Build Comply
Sound Insulation Testing
Part E Sound Insulation Testing
Airborne Wall, Airborne Floor, Impact Noise Testing, Ambient Background Noise Measurement
Are you looking for Sound Insulation?
Building Compliance Testing Limited can provide you with a fast and cost effective SITMA Accredited Pre-Completion Sound Insulation Testing across Mainland UK, in accordance with BS EN ISO140 and BS EN ISO16283.
Also known as acoustic testing, or pre-completion testing, testing must be carried out on new build properties as well as converted properties to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document E. A property will either require an Airborne test or an Airborne and Impact test. Airborne tests are carried out on separating walls and floors between habitable rooms of flats and houses which consists of placing a loudspeaker in one room for a steady source of noise. Several measurements are taken around the speaker. Measurements are then taken on the other side of the wall or floor. Impact tests are carried out on the separating floors between habitable rooms of flats and consist of a tapping machine is placed on the floor and measurements are taken in the room beneath. The tapping machine is placed on in 4 random location within the source room. Please ensure carpet is removed for this part of the test and access available to both sides of the floor.
Typically each test takes between ten to twenty minutes to complete. This all depends of the size of the building, the test locations, the ability to create stable sound field and unfortunately the uncontrollable influence of environmental noise
Along with your Sound Testing we can provide a full suite of building acoustic services. Preliminary experimental testing coupled with a design review identify problem areas before the final pre-completion testing.
Learn more about Sound Insulation in the below sections, where we answer to most frequently asked questions.
If your project requires Sound Insulation Testing to meet a design criteria, Building Control request, New-Build or Change of Use, feel free to reach out to us at 01621 493594 or visiting our contact page. Building Compliance Testing commits to providing a quote within 24 hours. Upon acceptance we can dispatch a tester to your site within 48 hours for Sound Testing in London and Home Counties. Secure Expert Professional Sound Testing services today by booking with us.
Testing and SITMA Certificate for as little as £295+VAT
Have a project in mind? Let’s get to work.
What is Sound Insulation Testing?
Sound insulation testing is also known as acoustic testing, and is a measure of sound transfer between party walls and floors in buildings. The type that Building Compliance Testing provides is generally between walls and floors of domestic dwellings, although we also test between commercial units.
Two types of sound are measured – airborne and impact.
Why do I need a Sound Insulation Test?
Building Regulations Part E states that all new build or newly converted dwellings must pass a sound test in order to receive a building completion certificate.
The regulations were brought in to allow people living in adjoining properties a decent standard of living, so that only an acceptable level of noise can be heard from their neighbours
How is a test conducted?
Both airborne and impact measurements are recorded during a test. To create airborne sound we use a large speaker, and a microphone and decibel meter measures the amount of sound travelling through the party wall/floor. The sound is intended to mimic other airborne sounds, such as talking, the radio and the television.
Impact sound is created by a Tapping Machine. This is a small box with metal hammers which tap on the floor, creating a similar sound to footsteps, washing machines etc. This is again measured with a microphone and decibel meter on the other side of the floor.
At what stage do I need a Sound Insulation Test?
Ideally, a test should be carried out as early as possible, as problems are more difficult to fix the further along you are. Where possible, it’s recommended that testing is carried out before kitchens or bathrooms are installed.
The minimum that we would need to be able to carry out a test is:
- All doors, windows and seals should be fully fitted and closable
- All electrical fittings should be fitted and working
- 240V mains power must be available on-site in all rooms
- Gaps in walls and floors should be fully sealed
- All walls and ceilings should be plastered
- There should be no holes remaining in floors or ceilings
- Testers will require access to all rooms on all levels
Does every plot need testing?
No. Sound testing is always completed as sample testing, thus one set of tests is required for up to 10 dwellings i.e. 2-10 dwellings will need one set of tests, but 11 will need two sets of tests.
Additional testing is also required where more than one type of construction has been used on walls or floors.
Who decides which plots to test?
The testing body would typically select at random which plots to test. Sometimes building control or building inspector will request certain plots, but we will always get this confirmed before testing commences.
How do I make sure I pass?
Speak to us! We have consulted on hundreds of building projects in the past (see our testimonials), and can guarantee a pass as long as the work is carried out exactly as we specify in an on-site consultation.
If a sound insulation test fails, it can often cost hundreds or even thousands of pounds to rectify, so it really is worth speaking to us at the early stage of a build, to ensure peace of mind.