows
When choosing soundproof windows for your home, you may come across terms like single-pane, double-pane, and triple-pane. These are the number of glass layers the window has:
Single-pane windows have only one layer of glass. They’re not the best at window soundproofing or stabilizing your home’s temperature. If you’re an owner of single-pane windows and live in a busy area, you’re probably familiar with outside sounds.
Double-pane windows have two layers of glass with a gap between them. That gap is usually filled with air or a special gas that helps block unwanted noise and better insulate your home. Double-pane windows are way better than single-pane when it comes to cutting down noise.
Triple-pane windows step it up even more with three layers of glass and two gaps between them. These features significantly impact noise levels and, as a pleasant bonus, are great at insulation.
Thus, the more panes a window has, the better it is at keeping the noise pollution outside. But when you soundproof windows from outside noise, remember that the transition from single to double-pane usually makes a bigger impact than going from double to triple-pane.
№2 Door Noise Cancellation
Similar to windows, doors can often be sound conductors. However, with a little bit of effort, we can successfully block the sound that comes from doors, too.
Reducing Noise from the Entry Doors

The first way to soundproof your entry door is weather stripping. This door noise reduction method implies filling in any gaps around the edges of the door. You can find weather stripping in most hardware stores, and it’s relatively easy to install. The material can be different, from rubber and foam to vinyl. You might also need to check your weather stripping regularly and replace it when it starts to wear out.
A door sweep is another option, and it’s a strip that goes along the bottom of your door. A door sweep helps block the gap between the door and the floor, which can be a highway for noise. When installing a door sweep, make sure it’s the right size for your door and that it creates a good seal with the floor without making it difficult to open and close.
If you’re serious about soundproofing, consider replacing your hollow entry door with a solid core one. Solid wood doors are great for sound blocking, but there are also less expensive options, like solid core doors with a wood veneer. The extra mass of these doors not only blocks more sound but can also help with insulation and security.
Interior Doors
Don’t forget about the doors inside your home, as they can create quiet zones in different rooms. Just like with entry doors, solid interior doors are much better at blocking sound. If you have lightweight, hollow core doors, consider upgrading to solid wood doors. While this can be a significant investment, it can improve the acoustics of your home, especially for rooms where you need extra quiet, like bedrooms or home offices.

But if you’re not ready for the complete door replacement, door gaskets are the way to go. When the door closes, it compresses the gasket, creating a tight seal that blocks sound. You can find adhesive-backed foam gaskets that are easy to install around the door frame. Be sure to clean the door frame thoroughly before applying the gaskets to ensure they stick properly.
Soundproof Sliding Doors
While weather stripping and door gaskets work well for standard doors, sliding doors have their own challenges due to their construction. But that doesn’t mean we can’t tackle them at all!
For example, you could make use of heavy, insulating curtains. They often have multiple layers of dense fabric and sometimes even contain soundproofing materials. You can just hang them so they overlap the edges of the door frame, creating a seal when closed. Not only do these curtains help with sound, but they can also improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Installing a soundproof sliding glass door with multiple panes can also make a big difference in noise reduction. Just like with noise-canceling windows, more panes mean better sound insulation. If you’re replacing your sliding doors, some manufacturers offer soundproof sliding glass doors with features like thicker glass and better sealing systems.
№3 Soundproof Your Roof
The roof is often overlooked in soundproofing efforts, but it can be a major contributor to noise levels, particularly from air traffic, heavy rain, or hail. Adding insulation is one of the most effective ways to reduce noise in your home. Just like a thick blanket can muffle sounds, insulation can absorb noise from outside.
There are several types of insulation you can use, including fiberglass batts, blown-in cellulose, or spray foam. Each has its pros and cons in terms of cost, soundproofing, and ease of installation.

If you’re ready to replace your roof completely, consider materials that are good at blocking sound. Some roofing materials are specifically designed to reduce noise pollution from rain or hail. For example, metal roofs, which are often thought to be noisy, can actually be very quiet if installed with proper insulation and underlayment.
Finally, address any leaks or gaps, as this is essential for both waterproofing and soundproofing. Tiny openings in your roof can allow not only water but also noise. So, ensure that your roof is properly sealed.
№4 Soundproof the Walls
Our walls are a big surface area where sound can get in (or out). So, this aspect shouldn’t be overlooked either when you aim to reduce noise transmission between rooms and from the outside.
Increasing the mass of your interior walls is a highly effective method for minimizing sound transmission. The greater the weight and density of your walls, the more difficult it becomes for sound to penetrate. You can achieve this by putting up an additional layer of drywall or by using specialized sound-dampening materials.
№5 Rearrange the Furniture
Believe it or not, the way you arrange your furniture can have a big impact on noise levels in your apartment. The best part about this tip is that it’s often free and can be done immediately.
For instance, you can use bookshelves as sound barriers. Bookshelves filled with books can act like a sound-absorbing wall. Books are great at absorbing sound waves thanks to their porous nature and varying shapes.
You can also add soft furnishings to your room. Plush sofas and fluffy rugs — all of them absorb sound and can help reduce noise levels in a room. Curtains, especially made from heavy material, can do double duty by blocking outside noise and absorbing sound within the room. For the best results, go for curtains that hang from the ceiling to the floor and are wider than your windows. This will give you a bigger surface area for absorbing sound.

