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 🙂
Yes, we are living in the house. The window inspection is separately listed in the acceptance report because some window panes were still partially scratched at the time of the house acceptance. Therefore, we refused to accept all the windows altogether. Other trades were also affected by this (e.g., plastering), which is why the final exterior inspection has not yet taken place.
The cracks are, as mentioned, on the window reveals. I have attached a picture. The crack runs vertically over the entire window surface on this window. We have this on several windows—some large, some smaller. The cracks are definitely well beyond the 0.2mm (0.008 inches) tolerance, approximately 2–3mm (0.08–0.12 inches).
The cracks are, as mentioned, on the window reveals. I have attached a picture. The crack runs vertically over the entire window surface on this window. We have this on several windows—some large, some smaller. The cracks are definitely well beyond the 0.2mm (0.008 inches) tolerance, approximately 2–3mm (0.08–0.12 inches).
SpeedyG schrieb:
The crack runs vertically across the entire window surface. Well, it’s more likely along the entire frame length.
Please share some photos from the outside.
By the way, what kind of civil engineering do you specialize in?
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
SpeedyG schrieb:
What kind of exterior photos would you like to see? Well, in this thread, it would be useful to have shots showing the conditions right around the window frames. Of course, you’re also welcome to contribute to the house photo collection thread.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
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