Sound Insulation Tests

Need for Tests

It is a requirement of Part E of The Building Regulations 2003 that all converted and new build residential developments with party walls or floors dividing properties should be subject to sound insulation tests. Usually Building Control will want to see test certificates and a report confirming a pass result before the properties can be handed over.

How many

The usual requirement is that one wall test and one floor test is performed for every ten houses or apartments on site and that at least one test is carried out on each type of wall and floor construction. Only walls and floors which separate properties are tested, so for a development which consists purely of houses, only walls would be tested. For Eco-Homes developments the usual requirement is that three sets of tests are conducted per ten houses or flats. For Code for Sustainable Housing developments. the requirement is usually the same one-in-ten regime as for normal Building Regulations compliance.

As an example, if you have six flats spread over three floors and the construction types are the same then one wall test and one floor test should suffice for non eco- homes developments.

Test Procedure

The tests are performed using the latest Bruel and Kjaer Building Acoustics Kit consisting of type 2260D ‘Investigator’ precision sound level meter, type 4296 OmniPower Sound Source and type 3207 Tapping Machine.

The properties to be tested need to be structurally complete including windows & trickle vents, interior doors and working 240v mains electricity. For a copy of our site checklist which may be of assistance in determining when properites are ready for testing, download here our Site Readiness Questionnaire (pdf file).

We attempt to keep site disruption to a minimum but it is likely that any noisy activity (hammering, sawing, JCBs etc) will need to be stopped for the duration of the tests. Depending on the number of tests needed, between 1 and 4 hours are needed on site. Also, the tests involve the generation of very high levels of noise (up to 120dBA) so the flats and houses used for the tests need to be empty of other people.

Results

Provisional results are available verbally on site immediately after the tests are completed and formal paperwork follows by post usually within 1-2 weeks of the site visit. The results will be presented in a written report with the accompanying certificates issued by the Association of Noise Consultants.

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