CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT2 Introduction Intrusive and undesirable noise is affecting many lives, especially those living in busy streets, near airports, construction industries and any other regions prone to noise. The issue of noise and how to handle it in new housing developments is getting too complicated, and it is considered in the context of doors and windows. These dwellings require proper acoustic solutions so as to maintain a peaceful and quiet internal environment (Allen & Iano, 2013). Windows are thought to be the greatest conductors of less to high-intensity noises in industrial, commercial or even residential buildings. Sound enters and leaves through windows thereby generating problems for those living in the room as well as outside. Therefore one must employ appropriate acoustic alternatives to soundproof windows in order to prevent the unwanted noise moving in and out of your room (Bailey, 2016). Available options for making a sound control window 1.Retrofitting or replacing the existing window with a real sound control window One of the most effective and best methods for soundproof window is retrofitting or replacing the existing window with a real sound control window with an acoustical rating. These noise attenuating windows are available in different sizes and specifications though they are expensive to install and purchase. At the time of upgrading an acoustic performance of a window, one must consider two alternatives; either replacing the windows or conducting window retrofitting which attaches to the inner section of the existing glazing. There are numerous advantages of window retrofits. External noise, from moving vehicles and industries, travel so fast through glass windows therefore this issue is addressed by installing such sound proof windows. These sound control windows are rated in two main classes depending on how well these windows prevent the movement of sound. These classes are; Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Outdoor Indoor transmission class (OITC). Surprisingly, STC is the commonly used type of
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT3 comparing the acoustic effectiveness of the building materials like doors, walls and windows. This method was designed to offer a single number rating for inside building partitions which are under brought to noises such as radio, speech, television and other low to high-frequency noise sources (Banias et al., 2011). Secondly, OITC rating is for low and mid-frequency noises and it is used to measure how good windows, doors, and walls prevent external transportation noises such as automobiles, trains, and plains. The method is most important in buildings situated in metropolitan regions, high traffic regions, near airports or other subways. Both ratings depend on the number for a greater sound control- the higher the number, the better the sound restrain. Using sound control windows are vast and provide several benefits. Attenuating noise provide a comfortable space for your guests when they come for visits, it also minimizes audio distraction during moments when you need a peaceful environment for self- study (Coelho & De Brito, 2012 ). Benefits of sound control window systems More peaceful and quite- this kind of windows keep unwanted noise to the minimum hence creating a peaceful and silent atmosphere. They reduce sound transmissions (Ding & Xiao, 2014). Advantages of window retrofitsCost- Primarily, window retrofits are less costly compared to replacing the whole window, which involves removing the permits, glass, and scaffolding (Eastman, 2018). Labor-saving- Conducting window retrofits needs less labor which saves your money. Air gap acting as a barrier- Employing window retrofits as a sound control system for a residential building work better than replacing the windows, in that there is an insulating air gap created between the new interior sound control window and the
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT4 existing window. This gap of air is responsible for trapping sound waves from entering easily into the room hence acting as a barrier (Escorcia et al., 2012). Advantages of replacing the whole window New window frames are rarely to leak and are especially more energy efficient than a retrofitted one, which may leave gaps for sound leakages. A well-sealed new window will prevent such from happening thus improving the comfort of the room (Fernández et al., 2012). More light is allowed to enter and it offers a wider view compared to the retrofitted window panes. The newly constructed windows are much bigger in size as required by the installer compared to having a retrofitted one which is a bit smaller than the existing frame. Disadvantages of window retrofits As the new window is being replaced on the existing frame, the window seems to be slightly smaller than the window it replaces, thus minimizing the amount of light entering the room (Hensen & Lamberts, 2012). In case the existing frame is destroyed or warped it will force the installer to use more money in repairing or purchasing a new frame to hinder any sound leakages and any other potential leakage. Disadvantages of replacing the whole window Cost- they are damn expensive compared to retrofit windows, as the existing window frame is wholly removed and reconstructed. If the frame is damaged, it has to be repaired hence increasing costs. 2. Installing window plugs
Paraphrase This Document
Need a fresh take? Get an instant paraphrase of this document with our AI Paraphraser
