Sound Insulation Testing & Building Regs Part E Acoustic Testing 

Pre-completion testing normally takes place once all the finished building elements are in place. Sound testing involves simulating specific types of noise in the source room and measuring the transmission of sound to adjoining rooms and different areas of a building. The passage of sound is interrupted by airborne sound insulation including the building construction, acoustic seals, acoustic barriers and acoustic insulation should have been properly designed and put in place during the building work to reduce transfer of normal background noise and impact sound.

Specialist equipment is set up by our accredited experts following a prescribed approach to conduct the sound insulation tests and ensure accurate results. It’s important that the tests are booked in good time, aligned with the build and completion schedule, but also to avoid potential noise pollution from work in other areas of the residential building that may produce unwanted sound travel from construction works that would not normally affect residents once complete.

Airborne tests use transmission of specific sound levels and frequencies, including white noise produced in the transmission room and measured in the receiving room. Depending on the building it may also be a requirement to conduct acoustic tests of impact sound insulation – using a tapping machine to simulate common noise types and measure the acoustic impact in the receiver room.

If the sound tests demonstrate that too much sound is transmitted, our experts can frequently offer guidance on potential causes for further investigation and potential solutions like floor construction, addressing routes of airborne noise or acoustic plasterboard as remedial measures.

All properties will require Airborne tests, while some will also require Impact tests. Airborne tests are conducted on the partition walls that separate habitable rooms within apartments and houses, in addition to the separating floors between different units. Impact tests are exclusively performed on the separating floors between residences.

If you require sound insulation testing or related services like acoustic consultant guidance, you have arrived at the right destination. If you are uncertain about the specific services you need, we encourage you to reach out for friendly expert guidance. Build Envelope are fully accredited for building testing and certification across a range of services and committed to providing each of our clients with personalised service and exceptional expertise.