The final piece of your project
​​
Common Questions
How to do a sound test ?
There are two main components to sound insulation testing; airborne (walls and floors) and impact (floors). The airborne test involves generating sound using a speaker at approximately 100dB LAeq. The impact test involves using a tapping machine placed on the floor to replicate footfall and test the structure for vibration.
How long does a sound test take?
A set of sound tests takes around 2 hours to complete, when site conditions allow for good access and low background noise and activity. A set of tests consists of 2 airborne floor tests, 2 impact floor tests and 2 airborne wall tests. Each airborne test requires 2 x 2 measurements either side of the partition floor or wall. Each impact test requires 4 x measurements on the receive side of the partition floor. Then each test requires a background noise measurement and reverberation time measurements in the receive room. Many material change of use and refurbishment projects access to the first, second or third floors requires a lot of running up and down stairs.
How does sound testing work?
The two main components of the sound insulation testing are designed scientifically to generate a single figure performance rating for the floor or wall. The testing includes airborne sound using a speaker and impact testing (vibration) with a tapping machine.
How to test soundproof?
Soundproof is a very generic term for the performance of a wall or floor construction that someone has decided is 'good' at resisting the passage of sound. Often, subjective opinion dominates such a decision. The sound insulation test has been designed to generate an objective performance rating for the floor and/or wall in a property. Converting subjective into objective is the main purpose of acoustics, the science of sound.
Please see the FAQ or contact us for more details
How Do I Pass a Sound Test?
​​
When clients get in contact with Jigsaw Acoustics, a very common question is: "How Do I Pass a Sound Test" or "Will this floor/wall construction pass a sound test?"
​
Although there is no 'one-size-fits-all' solution to this question, there are some guidelines you can follow to give you the best chance at passing your Building Regulation Part E sound insulation test.
Is the property New Build or Material Change of Use?
​
The first thing I try to establish is whether the property is a new build or refurbishment, and if you have drawings or plans of the project it helps locate possible issues with the floors and walls.
Wall and Floor construction types
​The second question is: What are the existing wall and floor constructions? This information is important as these elements can help control flanking noise.
Advice for Refurbishments & Material Change of Use (in good condition)
Building Regulations Part E (Approved Document E)
​Guidance in Part E advise that a lightweight timber floor/ceiling construction should include a floating floor and a suspended ceiling. This could include a rubber and foam backed tongue and groove floor and an independent ceiling below the existing one.
In masonry walls, it is advised to use a stud work (timber or metal frame) wall with additional plasterboard either side.
​
​
​
Click the links below to find out more about sound testing
What is Sound Insulation Testing ?
How many tests do I need ?
What does a set of tests consist of ?
What are the airborne and impact performance standards that I need to pass ?
How do I pass the tests ? Click the link or Contact us for advice on how to pass the tests
How much does it cost ? All the quotes are custom-made for your property, so contact us for a quote
Acoustic Services
Building Regulations Sound Insulation testing
Noise Control Methods
HMO Sound Testing
Material Change of Use Sound Test
Acoustic Analysis
Sound insulation
Sound Test on a House Split into two Flats
Acoustic Design
Commercial to Residential Sound Test
Barn conversion sound testing and acoustic advice
Areas in the UK we provide Acoustic Testing Services
Acoustic Testing Services in Clifton, St George, Bishopston, Redland, Bedminster, Yate, Bradley Stoke and all areas in Bristol
Acoustic Testing in North Wales. Sound Insulation Testing and Soundproofing Advice in Wrexham, Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Rhos and the surrounding areas.
Sound Testing and Soundproofing Advice in Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, St. Davids and the surrounding areas.
Sound Test in Bath, Weston-Super-Mare, Shepton Mallet, Taunton and the surrounding areas. Sound Insulation Testing and Soundproofing Advice in Somerset.
Building Regulation Sound Testing in Swindon, Salisbury, Trowbridge, Chippenham, Bradford-on-Avon and the surrounding areas.
Sound Insulation Testing and Soundproofing Advice in the Midlands in the Malvern Hills, Peterborough, Dudley, Rutland and the surrounding areas.
