The Port of Seattle has heard concerns from community members about the condition of sound insulation treatments installed several decades ago. On February 27, 2024, the Port of Seattle Commission issued Order 2024-04 to study these concerns. The survey was conducted from June 3, 2024 to August 9, 2024. Responses to the survey will not be used for any other Port of Seattle programs or studies and are subject to Public Disclosure. It is also important to know that participation in the survey did not guarantee repair, replacement, or maintenance outcomes for any residence.
The information gained through the survey, acoustic testing, field assessment and additional research on the expected useful life of products was critical in gaining a better understanding of the issue at hand. The details of the assessment and findings are captured in the Technical Report, link below. A summary of the findings include:
- Survey results and field inspections provided good information on understanding resident concerns about window glass appearance and operation (ease of opening/closing and locking).
- The responses received reflected the geographic distribution of original installations.
- The responses received reflected the various window manufacturers used across time.
- There were no significant trends in the survey results that distinguish one particular manufacturer or year of installation as a problem.
- Overall age of sound insulation packages and individual issues with window design, installation and/or maintenance were identified as probable causes of appearance and operational problems.
- Ninety-nine percent (99%) of the windows installed prior to 2014 are past the industry-standard expected useful life.
- None of the 30 residences acoustically tested exceeded the FAA-established interior noise threshold of 45db DNL for residential use compatibility and for sound insulation program eligibility, indicating all acoustically tested windows and doors were continuing to provide appropriate sound insulation.
The results of the assessment provide valuable information for the Port’s understanding of the scope and scale of the issue and developing a sound insulation repair and replacement pilot program. The assessment would not have been possible without the strong community response in taking the SEA Sound Insulation Repair and Replacement Pilot Program survey and the 30 sets of residents who participated in the field inspection and acoustic testing phase with the use of their homes. With the assessment findings now completed, the Port is currently developing the framework and details for the Pilot Program.
Sound Insulation Pilot Program Repair and Replacement Technical Assessment Report (24 KB)
Sound Insulation Pilot Program Repair and Replacement Technical Report Appendix A - Survey Materials (3 KB)
Sound Insulation Pilot Program Technical Report Appendix B - Survey Results (800 KB)
Sound Insulation Pilot Program Technical Report Appendix C - life Expectancy of Building Materials (1,800 KB)
Sound Insulation Pilot Program Technical Report Appendix D Sound Insulation Testing Materials (10,000 KB)
