ACOUSTIC TEST

We are listening

Approved Document E of the Building Regulations (England & Wales) stipulates Sound Insulation criteria for both new builds and building conversions. The regulations state that separating walls, floors and staircases (with a separating purpose), must meet both Airborne (speech, television sound, etc.) and Impact (foot step noise, etc from floors) Sound Insulation standards. These standards are in the form of single figure ratings for minimum level difference D_nT,w + C_tr and maximum impact noise L‘_nT,w.

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Compliance

The general method for complying with Part E Standards is through field measurements completed by a third party with UKAS accreditation for field testing of Airborne and Impact Sound Insulation.

Building Sciences is such a UKAS accredited company with extensive experience in the construction industry.

The minimum Part E requirement is for 10% of flats, dwellings or rooms from any one development to be tested. This number may increase if construction types vary significantly across the development, or if early final tests fail to prove compliance.

Airbourne Sound Insulation

Airbourne sound insulation is determined by the difference D in sound levels between a source and receiver room. This is corrected for reverberation D_nT, and weighted to give a single number value for the Sound Insulation D_nT,w+ C_tr.

Impact Sound Insulation

Impact sound insulation is determined by measuring the sound level L, in the receiver room. This is corrected for reverberation, L'_nT, and weighted to give a single number value for Sound Insulation L_'nT,w.

Accredited Acoustic Testing

We can provide UKAS accredited compliance testing of Sound Insulation in accordance with Approved Document E of the Building Regulations (England & Wales) and BS EN ISO 140-4:1998 and 140-7:1998. Final compliance testing will typically consist of two Airborne and two Impact sound tests to separating floors, with a further two Airborne sound tests to party walls.

Confidence Testing During Construction

We can also provide a confidence testing service at various stages during the construction phase to ensure that the finished construction will meet the specification. Testing typically involves two Airborne tests and one Impact test. Confidence testing is advisable as a failed final test can result in a Building Control Officer requesting a more demanding test regime to prove compliance.

Refurbishment Projects

For refurbishment projects Building Sciences can test the existing structure to determine the level of Sound Insulation prior to the commencement of works. This allows targeted upgrading works to be undertaken.