Conclusion
Every little step you take can contribute to reducing noise. There is no need to try all these strategies at once. Even minor adjustments can create a more peaceful environment in your home.
Besides, many of these soundproofing methods offer more than noise reduction. Improvements to your walls and windows can increase your home’s energy efficiency, which may lower your heating and cooling expenses.
If you’re experiencing major noise problems, FHIA Remodeling is here to help you with soundproofing solutions. We provide installation services for soundproof doors and windows, as well as roofs. With our high-quality products, you can rediscover the pleasure of your living space!

Hurricane Shutters vs. Impact Windows: Which Is Right for Your Home?

If you live near the coast or a storm-prone area, you know firsthand the anxiety of surviving an active hurricane season. Places like Miami, Key West, and New Orleans have been particularly vulnerable to these powerful cyclones, which have contributed to millions of dollars in structural and water damage.
So, which options do you have to protect your home, particularly your windows? Well, you can either get impact windows or hurricane shutters. As with everything, there are benefits and drawbacks to consider.
Impact Windows
During tropical storms and hurricanes, extremely strong winds often exceeding 74 mph generate dangerous flying debris like tree branches, roof tiles, gravel, and unsecured objects. Glazed openings in windows and doors are more likely to shatter due to their increased vulnerability.
To address this, impact-resistant windows have been developed with two or more panes of glass bonded together using a clear plastic interlayer. This laminated glass configuration makes the windows more resilient against direct impacts from flying debris. Meanwhile, they are designed to shatter without generating dangerous shards.
When properly installed within a reinforced frame, impact windows can provide reliable protection against Category 5 hurricanes or tornadoes with sustained winds exceeding 158 mph. The best part is that they look no different from normal windows, so they offer continuous protection without requiring any additional effort from the homeowner.
Hurricane Shutters
Hurricane shutters create a sturdy barrier and protect your windows and doors. Typically, they are made from tough materials like aluminum, steel, or polycarbonate. And you’ve got a few different options to choose from:
Accordion shutters: Mounted on tracks secured directly to the wall and have hinges that allow the shutter to fold open and shut.
Roll-down shutters: Mounted above your windows and can be lowered either manually or with a motor.
Panel shutters: Removable and can be stored away when not in use, which makes them a good option if you don’t want shutters on your home year-round.
You’ll need to manually deploy or secure shutters before a hurricane makes landfall. So, while they provide great protection, it’s more of a temporary solution that requires manual effort on your part.
Comparison Criteria
There is a lot to consider before making a final choice of the right protection for your home:
Cost
You’ll be spending more on impact windows at $25 to $55 per square foot compared to hurricane shutters at $10 and $30 per square foot. But while you’ll be paying more for impact-resistant glass, you could enjoy lower insurance premiums and improved home value. It can offset some of the initial expenses.
Verdict: Hurricane impact windows cost more, but provide long-term savings and increase home value more effectively.
Installation
Getting impact windows or hurricane shutters installed requires a lot of skill and expertise. For impact windows, the right installation prevents air leaks and safeguards the window’s structural integrity. Similarly, hurricane shutters must be securely fastened to the home’s exterior to prevent them from becoming detached.
Verdict: You need professional installation for both impact windows and hurricane shutters. None is easier to install resulting in a tie.
Aesthetics
If you’re looking for storm protection that augments your home’s curb appeal, you can consider hurricane impact windows. They are more difficult to distinguish from non-impact windows.
Aluminum or steel hurricane shutters will have a more noticeable presence on your home’s exterior. Another possible option, wooden shutters, may be harder to maintain. Additionally, shutters block out the view and natural light. So, it will be difficult to see what’s happening outside.
Verdict: Impact windows are esthetically pleasing and maintain your home’s appearance and architectural style.
Ease of Use
Storm protection should not be an added pain, and this is where you might see a big difference. Hurricane windows stay in place, providing constant protection without any intervention.
With shutters, you need to manually deploy and secure them before a storm hits. Some shutters even require the help of two people and it can take up to an hour to secure several windows.
Maintenance-wise, impact windows require little upkeep and can maintain their appearance and functionality over time. Hurricane shutters are more prone to rust and need regular painting and lubrication to maintain their appearance and effectiveness.
Verdict: Impact windows offer greater ease of use and require less maintenance.
Storm Protection Effectiveness
The final goal of either impact windows or shutters is to ultimately protect your home. How does each option fair against raging winds and flying projectiles?
Well, impact windows can withstand winds of up to 200 mph. They undergo several tests involving flying projectiles and drastic changes in pressure.
Hurricane shutters may not provide as much protection against static pressure changes caused by high winds. If shutters are not properly installed and maintained, they can potentially detach from the home and become dangerous projectiles themselves. Failing to lubricate the rolling mechanisms can also cause them to get stuck during deployment.
Verdict: Impact windows offer more comprehensive protection against high winds, flying debris, and pressure changes.
Advantages of Impact Windows
Impact windows have not only superior storm protection capabilities, they also possess several other benefits:
Continuous protection: Always in place and provide 24/7 defense against severe storms and intruders.
Improved energy efficiency: Made of laminated glass and a tightly sealed frame, impact windows help reduce air leaks, so the costs of heating and cooling also decrease.
Noise reduction: Multiple layers of thick glass help keep out the noise.
UV protection: With features such as Low-E coating, you can effectively block up to 99% of harmful UV rays that would otherwise damage your furniture, floors, and artwork.
Increased property value: Savvy buyers are on the lookout for homes with storm protection. This extra feature can improve your home’s resale value and demand in hurricane-prone areas.
Do You Need Hurricane Shutters If You Have Impact Windows?
No. If you have installed impact windows, there is no need for hurricane shutters for added protection. You already have comprehensive protection against high-pressure winds and flying projectiles. That said, there are a few scenarios where choosing both options can offer extra peace of mind:
Hurricane-prone wind-borne debris regions: If you live in an extremely hurricane-prone area, especially within one mile of the coast where wind speeds are highest, the dual protection of hurricane-resistant windows and shutters offers maximum defense against a hurricane or tropical storm.
Unoccupied homes: For vacation homes or rental properties that are often unoccupied during hurricane season, the combination of impact windows and shutters provides an additional safeguard.
Improved security: If you often have to lock up the house for long periods when you’re away, combining both options can offer more resilience against potential intruders or looters.
Situational Considerations
Here’s a table showing scenarios where one option may be more suitable than the other:
Scenario
Recommended Option
Limited budget
Hurricane shutters
High-risk hurricane zone
Impact windows
Rental property
Hurricane shutters
Homeowner values aesthetics
Impact windows
Frequent travel during hurricane season
Impact windows
Enhanced security
Impact windows + hurricane shutters

