The minimum requirements for sound insulation are set out clearly in Approved Document E of the Building Regulations and must be met.
We provide independent and accredited sound insulation testing under the Association of Noise Consultants scheme, and can demonstrate that a separating party floor or wall construction meets minimum standards.
When to begin sound insulation testing
Before sound insulation testing can be carried out, the building should be essentially complete, with doors and windows in place. This will ensure that the sound insulation testing is only measuring the construction under test.
When sound insulation testing is unnecessary
Under the Building Regulations, sound insulation testing is not required if a Robust Standard Detail (RSD) has been used. RSDs are high performance constructions that are capable of providing consistently good sound insulation, and so should not need a sound insulation test.
How is sound insulation testing done?
The first part of sound insulation testing measures a construction’s resistance to the passage of impact sound. This is achieved by placing a tapping machine on the floor of the specimen under test and measuring the level in the receive room underneath.
The second part of sound insulation testing measures the construction’s resistance to the passage of airborne sound. This is achieved by placing a known steady source of noise on one side of the wall or floor, and measuring the amount transmitted to the neighbouring room.