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Accredited Sound Testing for the Building Regulations Part E in Watford.

We provide Sound Insulation Testing throughout Watford.... Get Your Local Engineer Booked Now!

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Why Choose Sound Testing UK?

Accredited Sound Testing

Same Day Reporting on Request
Nationwide Coverage
Friendly & Efficient

Free Advice in the event of failed tests

95% Pass Rate

Our accredited engineer offer Sound Testing for New Builds and Conversion across the Watford. We have conducted 1000's of tests and have 1000's of happy customers with PASS certificates. 

We aim to offer a streamlined service that cuts out the stress of getting building control sign off, we will always offer you the best price and the earliest time slot. You can rest assured that we can help you get the Pass you need.... Give us a call to discuss your project today!'

SOUND TESTING COSTS

Houses

From £325.00

+ VAT

Up to 10 Houses and 2 Airborne Wall Test

Flats (up to 10)

From £395.00

+ VAT

Up to 10 Flats with party floors only and 2 Airborne Floor and 2 Impact Floor

Flats (10+)

From £465.00

+ VAT

Up to 10 Flats with party walls and floors and 2 Airborne Wall, 2 Airborne Floor and 2 Impact Floor

CALL US FOR THE BEST RATES AND AVAILABILITY

Larger Projects

If your project includes more than 10 dwellings, is a mixture of residential and commercial or is more complex, please send your plans over and we’ll provide a free quotation for you! We can provide huge savings on larger developments!

License To Alter Sound Testing

Are you changing your floor covering from carpet to hardwood? We can assist with pre-works sound testing, acoustic design for an appropriate acoustic flooring system and post – works sound testing. Give our team a call to disucss!

FAQs

Sound insulation testing is a crucial aspect of ensuring residential developments meet an acceptable level of resistance to sound. In line with Building Regulations Part E, two distinct types of sound testing are mandatory: airborne noise and impact noise. Airborne noise refers to sound transmitted through the air, such as conversations or televisions, while impact noise arises from vibrations, predominantly footsteps, transmitted through the floor structure. By conducting both airborne and impact noise testing, developers can confidently assess the effectiveness of sound insulation measures in residential structures.

In accordance with Building Regulations Part E for England and Wales, sound insulation testing is mandatory for various walls and floors separating adjoining dwellings. The specific number of walls requiring testing depends on the overall size of the development and the diversity of wall or floor constructions employed. For a typical small to medium-sized development comprising up to 10 dwellings with identical partition construction, a single 6-pack testing package is typically required. This package encompasses two airborne wall tests, two airborne floor tests, and two impact floor tests. In cases involving pairs of semi-detached houses, only two sound tests through the walls may be necessary. Generally, the rooms to be sound tested are the two main habitable spaces, typically living rooms and bedrooms. We usually provide a comprehensive schedule of required tests at your site to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

Airborne sound testing aims to assess the ability of walls and floors to block sound waves transmitted through the air, such as conversations, televisions, or music. This testing utilizes a calibrated sound source placed in one room while a microphone is positioned in the adjoining room. The sound level recorded in the adjoining room provides an indication of the effectiveness of the wall or floor in attenuating airborne noise.

Impact sound testing evaluates the ability of walls and floors to resist vibrations caused by footsteps or other impact noises from adjoining dwellings. This testing involves striking a standard impact source on the floor of one room while a microphone is placed on the ceiling of the adjoining room. The sound level recorded on the ceiling indicates the level of impact noise transmitted through the floor structure.

Certainly, here’s a revised version of the text:

To meet the requirements of Building Regulations Approved Document E, the following sound insulation performance standards must be achieved:

For New Builds Only

  • Airborne Noise Reduction for Separating Floors: 45dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or greater

  • Impact Noise Reduction for Separating Floors: 62dB Ln T,w or less

  • Airborne Noise Reduction for Separating Walls: 45dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or more

For Conversions Only

  • Airborne Noise Reduction for Separating Floors: 43dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or greater

  • Impact Noise Reduction for Separating Floors: 64dB Ln T,w or less

  • Airborne Noise Reduction for Separating Walls: 43dB Dn T,w + (Ctr) or more

Ideally, sound insulation testing should be conducted as early in the construction process as possible to allow for easier rectification of any issues that may arise. Early detection of sound leakage points can prevent costly repairs and potential disputes down the line. It’s recommended that testing be completed before kitchens and bathrooms are installed, as these areas can introduce additional soundproofing challenges.

Preparatory Requirements for Sound Insulation Testing

To ensure the accuracy and effectiveness of sound insulation testing, certain conditions must be met. These include:

Fully Fitted Doors, Windows, and Seals: All doors and windows should be fully installed and equipped with functioning seals to prevent airborne sound transmission.

Installed and Working Electrical Fittings: All electrical fixtures, such as light switches and power outlets, must be fully installed and functioning. Ensure that 240V mains power is available in all rooms to power the testing equipment.

Fully Sealed Gaps: Gaps and cracks in walls and floors should be completely sealed to minimize the passage of sound waves.

Plastered Walls and Ceilings: All walls and ceilings should be fully plastered to provide a smooth surface for the sound source and microphone placement.

No Open Holes: There should be no open holes or unfinished areas in floors or ceilings that could compromise the sound insulation performance.

Accessibility for Testers

The testing team requires access to all rooms on all levels of the building to conduct comprehensive acoustic measurements. Ensure that all areas are clear and unobstructed to allow for seamless testing procedures.

