Call: 07583 764757 or 0114 2302181 Email: contact@soundtests.co.uk
The quick and easy sound testing solution
Sound Testing for any size project
Testing at a time to suit you
ANC Registered Sound Testers
Quick turnaround on testing results
Bespoke, personalised testing service
Help with Building Control Compliance
Sound Tests Ltd is a subsidiary of NoiseAssess Ltd
NoiseAssess Ltd is registered under the ANC scheme
Why Do I Need Sound Insulation Testing?
Sound insulation testing is required to ensure that a residential development meets a minimum standard of sound insulation performance between dwellings, and that it complies with Building Regulations Approved Document E 2003 (ADE). ADE applies to attached dwellings, flats and rooms for residential purposes.
There are two types of sound test;
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airborne tests which are carried out on separating walls and floors.
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impact tests which are carried out on separating floors.
Airborne tests are required to test a separating structure’s performance against airborne sound, i.e conversation, television speakers etc. Impact testing is to test a separating floor’s performance against any noise resulting from an impact on the floor, most commonly footsteps.
Testing is required for both new-build and converted properties, with converted properties having to meet slightly lower criteria.
(Click here for more details on the number of tests each development requires)
If you want to check whether your project needs testing, then feel free to call 07915512930 and our experienced sound testers will be happy to provide you with free, honest, no obligation advice to help you push your project forwards.
Alternatively, if you are sure that you need sound insulation testing already then please go ahead and Book Online or use the Quote Request Form to submit details of your development and we will quickly get back to with a quotation.
The Testing Procedure
For airborne sound insulation tests, steady and constant noise is generated using a loudspeaker on one side of the separating wall or floor being tested. The sound level is then measured in the room with the speaker (source room) and the room on the other side of the wall or floor (receiver room) using a noise meter capable of measuring different frequencies.
The difference/drop off in noise levels measured between the source and receiver rooms then forms the basis for calculating the sound insulation performance of the separating element being tested.
For impact tests a tapping machine, with a series of hammers that drop automatically, is placed on the separating floor being tested. A noise meter is then used to measure the noise level in the room below (receiver room) with the tapping machine on.
Calculations are then carried out based on the noise level measured in the receiver room.
For both types of test the results are compared against the Building Regulations Part E requirements for either a new build or conversion property to determine whether a test has passed or failed.
Our sound testers are always willing to go through practical details of how the testing will be carried out on the day of testing, either on site or over the phone at a time to suit you, so please do contact us if you require more information on how sound insulation testing works.
Number of Tests Required
ADE requires one set of tests for every ten dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes.
One full set of tests varies between development type and examples are provided below.
An example set of tests in flats with separating floors only.
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1 airborne floor test between a pair of living rooms
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1 airborne floor test between a pair of bedrooms
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1 impact floor test between a pair of living rooms
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1 impact floors test between a pair of bedrooms
*Please note that this is an example and room combinations will differ
An example set of tests in flats with separating walls and floors.
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1 airborne wall test between a pair of living rooms
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1 airborne wall test between a pair of bedrooms
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1 airborne floor test between a pair of living rooms
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1 airborne floor test between a pair of bedrooms
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1 impact floor test between a pair of living rooms
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1 impact floor test between a pair of bedrooms
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*Please note that this is an example and room combinations will differ
An example set of tests in dwelling houses with separating walls only.
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1 airborne wall test between a pair of living rooms
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1 airborne wall test between a pair of bedrooms
*Please note that this is an example and room combinations will differ
Is My Site Ready For Testing?
To ensure that your development has the highest possible chance of passing the sound insulation testing, work should be completed to a certain standard and made ready using the points below before testing can take place.
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Doors, door furniture, windows and ventilation covers should be fitted.
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Rooms to be tested and the access to rooms to be tested should be reasonably free of clutter such as tools and materials.
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Normally a 240 volt power supply is needed in all rooms to be tested (please let us know in advance if this is not possible so that we can discuss alternatives).
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Rooms to be tested must be vacated during the tests.
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Second fix work should be completed (e.g. electrical, plumbing).
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Rooms to be tested should be un-carpeted and un-furnished. Please contact us if this is not possible.
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For impact testing, the final floor finish (laminate, carpet etc) should not normally be installed prior to testing.
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We will need to move between test rooms on several occasions. Please be aware that this can generate dust which may affect fresh paintwork.
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We require quiet conditions during all of the tests. It is likely that we will have to request that all activities such as construction works, cleaning etc. be halted during the tests. Although this usually applies to works in the vicinity of the tests it may apply to works elsewhere on the site including work outside the building. Noise from other activities on the site can result in test failures.