Analysis of Sound Attenuating Window Systems for Residential Buildings

This report examines sound attenuating window systems for residential buildings, focusing on noise reduction strategies in construction. It investigates three key products: Magnetite Windows, Soundtite Windows and Doors, and Silicone Sealant. The report details the advantages and disadvantages of each system, considering factors such as noise reduction, thermal comfort, energy efficiency, and installation costs. It also explores the cost implications of each product, including installation expenses. The analysis includes discussion of the products' effectiveness, durability, and suitability for various residential applications. The report concludes by summarizing the findings and highlighting the importance of modern technology in mitigating noise pollution within residential environments. The research is based on the given assignment brief for Construction in Practice 1 at Western Sydney University.

Running head: SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL
BUILDINGS
Sound attenuating window systems for residential buildings
Name of the Student
Name of the University

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Sound attenuating window systems for residential buildings..........................................................3
Products for Sound attenuating window systems for residential buildings.....................................4
Magnetite Windows.....................................................................................................................5
Soundtite Windows and Doors....................................................................................................7
Silicon Sealant.............................................................................................................................8
Advantages and Disadvantages of three products...........................................................................8
Cost of each product with installation...........................................................................................11
Conclusion.....................................................................................................................................11
References......................................................................................................................................13

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Introduction
Sound control has been a growing trend in the construction industry. Buildings are often
constructed near roads and noisy market place. These busy places create a lot of noise and
pollution. Sound attenuating window systems are an essential components for reducing noise in
the buildings. This report has focused on three products having sound attenuation property in
window systems. It has been creating a lot of nuisance during office and peak hours. Therefore,
modern technology has helped in minimizing noise in surroundings when inside residential
buildings. These three products are Magnetite Windows, Soundtite Windows and Doors and
Silicone Sealant. Advantages and Disadvantages of these three products have been discussed in
the report. The cost of each product along with their installation has been discussed in the report.
Sound attenuating window systems for residential buildings
As commented by Barclay, Kang and Sharples (2012), the population of Australia has
been increasing specifically in Queensland region. Therefore, there has been increase in demand
for construction of buildings in the area. Noise is both serious environmental and health issue
faced in society. Despite this, reduction of noise through gap with an open window has been an
issue that has received little attention in Australia. In order to reduce /internal noise level, various
prediction methods are required including primary method of interest which is EN 12354.3
(2000) “Air Bourne sound insulation against outdoor sound” formula. The prediction done using
this method, internal noise level calculation were taken under a theory of Australian Standard AS
3671 (1989) related to open space percentage of the exposed building elements (Park and Kim
2015). The AS 3671 (1989) formula can be represented as follows:
Lpin = Lpout – TL – F + 10LOG (A) – 10LOG(V) + 10LOG (T) + 14

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Where:
Lpin = Internal Noise Level
Lpout = External Noise Level
TL = Spectral Transmission Loss of Element
F = Façade Shape Level Difference
A = Element Area
V = Room Volume
T = Reverberation Time
The +14 component is a combination of the +6 dB reverb – free field correction and the +8
resulting from -10log (0.161) from the rearranged Sabines formula.
NR = 10LOG (A/100)
Where, NR = Noise Reduction dB (A)
A = Open Area % of Building Envelope
Products for Sound attenuating window systems for residential buildings
Windows are the main source of noise penetration in a building. Noise pollution caused
by traffic, trains and neighbours has been common in residential areas. External noise has been
disturbing concentration and efficiency of employees and workers in commercial buildings.
Therefore, there are various products that might help in reducing noise from external and internal
sources in a residential building. There are various products that help in reducing noise in

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
residential buildings. These three products are Magnetite Windows, Soundtite Windows and
Doors and Silicone Sealant (Wang, Hui and Ng 2014).
Magnetite Windows
As commented by Schiavoni, Bianchi and Asdrubali (2016), Magnetite windows help in
converting existing windows towards energy-efficient, money-saving double panes in a matter of
minutes. There is 100 % Acrylic Panel bordered with magnetic edging. This panel is connected
with magnetically to steel framing placed on inside border of existing window frame for
providing airtight insulating window.
Retrofit double glazing windows
Double glazing windows help in improving comfort of room and house by minimizing
noise and creating a comfortable indoor environment. It has been creating a lot of nuisance
during office and peak hours. Therefore, modern technology has helped in minimizing noise in
surroundings when inside residential buildings. Magnetite retrofit system helps in allowing
existing windows converted into a double glazed system that helps in reflecting sound waves
back (Kalogirou 2013).
According to magnetite is a secondary window system that is attached inside of an
existing window frame. A qualified expert of Magnetite installs a small frame inside the window
casement. This frame allows magnetite to be clear, optical grade acrylic panels need to be linked
in the window with the help of magnets and seal around it for the airtight environment. Magnetic
panels fit directly into face of an existing window including that there has been a flat co-planar
surface.

