Glossary
Acoustical – Having to do with hearing or sound.
Bid Package—A group of houses assembled together into one construction contract.
Condensation—The result of high humidity (moisture in the air) that produces a “fog” when it hits a colder surface such as a glass window.
Day-Night Level (DNL)—The measure of sound levels over a 24-hour period, taking into account quiet periods as well as when aircraft are flying over. For flights that occur after 10 p.m. and before 7 a.m., these events are counted twice.
Decibel (dB)—The decibel, dB, is the unit of measure used to represent the change in sound pressure that is detected by the human ear. Since the range between the slightest and greatest sounds that we hear is extremely large, the decibel uses the logarithmic scale to compress this range to a more meaningful range with zero dB representing the threshold of hearing. Most sounds we experience in our day-to-day lives vary between 30 dB (typical bedroom at night) and 100 dB (inside a nightclub).
Eligibility—Qualified for participation in the Program by being located in designated treatment areas by the Airport’s FAA approved Noise Exposure Map.
Federal Aviation Administration—the division of the federal Department of Transportation that inspects and rates civilian aircraft and pilots, enforces the rules of air safety, and installs and maintains air-navigation and traffic-control facilities.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—the division of the federal Department of Homeland Security. FEMA’s mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from and mitigate all hazards.
Homeowner Agreement—An agreement between a homeowner and the Tweed New Haven Regional Airport that authorizes sound insulation treatments at a given property.
Noise Level Reduction (NLR)—Noise level reduction is measured in decibels, and is defined as a constant numerical value between the interior noise level and the exterior noise level. This measurement is taken before and after acoustical treatment to determine the overall improvement in noise level reduction. This value will be used to compare the post-construction interior noise levels in the home to the FAA goal of 45 DNL.
Noise Paths – Constructions within homes, such as doors, windows, and vents, and/or lightly constructed wall and ceiling assemblies where environmental noise can travel through.
Field Team—Personnel from the engineers, architects, and program managers who will go to each home to gather information and make treatment recommendations.
Program Team—The professionals selected by to complete the sound insulation
Sound Insulation—The application of residential sound insulation can include some or all of the following: replacing or supplementing windows and doors, installation of attic insulation, caulking and sealing.