Strange rumbling sound in new Marvin Infinity windows

[matthewgreen123]

Hi all - This is my first time posting in the forum. Thanks for having me!

I recently used my kids' college savings (only kinda kidding) to replace most of the very old, single-pane windows in our 2-story home with Marvin Infinity windows. They look great, and I already notice a big difference in terms of insulation and dust. The one issue that I wasn't expecting is the strange sound that they produce, particularly in the the street-facing bedroom on the second floor. While they generally do a better job muffling the sound, they also create a constant strange, low, echoey, rumbling noise. When you put your ear up to the pane, it's sounds like there's a vibration. It's hard to describe it, but it's definitely noticeable and kind of annoying (and I'm pretty sure I'm not imagining it). I asked the contractor who installed them about it, and he said he'd never heard of such an issue and largely ignored my concern (shocker). I then called Marvin directly, and was told that it could potentially have to do with the way they were installed - that maybe the contractor didn't use enough foam to seal the frames.

Please let me know if you've had a similar sound issue, and any fixes/suggestions you've come across. Grateful for any ideas on how to address this. Thank you!

Matthew

[Windows on Washington]

Unless there is some sort of mechanical (HVAC most often times) installed on that wall, the likely cause of the resonance is from highway noise and frequency.

We used these one time on a customer's home and had some success.

https://www.amazon.com/Drumdots-Dampeni ... 00I59OQ1M/

[WindowsDirectCinci]

Could be the screen rattling or if you have grids in between the glass they could rattle slightly. I couldn't imagine an installation scenario other than not insulating around the window and something like exterior trim being loose and rattling

[TSquared]

I've seen the aluminum capping rattle if not done well. I don't know it they capped your exterior trim with it but see if that may be the cause. I've seen wind cause the sound from hitting capping too. You should be able to knock on any part of the capping and it should not move or rattle.

[uncle eddie]

definitely ghosts.

[HouseintheBK]

Hi,

I've had a similar problem after paying over $4000 per window with minimal installation. I have Marvin Ultimate Signature double hung. There is a constant, 24-7 low-frequency humming sound seemingly coming from the glass panes, although the foam insulation was not fully/properly applied at installation. Marvin is not standing behind its product and after trying to gaslight re: whether the sound existed, argued that the problem was that the windows are so great at blocking other noises, that I am noticing this one.

The issue is actually likely "resonance". Hard materials such as glass and metals each vibrate at a certain frequency. The frequency at which they vibrate is based on size, shape, and in the case of glass panes, thickness. Think about how glasses at different sizes, partly filled with water play different sounds when you move your hand around the rim. This is intentionally creating resonance. When a material resonance it AMPLIFIES the sound. In my case the windows are amplifying a low frequency which creates a continuous low-tone hum.

Window manufacturers try to choose thicknesses that are such that the most common ambient sound frequencies in residential areas are likely to be cut out, whether rural, urban or suburban. Most Marvin windows are 3.1 mm in thickness. Other companies have different pane thicknesses. 3.1mm appears to be sub-optimal.

The solution, assuming that the window installation is not defective and the window construction is not defective, is likely windows with two panes of differing thicknesses. This is because one pane might resonate at a particular frequency but the other pane should not resonate at that frequency. Both Marvin and Pella sell window sashes that have this capability. Triple pane also cuts out sound. I've seen discussions going back and forth regarding which might be better.

Alternatively, if there is any air leakage around the frame, the air coming through can cause whistling, or if the panes in a double hung don't seal at the middle properly.

Good luck and please post how it goes. I've not yet determined how to resolve my issue, but this experience has put a bad taste in my mouth. I hope you have better luck than I have had.

[Windows on Washington]

Posted this before.

Worth a try.

https://www.drumdot.com/

[Oberon]

houseontheBK,

I debated replying to your post because it's clear that you have put a lot of effort into your research, but there were a few areas that were questionable.

I am replying with the hope that you will take it as intended, not as criticism but as information. But in either case, here it is.


The issue is actually likely "resonance". Hard materials such as glass and metals each vibrate at a certain frequency. The frequency at which they vibrate is based on size, shape, and in the case of glass panes, thickness.
The resonance frequency of window glass is based on glass thickness. Size and shape do not affect the resonance frequency.

Think about how glasses at different sizes, partly filled with water play different sounds when you move your hand around the rim. This is intentionally creating resonance.
Sound is all about vibration... the faster the vibration the higher the frequency, conversely the slower the vibration the lower the frequency. Filling a glass with water increases mass which slows vibration resulting in a lower frequency. The more water is added, the slower the vibration and lower the sound frequency,

When a material resonance it AMPLIFIES the sound. In my case the windows are amplifying a low frequency which creates a continuous low-tone hum.
Yes, resonance can amplify sound, but strictly on what you mention above, what do you base your conclusion on?

Window manufacturers try to choose thicknesses that are such that the most common ambient sound frequencies in residential areas are likely to be cut out, whether rural, urban or suburban.
I have never heard of a single window company that addresses sound performance in their choice of glass thickness. I can't even imagine the chaos that would ensue if a window company tried to use different glass packages depending on whether rural, suburban, or urban.

Most Marvin windows are 3.1 mm in thickness. Other companies have different pane thicknesses. 3.1mm appears to be sub-optimal.
1/8" or more correctly 3mm is standard double strength glass. 3.1mm, also under the 1/8" umbrella, is used for specific applications having nothing to do with sound performance. Marvin uses Cardinal Glass, so does Andersen, and Pella and over 500 other window companies in North America. 3.1 is common throughout the industry.

The solution, assuming that the window installation is not defective and the window construction is not defective, is likely windows with two panes of differing thicknesses. This is because one pane might resonate at a particular frequency but the other pane should not resonate at that frequency. Both Marvin and Pella sell window sashes that have this capability.
This is why many window companies offer different glass thickness IG units for sound blocking. Again keeping in mind that resonant frequency doesn't wander. The resonant frequency of window glass, based on thickness is quite well known. The thinner the window glass, the higher the resonant frequency.

Triple pane also cuts out sound. I've seen discussions going back and forth regarding which might be better.[/i]
Not necessarily depending on the make-up of the triple.