
FAQ
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Sound Insulation Testing
What is Sound Insulation Testing ?
The tests are conducted to assess whether the partition between two dwellings provides an acceptable level of resistance to the passage of sound. This is conducted through airborne tests of a wall and impact/airborne testing of a floor.
How many tests do I need ?
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Guidance in Approved Document E on pre-completion testing states there should be at least one set of tests carried out 'for every ten dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes in a group or sub-group.'
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If you have a small development, this may only require one set of tests. We can offer a tailored quote to suit your requirements, so please get in touch for more information.
What does a set of tests consist of ?
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In dwelling-houses this comprises of two separate airborne sound insulation tests. One test between habitable rooms on opposite sides of a separating wall. And a second test between another pair of rooms.
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In flats without any separating walls, this comprises of both airborne and impact sound insulation tests between the separating floor of a pair of rooms. And another two tests (airborne and impact) between the floor of another pair of rooms.
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In flats with both separating walls and floors, the tests are a combination of the above. Two airborne wall tests, two airborne floor tests and two impact floor tests.
What are the performance standards that I need to pass ?
The values vary for each property tested, please see here for more information on this.
An example could be if a ground floor shop with offices above are converted into flats under a material change of use. The relevant performance standards in this case are: Airborne Walls 43dB DnTw + Ctr; Airborne Floor 43dB DnTw + Ctr and Impact Floor 64dB DnTw + Ctr.
Why choose us ?
Price-matching service and personalised quote to suit your requirements
Professional attitude
Fast Turnaround on reports
Certified Tester of the UKAS Accredited SITMA Certification Scheme (learn more about this here)
PI and PL insurance
Associate Member of the Institute of Acoustics
Please get in touch if you have any further queries or need to discuss any particular requirements.
Approved Document E Performance Standards
The full document is available here