DATE: Saturday, September 13, 1997          TAG: 9709130371

SECTION: FRONT                   PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY MEREDITH COHN, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   60 lines

WITH MORE JETS, MORE NOISE; BUT THERE ARE CHEAP WAYS TO COPE THICKER WALLS AND WINDOWS ARE SOME PROVISIONS BUILDERS WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE.

While the full impact of more jets at Oceana Naval Air Station has yet to be realized, one thing is certain: more noise.

About 22,000 acres will be added to high noise zones if the jets arrive. Of the area's three zones that homes and businesses fall into, No. 3, which is in flight paths, will be the noisiest. Thicker walls and windows are some of the provisions builders will have to provide.

For owners of existing property, builders and city officials say, a few modifications can minimize noise, although nothing will eliminate it.And in some cases, the cost of the measure far outweighs its effectiveness.

Some suggestions:

Keep windows closed and air conditioning on in the summer. Replace window units with central air conditioning if possible to eliminate gaps that can let in air and noise.

Replace weather stripping to ensure no air and noise can penetrate. This would cost about $50 to $100 for the average house (about 15 windows).

Check the house for cracks or holes where noise can creep in and cover them. Make sure pet doors shut. Flaps can be added to dryer vents and bathroom fans.

Add storm windows. For the do-it-yourselfer, this could cost around $600 for the average house.

Replace windows with double- or triple-pane models. This can cost $500 to $700 a window. Special windows designed to reduce noise also are available. They include windows with two panes of different widths and windows that incorporate storm windows.

Add layers of drywall inside or cement under the siding outside. Adding insulation in the attic and walls, such as the kind that can be blown in through holes drilled between studs, can cost thousands of dollars and some contractors say not be particularly effective in reducing noise. Homes built in the last five to 10 years should have sufficient insulation.

Add heavy drapes to windows.

When renovating or building additions, ensure that the materials meet city requirements for noise abatement.

``Unfortunately, there is no simple solution for homeowners,'' said Danny Skittlethorp, president of Homeowner Services Co., which specializes in renovations and remodeling.

``Try and think of it this way: When you're driving in your car next to a tractor-trailer and your windows are closed, you can barely hear it,'' he said. ``When you crack the window just a bit, think of how loud it becomes. Now think of your house the same way and try and close the cracks.''

Dan Cautley, a research engineer at the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, warned homeowners, however, that sealing the house has consequences.

He said moisture cannot escape, so the house may become more humid. Also, older homes with gas water heaters or furnaces without ventilation fans could end up with toxins trapped inside. He advised homeowners to consult their gas utility for advice or testing if they have one of those systems or do not know what kind of system they have. Also, keep a carbon monoxide detector available.

Once all other measures have been taken, Kenny Boggs of Southern Mechanical said, ``Turn your TV up a little.''

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