FAQ

Why is sound insulation testing in England mandatory?

Sound insulation testing is required to comply with Part E of the Building Regulations (England and Wales), which focuses on the resistance to the passage of sound. This regulation sets standards for sound insulation between and within dwellings and other buildings, such as schools and hospitals. This includes also hotels, hostels and student accommodation.

Do you have any certification for sound insulation tests?

Yes, indeed! We are proud members of the SITMA certification scheme, and all our equipment holds valid UKAS calibration. Our engineers are active members of the Institute of Acoustics and hold valid White Professionally Qualified CSCS Cards, enabling them to work safely and independently on any site in the UK. The company is insured for public liability and professional indemnity up to £1,000,000.

What are criteria for sound insulation?

For new build developments:

Airborne sound insulation, the requirement for walls is a minimum of 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr (weighted standardised level difference with spectrum adaptation term) and the requirement for floors is a minimum of 45 dB DnT,w (weighted standardised level difference). For Impact Sound Insulation of floors the maximum permitted impact sound level is 62 dB L’nT,w (weighted standardised impact sound pressure level).

For converted buildings:

Airborne sound insulation, the requirement for walls is a minimum of 43 dB DnT,w + Ctr (weighted standardised level difference with spectrum adaptation term) and the requirement for floors is a minimum of 43 dB DnT,w (weighted standardised level difference). For Impact Sound Insulation of floors the maximum permitted impact sound level is 64 dB L’nT,w (weighted standardised impact sound pressure level).

What happen if the building fails?

If the building fails to meet the required standards, remedial work must be undertaken, and the building must be re-tested until it passes.

What are the site requirement for sound insulation test?

The building should be in a state close to its final condition, which includes:

1. All windows and external doors installed and fully operational.

2. Internal doors fitted and closed during testing.

3. Any ductwork or ventilation systems should be sealed or set to their normal operating conditions.

4. All walls, floors, and ceilings completed with final finishes in place (e.g., plasterboard, skirting boards).

5. Permanent ventilation systems or trickle vents installed and closed during the test.

6. Permanent flooring or floor coverings must be completed.

7. There are no locked doors or obstructions that could hinder access.

8. Furniture and other objects do not obstruct the placement of testing equipment.

9. A reliable power supply is necessary for the operation of the testing equipment.

How many walls or floors needs to be tested?

The number of walls requiring testing depends on the overall size of the development and the variety of wall or floor constructions used. For a typical small to medium-sized development with up to 10 dwellings featuring identical partition construction, a single 6-pack testing set is generally required. This set includes two airborne wall tests, two airborne floor tests, and two impact floor tests. For pairs of semi-detached houses, only two sound tests through the walls may be necessary. Typically, the main habitable spaces to be tested are living rooms and bedrooms.