Sound Testing
Sound Insulation Testing is a test devised to check elements of a building for their sound insulation performance in accordance with Building Regulations Part E. When a new construction or the conversion of an existing construction results in two adjoining
dwellings being separated by party elements, it is a Building Regulations requirement for these elements to be tested.
What is a Sound Test?
A property will require either airborne only tests (houses) or airborne & impact tests (flats). Airborne tests are carried out on the party walls and floors between houses and flats, whilst the an impact test is carried out to the party floors between flats only. Tests are carried out between habitable rooms and must achieve the standards as set out in the Building Regulations Part E.
The two types of sound tests are as follows:
Airborne Tests
These tests are carried out on party walls and floors/ceilings between dwellings. An airborne test measures levels of sound transmitted through the air. We use a loudspeaker that produces white noise on one side of the partition, and measure with a decibel meter on the other side how much sound is lost through the partition. Examples of airborne noise that you would expect to find in a dwelling are televisions, radios and people talking.
Impact Tests
These are only carried out on separating floor/ceiling divides between flats. An impact test measures the levels of noise transmitted directly through a separating construction as a result of impact. We use a tapping machine, which drops metal hammers onto the floor to create impact noise. We then measure the amount of sound that passes through the partition with a decibel meter on the other side of the divide.
Examples of impact noise that you would expect to find in a dwelling are footsteps or items being dropped onto the floor
Do I need a Sound Insulation Test?
Under Building Regulations Approved Document E you will require sound insulation testing if you are:
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Building a new development of 2 or more dwellings which have party walls and/or floors such as a semi-detached houses or a block of flats
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Rooms for residential use, i.e a hotel or hostel
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Converting a former single dwelling such as house or offices into flats
If unsure, contact us and we can guide you on what you require.
