ᐅ Every sound comes through the windows. Is it the same for you?
Created on: 24 Nov 2017 21:24
S
SpeedyGHi,
we suspect a serious construction defect regarding the windows.
We have noticed that every spoken word from outside can be heard inside the house. Not clearly enough to understand every single word, but you can immediately tell when someone is talking outside, even from a larger distance (10 meters (33 feet) or more). We also hear engine noises from cars. Not only from our immediate neighbors but also from cars parked around 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) away. When the neighbors start their engines or drive up, we hear it very clearly.
Interestingly, when someone is speaking inside, the person outside does not hear a word. However, the person inside hears it clearly, especially when standing in front of the window and speaking at a normal volume (tested).
Our neighbors say that they cannot hear anything from outside, not even loud children.
I think the window installation was poorly done in our case. From what I can see, the windows were only generously foamed and fitted with a plaster strip. I have not seen any sealing tapes anywhere. Certainly no mineral wool or stone wool, despite the sound insulation requirements. Some of the construction joint gaps are as large as 4-5 centimeters (1.5-2 inches), which, as mentioned, were only filled with foam. Moreover, these joints were exposed to weather and UV light for about 5-6 months before the plaster was applied.
What do you think? Is this more or less normal, or is it a case for a defect complaint?
What are your experiences with external noise? And does anyone know the guidelines for window installation that must be met in any case?
Thanks in advance 🙂
we suspect a serious construction defect regarding the windows.
We have noticed that every spoken word from outside can be heard inside the house. Not clearly enough to understand every single word, but you can immediately tell when someone is talking outside, even from a larger distance (10 meters (33 feet) or more). We also hear engine noises from cars. Not only from our immediate neighbors but also from cars parked around 30-40 meters (100-130 feet) away. When the neighbors start their engines or drive up, we hear it very clearly.
Interestingly, when someone is speaking inside, the person outside does not hear a word. However, the person inside hears it clearly, especially when standing in front of the window and speaking at a normal volume (tested).
Our neighbors say that they cannot hear anything from outside, not even loud children.
I think the window installation was poorly done in our case. From what I can see, the windows were only generously foamed and fitted with a plaster strip. I have not seen any sealing tapes anywhere. Certainly no mineral wool or stone wool, despite the sound insulation requirements. Some of the construction joint gaps are as large as 4-5 centimeters (1.5-2 inches), which, as mentioned, were only filled with foam. Moreover, these joints were exposed to weather and UV light for about 5-6 months before the plaster was applied.
What do you think? Is this more or less normal, or is it a case for a defect complaint?
What are your experiences with external noise? And does anyone know the guidelines for window installation that must be met in any case?
Thanks in advance 🙂
K
Knallkörper24 Nov 2017 21:35Do you have photos of the window installation situation? What is the complete wall construction? Where are the windows positioned within the wall assembly?
SpeedyG schrieb:
In some places, we have construction joint gaps of 4-5cm (1.6-2 inches), which, as mentioned, were only filled with foam. If by "construction joint gaps" you mean the installation gap between the window unit and the wall, and it is that large, I’m not surprised. Foam alone won’t keep the sound out; cover strips are needed. For single-leaf windows, a gap of about 3 cm (1.2 inches) difference between the outer frame dimension and the reveal opening is usually appropriate (total, that is: about 1.5 cm (0.6 inches) per side), and for larger formats, up to 2 cm (0.8 inches) per side can occur. It seems someone measured incorrectly (or ordered the windows before the wall openings were finished and used conservative nominal dimensions), then installed window units that were too small. With some luck, coupling profiles from the same frame system can be used to adjust the difference. This sounds like a typical case of the “foam fixes all oversized tolerances” mindset.
To clarify once more: this gap alone is sufficient to cause this issue, even if the glass and sash are installed correctly.
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Yes, I mean the gap. The gap between the masonry and the window. The explanation sounds plausible and would fit well with our site manager...
But could you please also answer my question about how external noise is for you? Neighbor’s voices, traffic noise... I want to get a sense of it. Thanks
But could you please also answer my question about how external noise is for you? Neighbor’s voices, traffic noise... I want to get a sense of it. Thanks
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