Sound Insulation Testing

Sound insulation testing is required for new builds or converted dwellings, flats or rooms for residential use to comply with Building Regulations Approved Document E. Our team of experienced sound test engineers are dedicated to giving our customers the best quality of service and offer acoustic design advice where possible, to help our clients achieve the required acoustic results to pass the sound testing and attain building completion. We undertake sound testing on all types of residential and commercial buildings and our reports fully comply with the Part E of the Building Regulations for England and Wales. Our acoustics testers are registered with the Sound Insulation Testing & Measurement Association (SITMA) for sound testing, which is recognised by the government as an approved Registered Testers Scheme.

What is involved in Part E sound testing?

Part E of the Building Regulations requires that walls and floors be sound tested between adjoining dwellings to ensure that they meet Part E regulations for acceptable amounts of noise. The exact number of walls requiring testing for Part E will vary depending on the overall size of the development. However, a typical small to medium development (of under 10 dwellings with similar construction) should require testing that includes the following:

• 2 airborne wall tests
• 2 airborne floor tests
• 2 impact floor tests

When should my development be tested?

We strongly advise that you get in touch with us at the earliest possible stage for your development to have the best possible chance of passing its sound test. However, there are certain minimum requirements in the progress of the development that will impact our ability to perform sound insulation testing and the likelihood of a development passing. Some general requirements for improving the chances of passing sound testing include:

• Windows & external doors must be installed, glazed and closed
• Ventilation systems should be installed and closed
• Internal doors should be hung
• Walls, floors and ceilings must be completed
• Skirting boards, electrical sockets and light switches should be fitted
• To test Impact sound transmission, there must be no cosmetic flooring fitted
• Rooms in which testing is to be carried out should be empty and tidy
• No trades should be working in the dwelling during the acoustic test
• Access to the properties on both sides of the separating partition is required
• There must be no noisy operations around the test properties during acoustic testing
• 240v (50Hz) mains power is required within the dwellings