Sound Insulation Tests (Building Control)

Sound Planning conducts sound insulation tests (impact and airborne) in accordance with Approved Document E of The Building Regulations Act 2000. We also perform Airborne and Impact noise tests in accordance with ISO 140 and provide acoustic calculations and reports in conjunction with ISO 717.

Separating floor noise tests for mixed commercial (ground floor part) and residential (above area) properties, we can also provide advice on appropriate construction specifications if required.

Importance of Sound Insulation

Noise can be very unsettling and disturbing; most buildings in the UK are in need of sound insulation as a mandatory requirement because:

It can bring peace and comfort
It helps stop voice leaks
It prevents further noise inspections
It increases privacy
It stops airborne sounds
It helps to avoid flanking transmissions
It helps to prevent impact sounds
It promotes human health and safety in commercial and residential areas (in accordance with WHO 2000 guidelines)

Approved Document E of the Building Regulations Act 2000

The requirements of Part E of Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations Act 2000, which was introduced by SI 2002/2871, stipulate that buildings should include:

Protection from noise coming from other building parts or connecting buildings. Dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes should be designed and constructed in such a way that they provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the same building and adjoining buildings
Protection from noise within a residential place. It should be planned and built in a way that the internal walls, other rooms and the internal floors should be able to resist sounds. Not applicable to:
- An internal wall that has a door
- An internal wall that separates an en suite toilet from the associated bedroom
- Existing walls and floors that are subject to a material change of use
Protection against noise in the common internal parts of the building. The common internal parts of buildings which contain flats or rooms for residential purposes should be designed and constructed in such a way as to prevent more reverberation around the common parts than is reasonable
Protection against noise in school areas. This is only applicable to corridors, stairwells, hallways and entrance halls. Each room or any other space in a school building should be designed and constructed in such a way that it has the acoustic conditions and the proper insulation against disturbance by noise inappropriate to its intended use. (Source: Planning Portal)

For acoustic consultancy services such as sound insulation tests, please call 01252 711972. You can also email us at enquiries@soundplanning.co.uk with your enquiries.