Getting Ready :
Sound Insulation (Acoustic) Testing
What is a sound insulation test?
Sound Insulation testing is a process of measuring the sound levels between party walls and floors to ensure the required standards are delivered through correct workmanship and materials selection. This testing is required By Part E of the Building Regulations for all new builds and alterations to residential and commercial projects that have either party walls/floors and haven't been registered with Robust Detail.
To achieve this for airborne measurements we use loudspeakers to create a white noise and for impact measurements we use a tapping machine which drops metal hammers onto the floor. In both cases we using a UKAS calibrated decibel meter to measure the sound levels across the party wall or floor. These measurements are then analysed off site and reported against building regulations standards.
Preparing the project for a sound insulation test
Adhering to these guidelines will help ensure a successful acoustic test and compliance with building regulations. Proper planning and execution of sound insulation materials and careful workmanship around key areas of the building relating the to sound insulation strategies are essential for achieving building regulation performance standards.
Here is our step by step guide to getting the best results:-
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All doors and door furniture must be on and fitted.
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All windows must be in and sealed correctly, including any trickle vents.
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All skirting boards are to be fitted.
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All Walls and Floors must be completed (in all plots that are to be tested).
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The Staircase must be in place on each relevant floor prior to the site visit taking place (a ladder cannot be used for H & S reasons).
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Any flat that is to be tested MUST have the adjoining flat/property completed, the flats directly below / above as well (The test is designed to test the party floors and walls).
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Any House that is to be tested MUST have the adjoining house completed, (The test is designed to test the party walls).
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If the property and adjoining property/properties are being used / inhabited. To carry out the testing access to BOTH properties must be available, and vacant at the time of testing* *This includes any Animals / Fish / Reptiles.
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All the rooms that are earmarked for testing to be carried out, need to be empty of all furniture.
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Ideally, testing should be conducted before carpets are fitted. Otherwise if carpets have been fitted they will need to be removed or rolled back to reveal 50% of the floor area in the rooms being tested prior to the testing engineer attending site.
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The site must be quiet during testing, with no trades present, and work may need to be stopped in certain areas (this includes any outside ground works), as diggers and large plant can affect the results.
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240v main power needs to be at the sockets in each room. If not, can it be made available?
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Please ensure site drawings are available. The sound testing engineer may need to discuss with your site staff about the construction and any detailing?
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Please be aware that noise levels are used in excess of 110 decibels. Anyone near the testing area must wear suitable ear protection.
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Please ensure a parking space is located within 20m of the property. This is to ensure the large and heavy testing equipment isn't being transported by hand unnecessarily and is greatly appreciated by our testing engineers. If this is not possible, please advise us accordingly so we can discuss suitable parking arrangements.
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The Engineer will not be able to stay whilst any remedial work is carried out, even if only small changes / work, and so another visit will need to be made, and will be subject to a new charge.
Cancellation & Rescheduling Policy
If unfortunately there is a need to cancel, abort or reschedule the test/s, you can do this free of charge by giving at least 48 hours (2 working days) written notice to info@beatsolutions.co.uk before the test day. Otherwise the following charges will apply.
• Plot/s cancelled or rescheduled without 48 hours written notice will incur the following charges = 50% of the full fee.
• Plot/s cancelled, re-scheduled or aborted on the day of the agreed test will charged = 100% of the full fee
Should you need to cancel or reschedule a booking, we can only accept your instruction by way of one of the following:-
• Call our operations team Monday to Friday on 01489 565920 during office hours (8:30am to 5:00pm). A confirmation email of the cancellation call will be sent immediately and all calls are recorded.
• Email our operations team Monday to Friday on info@beatsolutions.co.uk during office hours (8:30am to 5:00pm) stating your request, name, site address and original test date.
If we have been booked into carry out any testing and sufficient notice has been provided, we reserve the right to charge for any works carried out in preparation to conducting the test. This shall include but not be limited to; providing consultation, calculating building envelope areas and volumes, preparing job sheets and general project and booking administration.