Noise level range IV - Bungalow

Unfortunately, you cannot infer the actual noise disturbance. For example, we are also building on a plot designated as noise protection level IV. There is a highway with a higher noise protection wall located to the east at a distance of over 100 meters. Additionally, another noise protection wall will probably be built directly adjacent to the residential area. Since there is almost always a west wind here, you normally cannot hear anything from the highway because the typical city noises drown it out. Nevertheless, we would be forced to install soundproof windows, which means five-figure additional costs for us. Whether the noise directly bothers someone, I think one has to check on-site themselves.

What? Normally, soundproof windows don't cost much extra. More like around 150 euros per window.

Is it possible to be more precise?

At the moment, only a freight car carrying wood runs there every few weeks, sometimes even only every few months. Since there is only one track, we hope it stays that way.

What, please? Normally, soundproof windows do not cost much extra. More like 150 euros per window.

We are also currently trying to find out whether all windows and doors would be affected or only those facing the railway. That would certainly make a big difference in price as well.

What, please? Normally, soundproof windows don't cost much extra. More like around 150 euros per window.

That's true, I don't remember that correctly anymore. We have additional noise protection measures because I'm a bit skeptical about how loud it is in the modern, dense residential areas, or as I said, some are mandatory. These include insulation in the roller shutter box and an extra insulating layer in the attic since it is being converted into living space. You definitely don't have to adapt all the windows and doors, but apparently the calculation of noise emissions is not so simple. After initially being upset about the additional costs, we now want to keep the noise protection measures everywhere. Of course, any measures don't help for the garden. So if you like spending time on the terrace in summer and are already bothered by some of the noise during testing, it's better to steer clear of the property.

I can tell you something about that. We also have our bungalow right next to a railway track (Die Bahn fährt bei uns auf dem Wall). Four S-trains pass by per hour and a few freight trains daily. Also soundproofing IV.

If the windows are closed, I only notice the freight trains because there is a very slight vibration (but I'm sensitive to that). If you pay attention, you can also hear it. When I am in the garden, I hardly register the S-trains anymore. For the freight trains, we sometimes have to pause the conversation for a few seconds. It really doesn't bother anyone, and you get used to it very quickly.

I can tell you something about that. We also have our bungalow right next to a railway track (the train runs on the embankment here). There are 4 S-Bahn trains per hour and a few freight trains running daily. Also soundproofing level IV.

When the windows are closed, I only notice the freight trains because it vibrates slightly (but I’m sensitive to that). If you pay attention, you can hear it too. When I’m in the garden, I hardly register the S-Bahn trains anymore. We sometimes have to pause our conversation for a few seconds because of the freight trains. It really doesn’t bother anyone and you get used to it very quickly.

Fortunately, we have found out that our area and route are also test tracks for the new hydrogen trains. These are supposed to be considerably quieter than today’s trains. Tomorrow we have an appointment with an architect on site, this time a solid construction builder. At the same time, we are also consulting a prefabricated house builder. We want to see what measures both recommend to best insulate against sound.