ACOUSTIC/SOUND TESTING SERVICES

Our specialist engineers provide expert advice on site. Providing a professional service throughout the UK.

What Is Sound Testing?

Sound testing (also known as acoustic testing) involves the testing of separating walls and floors to comply with Part E of the Building Regulations. Unlike Air Tightness testing which tests all new build houses, sound testing only covers new builds with these separating elements e.g. Semi-detached houses and flats.

The test checks for both airborne and impact travel through new or existing buildings. This may affect party walls and floors between new and existing buildings, or between spaces within a new development entirely.

Testing regime

The sound testing procedure involves testing both partition walls and floors. For partition walls, there is one type of test, airborne. For floors there are two types, airborne and impact tests.

Airborne tests – the test is carried out using a specialist loudspeaker for a steady source of noise on one side of the partition (wall or floor) to be measured. From this, readings are taken from the other side of the partition to measure the resistance to this noise the partition has provided

Impact tests – A tapping machine is placed on the floor, the readings are then recorded from the room below. Therefore, taking into account the influence of vibration.

Who requires sound testing

You will require a sound test if you fit one of the below:

• Building a block or blocks of flats
• Building terraced or semi-detached houses
• Converting a former single dwelling into flats
• Building a hotel, hostel or house of multiple occupancy

One exception to this rule if you have designs that adhere to Robust Construction Details

Number of tests needed

The minimum test programme is for one set of tests for every 10 dwellings, unless Building Control have other specific requirements.

A full set consists of 2 floor tests (2 x airborne and 2 x impact) and 2 wall tests (airborne).

It is recommended you discuss the test programme and the set of tests to be undertaken with your building control body as requirements can vary.

Expert advice

Airtight testing Staffordshire are here to help you move quickly and easily through the process. Our experienced test engineers can offer expert advice to achieve compliance.

We can also offer a wide range of services to pass building regulations easier than ever before!