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT5 Installing a sound and light blocking foam window called a window plug(Hensen & Lamberts, 2011) is also another option.However, the product will not allow light to pass through it, it will perfectly prevent the unwanted noise and sound to the best and favorable level. They can be easily removed as well as inexpensive. Window plugs are made up of porous materials, foam and sponge; all backed up by a wooded block with handles and are classified as good sound absorbers. In case you want your plugs to be successful in preventing sound transmission, you must employ a layer of sound proof material. Window plugs are meant to reflect, block and absorb noise. It works in a way that it absorbs the sound waves and slows these waves down through the soft foam surface as the thick dense layer blocks and reflects the remaining section of it (Khalfan & Sagoo, 2015). Merits of plugging windows Cost; definitely cost is the number one advantage when installing this by own, comparing the price of sound control windows which costs many dollars- this will be less expensive. Thermal insulation; when an opening of a window is blocked the ability of thermal insulation rises, hence keeping the room warm during the cold seasons as well as cool when the environment outside is hot (Kibert, 2016) Blocking out light- additionally, another advantage of this method is blackout capability. This is desirable in cases where the residential building is facing the street which has a lot of shops and taverns emitting a lot of light at night, when much of this light is blocked in this instance it is nicer, creating a comfortable atmosphere (Lockrey et al., 2018). Demerits of window plugging
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT6 Light getting blocked- this point has got also the disadvantageous part of it, in that it is not appealing when the daylight is blocked from entering the room. Many prefer their living rooms, generally all the rooms to be bright and lively and not have that feeling that they are residing in caves where there is total darkness. However, the good part of window plugs is that they can be removed during the day, though it does not let in the light alone it comes along with the annoying noise (Pillay, 2013). Sense of style- the overall neatness of a house does not exist. This is due to the big chunk of foam existing and stuffed inside the window space. It does not look appealing to the eye (Ramirez & Miranda, 2012). To wrap it up soundproof window plugs are temporary but an excellent option for spaces such as recording studios, or home theaters and bedrooms where one can just install them when silence is required and pull them out afterward when not needed. 3. Acoustical sound dampening plastic film for windows Adding such a film to the window panes helps to achieve enough soundproofing. It improves the windows sound blocking ability by minimizing the capability of the glass to react to sound vibrations. Windows are the most vulnerable parts of our houses, since they are structurally unsound; they are supposed to be as airtight as possible. Otherwise, they are solely not performing their duties. To have quality windows, you must benefit from installing the acoustical sound dampening plastic film (Ramirez & Miranda, 2012). When working on having a soundproof window, you need to consider a variety of things. You must remove the air gaps around the perimeter of the window frame. Another aspect is the glass itself; it can be one which is thin and capable of vibrating. This sound dampening film is capable of improving the audio quality of all types of windows. It uses a material which possesses a powerful, transparent lamination core enclosed by two layers of
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT7 polymer. The film is supposed to hang in between two layers of windows and prevent or allow noise inside through internal and external openings. Nowadays, polyvinyl or environmental PVC is mostly applied. Of which, they are easy to apply, mostly coming with a clinging attachment technique and not an adhesive one. In as much as they are made of plastic, a material well known for soundproofing characteristics, they are pretty perfect at adding density and bulk of the window pane (Ramirez & Miranda, 2012) Many manufacturers have abandoned adhesive in support of recyclable static cling attachment methods. This method can be used as long as you want and remove them when you are tired of them. When your window pane is so thin it can benefit from adding a plastic film on the top, and in case there is an air gap between the frame and the wall or window and the frame, you can as well benefit by utilizing other window soundproofing elements alongside the film (Hensen & Lamberts, 2011). Advantages of applying acoustic sound dampening plastic film Energy saving and blocking harsh UV - many of the products focus on preventing hot air from escaping the house. Nevertheless, we are aware that sound and air can as well be similar. The Frost King Window Insulation Shrink Kit is one of the well-known for cold season window film because it is perfect in absorbing heat but also working for sound as well (Escorcia et al., 2011). Sound lessening- the most important object with all these products is to minimize the noise. The film is much softer than glass, therefore the sounds inside will not bounce harshly. Additionally, the vinyl film will harden the small cracks that are trying to leak sound or noise from the outside environment. Decorative- these plastic window films are designed in all sorts of patterns that would suit different spaces. For instance, frosted tulip pattern would be appealing when
Secure Best Marks with AI Grader
Need help grading? Try our AI Grader for instant feedback on your assignments.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT8 placed in the living rooms or bedrooms; while the geometric design would look amazing in an office space. They come in various attractive designs. Enhancing privacy- most of the window films are colored and opaque so as to protect you from view. These are particularly great when you are residing on the ground floor or even when your window directly faces another building (Escorcia et al., 2011). Acoustic sound dampening film is a great product and it is a category which is under research and development. There is one which was conceived it would not only block the outside noise, but would also play music and keep the window open(Escorcia et al., 2011). Speakers are built in the plastic film, which is definitely a great achievement. Conclusion Ultimately, employing such options in minimizing sound for windows in residential buildings is the greatest idea. They are more effective and scientists are still working on better methods of upgrading such systems to provide much greater comfort, which is total silence. Some methods may be combined to bring out the desired result, for example using the soundproof curtains alongside having acoustic sound lessening plastic film window. These curtains not only reduce the sound transmission, but they also bring a great stylistic feature in a room. In fact, all the above-mentioned products create a cool and quieter environment.
