ᐅ Noise Level Category IV – Bungalow

Oraclefile schrieb:

Unfortunately, you can’t directly infer the actual noise disturbance. For example, we are building on a lot classified with noise protection level IV. There is a highway more than 100 meters (330 feet) to the east, including a tall noise barrier. Additionally, another noise barrier will likely be built right next to the residential area. Since we almost always have a westerly wind here, you normally don’t hear anything from the highway because typical urban noises drown it out. Nevertheless, we will be forced to install soundproof windows, which will cost us five-digit amounts. Whether the noise bothers you directly, I think you have to assess that on site yourself.

Excuse me? Soundproof windows usually don’t have a high additional cost. More like around 150 euros (about $160) per window.

ypg schrieb:

Can you be more specific?

At the moment, only a freight wagon carrying wood passes by every few weeks, sometimes only every few months. Since there is only a single track, we hope it stays that way.

Bookstar schrieb:

What? Normally, soundproof windows don’t cost much extra. Usually around 150 euros (about 160 USD) per window.

We are currently trying to find out whether all windows and doors would be affected or only those facing the railway. That would definitely make a big difference in cost.

Bookstar schrieb:

What? Normally, soundproof windows don’t cost much extra. More like around 150 euros per window.

That’s right, I didn’t remember it correctly. We have additional noise reduction measures because I’m a bit skeptical about how loud it is in modern, densely populated residential areas, and some measures are mandatory. These include insulation inside the roller shutter box and an extra layer of insulation in the attic, since it will be converted into living space.

You definitely don’t have to modify all windows and doors, but calculating noise emissions apparently isn’t that simple. After initially getting upset about the extra costs, we now want to keep the noise reduction measures everywhere. Of course, none of these measures help with noise in the garden. So if you like spending time on the terrace in summer and are already bothered by noise during testing, it’s better to avoid that property altogether.

I can relate to that. Our bungalow is also located right next to a railway track (the train runs on an embankment here). There are 4 commuter trains per hour and a few freight trains daily. We also have sound insulation class IV.

When the windows are closed, I only notice the freight trains because of a slight vibration (though I’m quite sensitive to that). If you pay attention, you can also hear them. When I’m in the garden, I hardly notice the commuter trains anymore. As for the freight trains, we sometimes have to pause conversations for a few seconds. It doesn’t really bother anyone, and you get used to it very quickly.

Evolith schrieb:

I can relate to that. Our bungalow is also right next to a railway track (the train runs on an embankment here). There are 4 commuter trains per hour and several freight trains daily. We have sound insulation level IV.

When the windows are closed, I only notice the freight trains because there is a slight vibration (but I’m sensitive to that). If you pay attention, you can hear them as well.
When I’m in the garden, I hardly notice the commuter trains anymore. For the freight trains, we sometimes have to pause conversations for a few seconds. It doesn’t really bother anyone, and you get used to it very quickly.

Fortunately, we have learned that our area and this line are also test tracks for new hydrogen trains. These are supposed to be significantly quieter than the current trains. Tomorrow, we have an appointment with a local architect, this time one specialized in solid construction. At the same time, we are consulting a prefab home builder. We want to see what both recommend for minimizing noise as effectively as possible.