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Figure 1: Magnetite retrofit double glazing window system
(Source: Zou et al. 2015)
Figure 2: Components of Magnetite retrofit double glazing window system
(Source: Zou et al. 2015)
The magnetite system contains a custom fit for each installation or ensuring performance
with minimal aesthetic impact for several shapes and out of square windows. As commented by

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Tsagarakis, Karyotakis and Zografakis (2012), magnetite is a retrofit double glazing system that
has been installed on the inside of existing windows.
Soundtite Windows and Doors
As commented by Colomban (2013), soundtite secondary aluminium window system has
been specially designed for reducing noise through an existing sliding window and sliding door.
The system has been designed for sliding horizontally and vertically for matching existing
aluminium window design and function. The aluminium frame has been powder coated for
matching existing window ensuring aesthetics have maintained and the system has been
available in three different thickness 6.38 mm, 6.5 mm and 10.38 mm. Soundtite can be ideal
soundproofing solution for modern commercial and residential buildings which can be widely
used in the office and hospitality sectors because of its durability factor with enhancement in
performance. Soundtite helps in creating a large air cavity for maximising sound reflection
through existing window is a secondary system. Soundtite contains minimal aesthetic effect from
outside and maintains a view through the window (Tsagarakis, Karyotakis and Zografakis 2012).
Figure 3: Soundtite secondary aluminium window system
(Source: Tsagarakis, Karyotakis and Zografakis 2012)

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Silicone Sealant
As commented by Gil-Lopez and Gimenez-Molina (2013), Soundproofing Sealant is a
type of sealant material that is utilized for sealing gaps and holes that have been causing from
performing works above ceiling height from having running services through noise rated walls
and panels. Sound control is trending in the construction industry and market for sound control
products. Buildings are often constructed near roads and noisy market place. Sound Sealant has
been very effective in filling up holes when performing soundproofing installation works. It is
also utilized in order to combine work very well at reducing noise penetration. This solvent has
been helping in sealing up the holes and gaps between glass and window panes in the buildings.
The use of various technological aspects has been helping in maintaining a keen approach in the
reducing noise inside the residential buildings.
Advantages and Disadvantages of three products
Advantages of Magnetite Windows:
There are various advantages of Magnetite windows:
 Noise Reduction: Magnetite helps in providing soundproof doors and windows that
enhance the quality of sleep and ability to concentrate on things.
 Thermal comfort: Magnetite helps in reducing heat loss through your windows that allow
comfort during winter days and night. In summer magnetite in combination with Solartite
that help in regaining and utilize rooms for making it hot (Tavares et al. 2014).
 Energy-efficient: Magnetite windows help in reducing need for air conditioner and heater
that helps in reducing cost of more electricity use on bills.

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
 Custom Installation: Magnetite is custom fit for each job of installation to the shape and
style of an existing window. This helps in ensuring optimal performance and aesthetics
delivering cut out of square means magnetite has been ideal for period windows.
 Service and Value: Magnetite window system ensure comfortable with entire experience
from first contact through job completion.
Disadvantages of Magnetite Windows:
Following are disadvantages of Magnetite Windows:
 Cannot be repaired: The space between two panes of glass traps air that forms a layer of
insulation. However, if seal is not condensation will appear between panes which cannot
be repaired.
 Trap heat: Magnetite used to trap heat during both winter and summer. It feels
comfortable during winter but feels uncomfortable during summer (Barclay, Kang and
Sharples 2012).
 Not good for older homes: Double glazed windows are modern looking which clashes
with older styles. In case, an old look homes tried to install double glazed windows, the
overall look looks mismatch.
Advantages of Soundtite Windows and Doors:
 Powder-coated aluminium frame matches with existing windows frame for blending with
existing interior décor.
 Laminated glass for performance and safety has been available in 6.38 mm and 10.38 mm
laminated glass for immediate noise reduction.
 Windows can be lockable for enhancing security and peace of mind.

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
 Acoustic seals help in minimizing sound that leaks through joins of standard aluminium
windows (Wang, Hui and Ng 2014).
 The vertical or horizontal sliding system has been designed for matching existing window
function and design.
 Sliding sashes for easy and quick cleaning operation.
Disadvantages of Soundtite Windows and Doors:
 It has a high U-value as it conducts heat and cold easily. Therefore, aluminium is the least
energy-efficient of all materials.
 Aluminium can be cold to touch and prone to condensation.
 It can be susceptible to corrosion and can be exposed to salt and water. This lead to
problems with operation and overall performance.
Advantages of Silicone Sealant:
 They have high performance over a large range of temperature. It can be used from -30 to
+60 degrees of temperature.
 The polymer forms a monolithic coating that has good elasticity and durability.
 There is a wide choice of colours composition (Schiavoni, Bianchi and Asdrubali 2016).
Disadvantages of Silicone Sealant:
 In case, dry paints peel off, the silicone sealant gets damaged ad leakage at window panes
occurs.
 These solvents have a moderate to high price.
 The main problem is the inability to apply an additional layer after drying. Therefore,
there need to be re-hold characteristics of the solvents.

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
Cost of each product with installation
The average cost of double glazing is between 700 AUD dollar to 900 AUD dollar per window.
Therefore, it will cost around 3500 AUD dollar to install 4 double glazed windows in a flat and
between 8000 AUD dollar and 13000 AUD dollar for standard UK home.
Aluminium windows cost around 400 AUD dollar to 1200 AUD dollar per window with the
installation. This price includes cost of all materials, glass, aluminium framing, exterior flashing,
trimming. It includes cost of labour for installing windows properly (Kalogirou 2013).
The cost of silicone sealant varies from 30 AUD dollar to 100 AUD dollar. This is only product
charge. There is an extra charge of labour that varies with location in Australia.
Conclusion
It can be concluded that noise has been an irritating factor for people living in residential
buildings near roads, railway tracks and airport. It has been creating a lot of nuisance during
office and peak hours. Therefore, modern technology has helped in minimizing the noise in
surroundings when inside residential buildings. This report has discussed abut three different
products having sound attenuation property. Three products including Magnetite Windows,
Soundtite Windows and Doors and Silicone Sealant have been discussed. Advantages and
disadvantages of all three products have been discussed in the report. Proper cost of three

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SOUND ATTENUATING WINDOW SYSTEMS FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
products along with installation charge has been provided in the report. This has helped in
gaining knowledge and awareness about modern technology in construction industry.