Customized Acoustic Treatment Options

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The Program provides a variety of acoustic treatments. Areas eligible for acoustic treatments are considered “habitable” spaces, designed to be occupied year-round and meet all local building code requirements in the residence.

Since each property is unique, the recommended acoustic treatments will be specifically designed for your property and may include some or all of the following:

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The material on this page is for informational purposes only and does not supersede or replace the formal details provided by the Program Handbook. Please consult your Program Handbook or the Airport Noise Office at 206-787-5393 for complete program details.

Since each property is unique, the recommended acoustic treatments will be specifically designed for your property and may include some or all of the following: 

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Windows and Exterior Doors 

Windows and doors are the primary sound paths into a residence. Your existing windows and exterior doors may be replaced with acoustic rated windows and doors.

In most cases the new replacement windows will be the same operating style.  If the style, size, or configuration needs to be modified, the Program Team will explain the recommendation. Doors leading to the exterior of your property are typically the weakest or most open noise paths into your property. For this reason, front and back doors that lead directly to the outside are replaced with a solid door with a high-quality seal. A variety of specialty noise reducing materials and styles of doors will be offered.

Ventilation Systems 

In order for the sound insulation treatments to work properly, the windows and doors must remain closed. Program Team will review and explain the recommendation if modifications are added to your acoustic treatment plan. 

A common solution for properties without an existing continuous air ventilation system is an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV). 

How it Works, the Basics  

Outside air is continuously drawn into the ERV through a filter, while air is also exhausted from the dwelling through the ERV to outside. 
The ERV contains an energy recovery core that preconditions incoming air with the otherwise-wasted energy (heat and humidity) of the exhaust air going out to conserve energy.  
This air exchange (bringing in fresh air and exhausting living space air) system is designed to ventilate newly sealed spaces.

What to Expect 

Wall/roof penetrations for the outside and exhaust air inlets/outlets 
The ERV will require routine maintenance and filter changes at the responsibility of the homeowner.
Usage of the ERV may increase your utility bills as the system uses additional power to operate the fan, and heating system may need to heat newly introduced outside air.

Electrical Service 

The current electrical system will be evaluated. When ventilation system changes are recommended, additional breakers may be necessary to complete the installation. This would be made to existing, functioning systems. If an electric panel is found to not be code compliant, you would be notified of the necessary pre-work required and the residence would move to an “On Hold” designation until repairs are completed and verified.   

Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors are provided as part of the Program in alignment with local building code.

 Hazardous Materials 

Hazardous building materials may be present within your property. Asbestos and lead are two of the most common hazards found. There are regulations in place to protect residents and contractors from these hazardous materials during renovation or demolition activities. 

Asbestos is a known carcinogen and classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) as a hazardous air pollutant. Prolonged exposure can cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. In Washington State, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) and the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (WA L&I) require owners to conduct a pre-renovation/demolition survey prior to starting work or disturbance of suspect asbestos-containing materials (ACM). Per the regulations, an accredited Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) building inspector must conduct a survey to identify the ACM present and provide a written asbestos report prior to the commencement of work. This survey will be conducted in your home prior to construction and a report will be provided to the contractor and owner. 
Lead is a toxic heavy metal and can be found in paint, coatings, and other building materials. If ingested or inhaled, lead can cause damage to reproductive and nervous systems. WA L&I regulations are in place to protect residents and contractors from the hazards presented by lead. Specifically, the regulations include worker protection and work practices while impacting lead-containing paint/coatings and building materials. These regulations are not only designed to protect contractors, but to ensure building occupants are not exposed to lead hazards during or after renovation/demolition work. In additional to the asbestos survey mentioned above, a lead survey will also be conducted. A summary of lead-containing paints/coatings and building materials will be included in the report.

If either ACM or lead-containing paint/coatings or building materials are identified during the survey and found to be impacted by the renovation work inside your property, a licensed contractor hired and paid by the Port is required to remove and dispose of the hazardous building materials. These materials will only be mitigated in the areas that impact the installation of sound insulation treatments. The contractor is accredited by a Washington State issued certification. The removal work will be conducted by a licensed contractor. 

Warranty Information 

Once the improvements to your residence have been completed and you have accepted them in writing, you will receive a warranty package. This package includes operation and maintenance manuals for all installed products, information about the product manufacturer and description, the scope and time of the warranty coverage for each item and a contact phone number for repairs. Warranties are provided exclusively by the contractor and/or manufacturers, not by the Port. 

Customized Acoustic Treatment Options

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