Sound Insulation Testing
Fast, Experienced & Fully Compliant with Approved Document E
At Falcon Energy, we help building developers and homeowners meet all sound insulation testing requirements, also known as acoustic testing. Our tests are fully compliant with Building Control Regulations – Approved Document E, covering resistance to the passage of sound for new builds, refurbishments, conversions and flats. We work across Sussex, Surrey and Kent.
Book your sound insulation test today for fast certification and expert guidance to give your build the best chance of passing first time.
20+ years experience
Fast turnaround with certification within 2 days
Free, no obligation quotes
Serving the South of England
Our Process for Sound Insulation Tests
Our sound testing service is comprehensive and covers all aspects of the testing process. We use precise measurement equipment and experienced professionals to help produce accurate, reliable results. Once the testing is complete, we provide a certification that verifies compliance with the relevant UK building regulations for sound insulation.
We’re proud of our commitment to quality, and as specialists in sound insulation testing, we help ensure that you pass the test with flying colours first time. Whether you’re a homeowner or an experienced developer, we offer efficient, friendly and transparent guidance from start to finish. Contact us today to learn more about our sound insulation testing service and how we can help.
You can call our team directly on 01403 253439 or email us at info@falconenergy.co.uk.
Why is Sound Insulation Testing Required?
If you’re planning a new residential or commercial build, you need to demonstrate compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations. That means carrying out sound insulation testing to make sure your development meets the required standards for noise reduction.
Getting expert advice early is the key to a smooth process. Involving us at the planning stage means we can assess your plans and confirm what testing your project needs before construction is underway, helping you avoid costly remedial work, re-testing, and delays further down the line. Once your build reaches the right stage, we’ll carry out the airborne and impact tests needed.
What Does Part E of the Building Regulations Involve?
Part E covers “resistance to the passage of sound” and sets minimum performance standards for separating walls and floors between dwellings. It applies to new build developments, conversions into flats, and some commercial premises such as hotels and schools. You might also see this referred to as a Part E sound test or Part E acoustic test; they all describe the same requirement. Our team assesses which of these apply to your project and confirms the number of tests you’ll need before work starts.
What Is a Sound Insulation Test?
To comply with Part E regulations and ensure your sound test is comprehensive, we undertake two types of sound insulation tests: Airborne Tests and Impact Tests.
Both types of sound tests are mandatory for new or refurbished buildings to ensure that buildings meet the required standards for acoustic privacy and comfort. Compliance with these regulations is enforced by local authorities, and failure to comply can result in penalties and legal action.
To better understand the difference between these two types of tests and how they affect building performance, read our detailed guide on Airborne versus Impact Sound. It explains how each type of sound travels, the common causes of noise transmission, and the most effective ways to reduce unwanted sound between rooms or floors.
Airborne Sound Tests
Airborne sound insulation testing is a crucial aspect of building design and construction, particularly in residential and commercial buildings where acoustic privacy is essential. The tests aim to measure the amount of sound transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings between dwellings. This type of testing is often carried out during the construction phase, before residents move into the building.
During airborne sound testing:
- A speaker is placed on one side of the wall and white noise is produced at a constant volume.
- The amount of noise transmitted through the wall is then measured on the other side, using a sound level meter.
- The results are expressed in decibels (dB). For airborne insulation, higher dB values indicate better sound insulation.
- The tests typically cover a range of frequencies, from low bass to high treble, to ensure that the insulation is effective across the full spectrum of sound.
To pass the airborne sound test, the building must achieve at least the minimum level of sound insulation set out in Approved Document E. For separating walls and floors, this is DnT,w + Ctr of at least 45 dB in new-build dwellings, or 43 dB where dwellings are formed by a material change of use (such as conversions).
If the building fails the test, remedial action may be required, such as installing additional insulation or using alternative building materials. Once the necessary improvements have been made, the test can be repeated to ensure that the building meets the required standards.
Impact Sound Tests
Impact sound insulation testing is another crucial aspect of building design and construction, particularly in multi-storey buildings where sound insulation between floors is essential. The tests aim to measure the amount of sound transmission through floors and ceilings caused by impact, such as footsteps, dropped objects and furniture movement. This type of testing is also often carried out during the construction phase, before residents move into the building.
During impact sound testing:
- A standardised tapping machine is used to simulate the sound of footsteps, which is then measured on the floor below using a sound level meter.
- The tests typically cover a range of frequencies, from low to high, to ensure that the insulation is effective across the full spectrum of sound.
- The results are expressed in decibels (dB). For impact sound, lower dB values indicate better sound insulation.
To pass the impact sound test, the building must not exceed the maximum impact sound level set out in Approved Document E. For separating floors, this is L’nT,w of no more than 62 dB in new-build dwellings, or 64 dB where dwellings are formed by a material change of use (such as conversions).
If the building does not meet these criteria during the initial test, corrective measures may need to be taken. After implementing these adjustments, the test should be conducted again to verify the building now meets sound insulation requirements.
Why work with Falcon Energy for Sound Insulation Testing
With 20 years’ experience on projects of all sizes, our highly skilled engineers know what your property needs and how many sound insulation tests it will take to demonstrate compliance. We work efficiently and with minimal disruption to your build schedule, keeping costs and deadlines firmly in mind. We work across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, so wherever you’re based in the region, we can help.
Give our team a call on 01403 253439 or email info@falconenergy.co.uk and we’ll be happy to offer advice for your project or a free, no obligation quote.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Costs vary depending on the size of your development, the number of dwellings, and how many tests are required under Part E. Get in touch with your property details and we’ll provide a free, no obligation quote tailored to your project.
Yes, “acoustic testing” and “sound insulation testing” describe the same Part E requirement, covering both airborne and impact sound tests. You may also see it referred to as a Part E sound test.
A site is ready for testing just before the completion of the build when doors, windows, trickle vents and power are fitted on site. This allows the readings to be more accurate and provides us with the quiet environment necessary for the tests to be undertaken, as any additional noise from building work would most likely affect the results.
But make sure you enlist the help of an expert sound insulation company at the planning stage of your development, as this ensures that the builds are compliant from the very beginning.
We recognise that many clients wish for tests to be conducted promptly. When you contact us, we will arrange for the test to be scheduled at the earliest available time. Typically, we are able to release certification within two days of testing.
Should the test fail, our expert team is able to offer free advice on how to improve sound insulation and discounted retest fees.
Part E of the Building Regulations in the UK requires all new residential buildings involving party walls and/or floors to undergo sound insulation testing. This is to ensure that the building meets the minimum standards for sound insulation and provides a reasonable level of acoustic privacy for its occupants.
For new-build or converted residential properties, a sample of properties must undergo sound insulation testing, with the sample size determined by the relevant scheme and Building Control Body.
The regulations also require that the results of the sound insulation testing be reported to the Building Control Body responsible for the building to ensure that the building is safe and comfortable for its occupants.
Our latest news
About Sound Insulation Testing
Contact us for your next project
Reach out to us during the initial planning phase of your upcoming project, and let us be your proactive team for achieving energy efficiency!
No project is too complex, so contact us today!