ᐅ Every sound comes through the windows. Is it the same for you?
Created on: 24 Nov 2017 21:24
S
SpeedyG
Hi,
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 🙂
We have a solidly built house with several floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. At night, in complete silence, if someone stands outside and talks, we can hear it faintly but cannot understand the words. During the day, we only hear delivery trucks slowly passing by in front of the house.
N
nightdancer25 Nov 2017 16:02A 5cm (2 inch) gap around the window is simply a defect; aside from that, it should be checked whether the windows were installed using the rough opening method.
SpeedyG schrieb:
The explanation sounds plausible and would fit well with our site manager... It has less to do with the site manager and more with the architect. Normally, the architect should specify in the plans that measurements need to be verified on site. However, logically, the wall opening must already exist if you want to order the windows. That’s why some clever people behave as if you can just add up the nominal gap dimensions and tolerances. Larger gaps could then be easily filled with expanding foam, while adjusting bricks if the actual opening ended up smaller than planned would be more work. Unfortunately, sound insulation does not react well to foam at all.
SpeedyG schrieb:
I want to get a feel for it. You get that automatically once the sloppy workmanship is fixed: the difference feels roughly like the difference between having a window open and having it closed.
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That already depends on the construction manager, as they were also responsible for the drafting work. This was an additional skill they had due to their original training. In this respect, they were responsible for both aspects....
What standards can I refer to? RAL? DIN 4108? Or what applies?
What standards can I refer to? RAL? DIN 4108? Or what applies?
K
Knallkörper26 Nov 2017 00:08For the purpose of defect notification, it is important that you specify the symptoms. The specialist contractor is responsible for determining which standard applies.
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