Sound insulation testing
What is sound insulation testing?
Sound Insulation testing is known by many names. These include sound testing, noise testing, acoustic testing and sound proof testing which can be confusing, although these all mean the same thing. If you want to discuss your requirements further, then feel free to CALL US now.
Sound Insulation testing is carried out in the habitable rooms between adjoining dwellings i.e bedroom to bedroom, living room to living room to show compliance to ‘’Approved Document E of Building Regulations for England and Wales – Resistance to the Passage of Sound’’. This applies to attached dwellings, flats or rooms for residential use. These can be new or refurbished dwellings.
Our friendly team of accredited sound testers work nationwide to provide you reports for submission to your building control officer.
Sound Insulation testing from Eecobuild Ltd
Our engineers test new builds as well as conversions. The individuals benefiting from our services are from first time developers to large construction firms. The tests we carry out helps them comply to Part E of Building Regulations.
- Full SITMA Accreditation
- Accredited engineers
- Competitive prices
- Next day certificate services, in some occasions we can deliver the certificates same day.
Sound test
The sound testing procedure is quite simple and can be explained to you by our engineer on site.
Three different tests are carried out on the partitions and the floors.
For the partitions an airborne test is carried out, as for the floor, an airborne and an impact test.
Airborne test
The airborne test 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 test
For impact testing a tapping machine is placed on the floor and measurements are taken in the room beneath. The tapping machine is placed on all 4 corners of the room on bare floor. Please ensure carpet is removed for this part of the test and access available to both sides of the floor.
Based on the measurements of the airborne and impact test the calculations are compared to the Building Regulations Part E requirement.
Download Building Regulation Part E here:
Sound insulation testing FAQ's
Below you will find a collection of the most commonly asked questions regarding sound insulation testing
This can be confirmed with your building control body and can depend on the project.
For most multiple dwellings such as high-rise buildings with a consistent build quality, only one set of sound test will be required per 10 dwelling. A set of sound test consists of two airborne wall tests, two airborne floor tests and two impact tests.
This applies where the same construction in the walls and floors are used throughout the building. If different construction is used, then more sound tests will be required.
Flanking sound is where the airborne or impact sound transmits between spaces indirectly. The sound can pass under, over or around a floor or wall partition, rather than directly through that separation element. During the design stage it is vital to add necessary measures to prevent this from occurring once it is constructed. It is also very important for the builder to install elements and products correctly.
Some popular solutions in minimising flanking sound transmission include the use of isolation strips around partition perimeters, as well as the use of acoustic sealants.
Good workmanship and careful design are also extremely important in order to avoid sound test failures. Failure of sound insulation test between dwellings can fall into the following three categories.
- Poor workmanship during the installation stage
- Incorrect acoustic design i.e. material specification or detailing.
- Incorrect supply of acoustic material or change of design on site.
The state of the building can have a considerable effect on the results of the tests, therefore, it is vital to ensure that testing areas are properly prepared. Please see our checklist before booking your test.
The following points highlighted are essential in achieving a reliable sound test result.
Ensure 240v mains electrical outlet is available in all rooms to be tested.
Access to site is safe.
Access is available to all the rooms throughout the building. If the adjacent dwelling is under different ownership it is your responsibility to ensure access is available for the testing.
All rooms where testing is to occur is vacated of all trades during the sound test.
All site staff are made aware of the sound test and the requirement to keep background noise to a minimum.
Any noisy building work in the vicinity of the sound testing will need to be stopped. This can be ground works, cleaning, paining, radios or beeping smoke alarms.
Ventilation extractor systems are to be turned off during the sound test.
For the impact test carpets are removed.
The rooms in both sides of the separating element is ≥ 25 m3.
Testing is to be carried between habitable rooms and their windows and doors fitted correctly and are closable. The trickle vents are also to be fitted and closed.
Floors and ceiling surfaces are to be completed and free of furniture and debris.For the impact test ensure the floor finish is not fitted.
This includes carpets, vinyl, ceramic tilling or timber laminates. If this is not possible confirm with your building control or at least half the floor area should be exposed.
Book your test today with one of our trained experts
Do you have a question? Why not visit our FAQ's
Our FAQ’s section offers the answers to a lot of the commonly asked questions.
