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How much can a hairline gap between surfaces affect sound control?
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April 7, 2017 - 4:20 am
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I am working through the various pros & cons to reduce outside train sound getting through a window and could use some help.
My current preference is an exterior flush-mount 1/4″ laminated storm window. For water drainage and condensation control, the installation requires sitting the bottom of the window on the sill with no blind stop or caulking. In my case , the storm window would rest on a sloped brick sill.

If a properly installed laminated panel would get me to say an OITC=30, about how much of that value would be lost due to having that small gap without the benefit of a blind stop and caulking? If loss is significant, I would look into either a surface mount storm window that overlaps the rough opening in the brick wall or I would put together an interior window plug/panel. Thanks for any insights

PQ in east TN

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April 8, 2017 - 5:42 am
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I plan on trying an exterior storm even though sound might go under/through the bottom aluminum storm window frame.

If I find flanking after the manufacturer recommended install, I could still put in sound blocking material along the bottom of the storm window frame as long as it can drain. It will be a while until I get back to this effort – please add any tips to help with the laminated storm window install to minimize sound transmission.

I am less inclined to start with an interior storm window since I wouldn’t get a wide air gap between panes. A wide air gap between panes (among other factors) reduces low frequency sound transmission.

Thanks,
PQ

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April 8, 2017 - 9:46 am
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Hi PQ, All holes or gaps that can be sealed, must be. Air (sound) is like water. It will find the weakest link and run through it. An STC of 30 is not good. Place another pane of 1/2″ thick safety glass on the noise side of the window. The side closest to noise source.

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April 12, 2017 - 4:09 am
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I recall seeing an informal sound lab test where a 1/4″ slot was cut along the bottom of a test wall and then retested. The wall went from STC 50 to STC 39.

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April 13, 2017 - 12:37 pm
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Hi Steve, Yes, I would believe those numbers.

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