Conclusion
To summarize the raging debate on impact windows vs hurricane shutters, you’re better off installing impact windows because of their top-notch protection and never having to worry about putting them up or taking them down. They look nice and offer other benefits like blocking noise and UV rays. The only downside is that you’ll pay more upfront
Hurricane shutters save on costs. They’ll get the job done, but there is the extra hassle of manually putting them in place before the storm hits. Plus, they are not exactly easy on the eyes.
At the end of the day, you have to weigh what’s most important to you – cost, convenience, looks, etc. It’s a good idea to speak with local window and hurricane protection pros.
Are you looking for a reliable window replacement company? Look no further than FHIA Remodeling. We offer top-quality windows and professional installation services to upgrade your home’s comfort, energy efficiency, and curb appeal.

Florida Building Code: Its Impact on Window and Door Requirements

The Sunshine State surely lives up to its name, but every paradise experiences its fair share of storms. Rather than living in fear of the next disaster, it is better to proactively safeguard your home from those aptly named tropical cyclones.
You don’t have to guess about the level of protection you need. The Florida Building Code helps promote safe practices to make residential and commercial structures more resilient to extreme weather conditions. One of the most critical aspects of the code’s development is its window and door requirements, specifically promoting the need for impact-resistant windows.
Understanding Impact Windows
Impact windows, an improvement of hurricane windows, are products specially designed to withstand not only high winds but also impacts from flying debris. Their design mostly consists of two layers of shatter-resistant glass bonded to a durable PVB or SGP plastic interlayer. This solid construction allows the impact window to absorb shocks and remain intact even when struck by objects. In the unfortunate instance of breakages, the laminated glass doesn’t blow into your house.
The Florida Building Code Overview
The Florida Building Code was established in 2002 and became effective in 2005, out of the need for better safeguards after the devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew in 1992 which destroyed over 125,000 homes.
The code’s primary goal is to set forth stringent building standards that prioritize the safety and structural integrity of buildings throughout the state and more so in High-Velocity Hurricane Zones. As part of these standards, the code addresses the need for impact-resistant glazing on windows, sliding glass doors, and exterior doors.
With more active hurricane seasons over the years, the FBC has evolved to incorporate lessons learned from past hurricanes and natural disasters. For instance, several changes were made to the 2020 edition following the impact of Hurricane Irma in 2017.
Florida Building Code requirements are also updated every three years to ensure that they remain current with the latest advancements in building technology and materials. The newest version, known as the Florida Building Code 2023 (FBC 2023) or the 8th edition, went into effect on December 31, 2023.
Key Requirements for Windows
According to the FBC, all glazed openings (on windows and doors) in wind-borne debris regions should be impact-resistant or protected by an approved impact-resistant covering, such as hurricane shutters.
The requirement now applies to all new construction and renovations in designated wind-borne debris regions with greater exposure to high winds and nearer to the coast.