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT9 References Allen, E. and Iano, J., 2013.Fundamentals of building construction: materials and methods. John Wiley & Sons. Bailey, J., 2016.Construction Law: Volume II. informa law from Routledge. Banias, G., Achillas, C., Vlachokostas, C., Moussiopoulos, N. and Papaioannou, I., 2011. A web-based decision support system for the optimal management of construction and demolition waste.Waste Management,31(12), pp.2497-2502. Coelho, A. and De Brito, J., 2012. Influence of construction and demolition waste management on the environmental impact of buildings.Waste Management,32(3), pp.532-541. Ding, T. and Xiao, J., 2014. Estimation of building-related construction and demolition waste in Shanghai.Waste Management,34(11), pp.2327-2334. Ding, T. and Xiao, J., 2014. Estimation of building-related construction and demolition waste in Shanghai.Waste Management,34(11), pp.2327-2334. Eastman, C.M., 2018.Building product models: computer environments, supporting design and construction. CRC press. Eastman, C.M., 2019.Building product models: computer environments, supporting design and construction. CRC press. Escorcia, V., Dávila, M.A., Golparvar-Fard, M. and Niebles, J.C., 2012. Automated vision-based recognition of construction worker actions for building interior construction operations using RGBD cameras. InConstruction Research Congress 2012: Construction Challenges in a Flat World(pp. 879-888). Escorcia, V., Dávila, M.A., Golparvar-Fard, M. and Niebles, J.C., 2011. Automated vision-based recognition of construction worker actions for building interior construction
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT10 operations using RGBD cameras. InConstruction Research Congress 2012: Construction Challenges in a Flat World(pp. 879-888). Fernández-Carrasco, L., Torrens-Martín, D., Morales, L.M. and Martínez-Ramírez, S., 2012. Infrared spectroscopy in the analysis of building and construction materials.Infrared spectroscopy—materials science, engineering and technology. INTECH, pp.369-82. Hensen, J.L. and Lamberts, R. eds., 2012.Building performance simulation for design and operation. Routledge. Hensen, J.L. and Lamberts, R. eds., 2012.Building performance simulation for design and operation. Routledge. Khalfan, M., Noor, M., Maqsood, T., Alshanbri, N. and Sagoo, A., 2015. Perceptions towards sustainable construction amongst construction contractors in state of Victoria, Australia.Journal of Economics, Business and Management,3(10), pp.940-947. Kibert, C.J., 2016.Sustainable construction: green building design and delivery. John Wiley & Sons. Lockrey, S., Verghese, K., Crossin, E. and Nguyen, H., 2018. Concrete recycling life cycle flows and performance from construction and demolition waste in Hanoi.Journal of cleaner production,179, pp.593-604. Pillay, M., 2013. Harmonisation of Construction Health and Safety Laws in Australia. Ramirez, C.M. and Miranda, E., 2012. Significance of residual drifts in building earthquake loss estimation.Earthquake Engineering & Structural Dynamics,41(11), pp.1477-1493.