Morrisville is a great place to live. It sits between Raleigh, Durham, and Cary, and it is minutes from RDU and Research Triangle Park.
That location comes with a trade-off. Depending on your street, you may hear jets, traffic on NC 54 or I-540, or trains. Can new windows help?
Yes, they can make a real difference. But not every “upgrade” helps with noise. Here is what actually works.
Why Morrisville Hears More Noise
Parts of Morrisville sit close to the airport’s flight paths. RDU has even told the Morrisville Town Council that it opposes new homes in the town’s noisiest areas near the airport.
Add busy roads and rail lines, and many homeowners in neighborhoods like Breckenridge, Kit Creek, and Carpenter Village notice outside sound more than they would like.
How Sound Ratings Work
Window sound ratings use two main numbers. For both, higher means quieter.
- STC (Sound Transmission Class): How well glass blocks everyday sounds like voices.
- OITC (Outdoor-Indoor Transmission Class): How well it blocks low, rumbling sounds like jets, trucks, and trains. For Morrisville, this is the more useful number.
What Actually Blocks Sound?
Glass maker Cardinal publishes sound ratings for different glass setups. A few lessons stand out:
| Glass Setup | STC | OITC |
|---|---|---|
| Standard double pane (thin glass, narrow gap) | 28 | 25 |
| Double pane with a wider gap | 33 | 28 |
| Double pane with thicker glass | 32 | 27 |
| Triple pane (thin glass) | 31 to 34 | 25 to 27 |
| Double pane with laminated glass | 39 to 46 | 33 to 38 |
Source: Cardinal Glass Industries. Glass-only estimates. Installed windows usually rate a bit lower because of the frame.
What does that tell us?
- Laminated glass is the biggest upgrade for noise. It has a thin plastic layer that dampens sound.
- Thicker glass and wider gaps help.
- Triple pane is great for energy, but not automatically better for noise.
- Argon gas does not reduce noise. Cardinal says it has no measurable effect.
The Frame Matters Too
Sound is like air. If air can sneak in, so can noise.
That is why a tight seal matters. Our Ascent windows are built for very low air leakage. The maker says it takes five Ascent windows to let in as much air as one typical vinyl window. Fewer gaps means less sound slipping around the glass.
See the full specs on our energy-efficient windows page.
Other Ways to Quiet Your Home
- Start with bedrooms. Upgrade the windows facing the noise first.
- Seal around the window. Gaps in old caulk let sound in.
- Replace old sliders. Worn sliding windows often leak air and sound at the center.
- Add heavy curtains. They soak up some sound inside the room.
What Our Customers Notice
“Beautiful, energy-efficient windows. Noticeably quieter indoors. Harland worked with us on product choices, very flexible.”
Sam J., Fuquay-Varina, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Do new windows really reduce noise?
Yes, especially if you are replacing old single-pane or leaky windows. For the biggest change, ask about laminated glass and a tight-sealing frame.
Is triple pane better for noise than double pane?
Not always. Triple pane is great for energy savings. For noise, laminated glass and thicker glass usually do more.
Which rooms should I upgrade first?
Bedrooms and any rooms that face the airport, a busy road, or a rail line.
Do you work in Morrisville?
Yes. We are based in Raleigh and serve Morrisville, Cary, Apex, and the rest of the Triangle. See our Morrisville service page.
Want a quieter home? Call (919) 851-0060 or request a free estimate.
About the Author
Harland Johnson is the owner of Harland Windows & Siding. He has run the company for over 40 years and has personally overseen window, siding, and sunroom projects throughout Wake County and the Triangle. Harland Windows & Siding is an A+ rated, BBB accredited business.