Sound Insulation Testing Requirements under Building Regulations Approved Document E

Sound insulation testing is mandated under Building Regulations Approved Document E for specific types of building projects. The requirements for sound insulation testing depend on the nature of the project and the type of dwellings involved.

Projects Requiring Sound Insulation Testing:

  • Block or Blocks of Flats: Sound insulation testing is required for all new-build or converted block of flats, ensuring adequate soundproofing between adjoining flats.

  • Hotels, Hostels, or Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs): These types of buildings typically accommodate multiple families or individuals living in close proximity, making sound insulation crucial. Sound insulation testing is mandatory for new-build or converted hotels, hostels, or HMOs.

  • Terraced or Semi-Detached Houses: When constructing new terraced or semi-detached houses, sound insulation testing is required to ensure adequate soundproofing between adjoining dwellings.

  • Buildings Converted to Multiple Dwellings: If a building is converted to create more dwellings than previously existed, such as converting a house or office into residential units, sound insulation testing is mandatory to meet the requirements for new-build dwellings.

Projects Not Requiring Sound Insulation Testing:

  • Detached Dwellings: For detached houses, where each dwelling is a separate structure, sound insulation testing is not required as there are no adjoining dwellings to consider.

  • Refurbishment Projects: Sound insulation testing is not mandatory for refurbishment projects, which typically involve upgrading existing structures without significantly altering the layout or construction.

Consult Expert Guidance: If you have any doubts regarding the sound insulation testing requirements for your project, it’s advisable to consult a qualified acoustician or testing company. They can assess your specific circumstances and provide expert advice to ensure compliance with Building Regulations.

Eliminate Potential Costs with Early Consultation

Sound insulation test failures can sometimes lead to costly rectification measures, ranging from hundreds to even thousands of pounds. To avoid these unforeseen expenses and ensure peace of mind, engaging our expertise at the early stages of the construction process is highly recommended.

Your Path to Soundproofing Success

By collaborating with us early on, you gain access to our comprehensive knowledge and experience, ensuring that your building project meets the stringent sound insulation standards of Building Regulations Approved Document E. Our proactive approach helps you avoid potential pitfalls and secure the successful completion of your construction project.

Contact Us Today for Soundproofing Assurance

Embark on your building journey with the assurance of compliant sound insulation. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and experience the benefits of our expert guidance and guaranteed pass.

When considering installing a hard or wooden floor finish in a leased residential dwelling, it’s crucial to exercise caution and adhere to lease restrictions. Leases often contain clauses governing floor finish changes, particularly to wooden or hard floors in shared properties like flats. These clauses may mandate that the sound insulation of the new floor matches or surpasses the current floor’s level. In some cases, testing is required both before and after the installation process, emphasizing the importance of compliance prior to commencing work.

Wooden and hard floor finishes inherently generate higher impact sound or noise below, particularly in comparison with soft finishes like carpet. Impact sound refers to the noise generated when an object impacts a structure, such as footsteps in a residential setting. To safeguard all residents from this unwanted impact noise, landlords frequently incorporate floor finish clauses in their leases.

Here’s a brief overview of how we can assist you, but please note that not all steps may be necessary; it depends on the specific lease provisions.

Lease Interpretation

We can assist you in interpreting the lease clause. Sometimes, these clauses can be challenging to decipher and vary from lease to lease. They can sometimes be technically perplexing or difficult to achieve, and clarity from an acoustic expert can be invaluable.

Baseline Impact Sound Test

We will conduct a baseline impact sound insulation test. This test, including your current floor finish, establishes the baseline condition for any future finish changes. We accomplish this by placing a tapping machine in the room where the floor finishes will be replaced and then measuring the impact sound level in the adjacent room below, which would be in your neighbor’s property. We would require their consent before proceeding with this test. Please be aware that there should be no one in either flat during the testing process (typical duration 2.5 hours).

Acoustic Design Review

We will analyze the results of the baseline impact sound test and review the specifications of your desired floor. Based on this analysis, we can determine the type of impact sound insulation required to meet the requirements outlined in your lease. Additionally, we will provide installation guidance to ensure optimal performance.

We can also visit your property on installation day to ensure that your floor is being installed as per the design review. A poorly installed floor could result in a lower impact sound insulation level, potentially preventing you from meeting the necessary lease requirements.

We strongly recommend that the acoustic design review stage be carried out. This ensures that the correct products are purchased and installed to achieve the desired performance level.

Completion Impact Sound Test

Finally, if required by the lease, we can conduct a final impact sound test after the new flooring has been installed to demonstrate that you have met the lease requirements. This report can then be provided to your managing agent.

How it Works

COMPLETE OUR ENQUIRY FORM

We will give you a call to discuss the testing requirements and email you a quote explaining everything you need to know. 

GIVE US THE THUMBS UP

Give us the go ahead and email us confirming the site is ready for testing. We’ll then arrange a date for your testing and get to work.

Receive your report

Once your sound testing is complete we will prepare your report quickly and send it over to you when payment is made. 

We are Hertfordshire's Leading provider of Sound Testing for Building Regulations Part E.

We provide a fast, efficient and accredited testing service across Watford, just give us a call or fill out the contact form and we will get a free quote over to you ASAP!

Book Your Pre - Completion Sound Testing Today: