Hello,
our builder has blocked our windows so that many of them can only be tilted open slightly. One window cannot be opened at all.
He says this has to be done for soundproofing reasons.
What is this about?
Is there any regulation that specifies how much noise is allowed to enter through a tilted window?
He can’t just eliminate the functionality like that. Aren’t there other solutions?
Thank you very much for the information.
our builder has blocked our windows so that many of them can only be tilted open slightly. One window cannot be opened at all.
He says this has to be done for soundproofing reasons.
What is this about?
Is there any regulation that specifies how much noise is allowed to enter through a tilted window?
He can’t just eliminate the functionality like that. Aren’t there other solutions?
Thank you very much for the information.
MarieHB schrieb:
Our builder has blocked our windows so that many of them can only be tilted open slightly. One window not at all.
He says this has to be done for soundproofing reasons. [...]
But he can’t just remove their functionality like that. I would give him a piece of my mind (only for his own good, of course). Seriously: no, he is absolutely not authorized to do that. Send a registered letter with return receipt demanding the immediate removal of the blockage, setting a deadline of one week from receipt of the letter, which should be reasonable in this case. In case the deadline passes without action, threaten to press charges for bodily harm and unlawful restraint as well as to carry out the removal at his expense. Address the letter to the managing director at the company’s official registered address, and include not only "REGISTERED MAIL / Return Receipt," but also "URGENT! - Please deliver immediately!" before the subject line. He’s clearly not thinking straight. This is not legal advice – you need a lawyer for that – it’s just a prediction of what the lawyer will tell you. It’s now Friday after noon, and lawyers are usually off for the weekend. But at least you know what to plan for Monday morning.
MarieHB schrieb:
What’s the background to this?
Is there any regulation specifying how much noise is allowed to enter through tilted windows? [...] Aren’t there other options? The issue is likely that the guy couldn’t get soundproof windows delivered on time. Such windows, sometimes with specific performance standards, can be mandated by local zoning plans or be a condition of the building permit / planning permission. Any open window lets in more noise than a closed one—but a closed window alone is not considered an adequate soundproofing solution. In this case, the health risk caused by reduced air exchange (unless a mechanical ventilation system is installed) clearly outweighs the soundproofing benefit, as well as the life-threatening risk due to blocking secondary emergency escape routes in case of fire.
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
These are already triple-glazed windows. When closed, it is quiet. They can be fully opened, but they cannot be tilted properly. We are already working with a lawyer. However, once they are fully operational, the question of soundproofing remains. It is quite loud. But air exchange is urgently necessary.
MarieHB schrieb:
These are already triple-glazed windows. When closed, they are quiet. You can fully open them, just not tilt them properly. Oh, so you can fully open them, but not tilt them properly? The number of panes doesn’t say much about that.
MarieHB schrieb:
We are already working with a lawyer. But once they work properly, the question about sound insulation remains. So the lawyer is handling the complaint about a sticking opening mechanism? Soundproof windows are a specific product feature, and the manufacturer’s datasheet should specify the measures taken and the resulting performance (measured values). Proper installation is also very important!
https://www.instagram.com/11antgmxde/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bauen-jetzt/
MarieHB schrieb:
Is there a regulation that specifies how much noise is allowed to enter through a tilted window?I’m not aware of any connection between open windows and sound insulation.X
xMisterDx12 May 2023 23:08Tilting the window hardly contributes to air exchange at all.
Of course, this has nothing to do with your deficiency, but it’s better to open the windows wide for 20 minutes with a lot of noise than to leave them tilted open for 5 hours with a little noise…
By the way, how is an open window—whether tilted or fully open—supposed to provide sound insulation?
Of course, this has nothing to do with your deficiency, but it’s better to open the windows wide for 20 minutes with a lot of noise than to leave them tilted open for 5 hours with a little noise…
By the way, how is an open window—whether tilted or fully open—supposed to provide sound insulation?