Chart showing different wind zones in Florida — source: tricountymetals.com/misc-media/about-hvhz

Wind-borne debris regions are hurricane-prone regions located:
Within 1 mile (1.61 km) of the coastal mean high water line where the ultimate design wind speed is 130 mph or greater (Wind Zone 3).
In areas where the ultimate design wind speed is 140 mph or greater. (Wind Zone 4).
*To clear things up, homes in Window Zone 1 and Window Zone 2 areas don’t exactly need impact windows as standard. Specific window zone maps are available for each county.

Wind borne debris region— source: basc.pnnl.gov/images/florida-wind-borne-debris-region-category-ii-and-iii-buildings-and-structures-except-health
High-Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ)
Are you living in a high-velocity hurricane zone? These are counties with an elevated risk of high winds and flying debris during hurricanes, including Miami-Dade and Broward counties, extending to parts of Palm Beach County and the Florida Keys.
Impact windows used in HVHZ regions have even more stringent requirements to stand up to higher pressures than other parts. They must:

Undergo more rigorous testing, including projectile impact tests, uniform static pressure, and cyclic wind pressure loading tests.
Receive a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from the local building department after adhering to Miami-Dade protocols. (Note required in other areas.)
Withstand higher wind speeds of 170-200 mph.
Each product sold should have a permanent label identifying the manufacturer, product approval number, design pressures, and testing information demonstrating compliance with HVHZ protocols.
Benefits of Impact Windows
You don’t have to be living right on the waterfront to reap the benefits of impact windows. Beyond adhering to building codes designed to protect you, there are many other benefits:
Upgraded safety: Impact glass offers protection against wind-borne debris that includes both large and small objects from everyday items like mailboxes that can turn deadly during storms.
Energy efficiency: With a laminated plastic core and features such as low-E coatings, impact glass can regulate temperature fluctuations removing the load from your HVAC system.
Noise reduction: Leaving close to a busy street? With 3/16 to 1/2 inch glass, you’ll significantly reduce noise infiltration, creating a more calming living environment.
Insurance discounts: The Florida Department of Financial Services, Citizens Property Insurance Corporation, and many others offer discounts for homes with impact windows and other features that resist strong winds and projectiles
UV ray-filtering: The construction of impact windows offers solid filtering capabilities against UV rays that can dull carpets and furnishings.
Improved home security: While they are not indestructible, it takes more time and energy to break through them. Plus, it will cause quite a ruckus, drawing attention.
Alternatives to Impact Windows
While impact windows are the most comprehensive solution for providing all-around hurricane protection, there are alternatives available, such as hurricane shutters and storm panels.
Let’s briefly compare how impact windows fair compared to hurricane shutters, the most utilized alternative:
Ease of use: Shutters and panels require manual installation before a storm hits, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Added benefits: You miss out on the energy-saving, noise-reduction, and UV filtering capabilities of impact windows when you get shutters.
Costs: Hurricane shutters can be significantly less expensive in the short term. However, impact windows boost your home’s value more in the long term.
Conclusion
Impact windows offer continuous protection in hurricane seasons that come with a lot of uncertainty. You may need them to adhere to Florida window code requirements and to access their other added benefits such as lower energy bills, a quiet space, improved security, and lower premiums.
If you’re living in a wind-borne debris region and don’t have the right level of protection, consider installing impact replacement windows or opt for other protections.
Looking for a reliable replacement partner? FHIA Remodeling offers some of the best replacement windows in Florida. We are proud of the feedback we receive from our customers.

We carefully choose options that don’t break the budget but still provide the level of protection based on your wind load requirements. Our Energy Stormsaver windows are made in the USA and come with a transferable warranty. Get started with a free consultation!