We can offer a prompt and efficient testing service to comply with approved document part E pre completion sound testing. For your conversion, or new build, we can readily arrange for highly trained ANC or UKAS accredited engineers*. To test in accordance with the current building regulations.
When converting any house to flats, you are now required to conform to new regulations as described under PART E of the Building Regulations. These new regulations are different to the old basically in one very important way. If you fail the tests the Building Control Officer WILL NOT sign off the property and you will be unable to sell it. This therefore means that you have to make sure that your property will pass the tests. Sound Solution Consultants can arrange this test for you and provide you with the necessary Certifcation required by the Building Control Officer.
Do seek our advice before arranging your test. Building control with not sign of the property if it fails.
Have you failed your test?
If you have been unfortunate enough to fail your test already, we also provide a failure analysis service contact us now and take advantage of our failure analysis service.
Sound Insulation Testing
As part of our range of comprehensive services, Sound Solution Consultants Ltd can arrange for your Sound Insulation Testing to be carried out. Low cost and anywhere in mainland UK
Carried out by (ANC / UKAS) qualified Engineers.
(Guaranteed to be accepted by Building Control).
!!!!Reliable, Prompt and Helpful Service EVERYTIME!!!!
What are the Regulations Regarding Sound Testing.?
Sound testing is part of the Approved Document E Guidance document with in current Building Regulations.
There are 2 methods of achieving compliance with Approved Document E
Pre-completion Sound Testing
New Builds and Property Conversions
Under this method, you are required to carry out sound insulation work in respect of the building in the areas defined within the Document. Once the works have been completed then you are required to have a Sound Test and pass the Sound Test.
If you fail the test then you will have to remedy the problem and carry out further tests to prove the remedial actions have been successful.
Robust Details
New builds only
Under this method, you are required to carry out sound insulation work to a predefined methodology using specific types of products as set out in the Robust Detail manual.
Once works have been completed as required, you should not require any testing.
Contact Robust Details at http://www.robustdetails.com
Do I need Sound Insulation Tests?
Under Approved Guidance Document E, if you have or intend to:
- Build a New Build development of 2 or more dwellings / Flats
- Converting a former single dwelling into Flats
- Building a Nursing Home or Rooms for Residential Use ie Hotel or Hostel
- Not building under Robust Details.
Then you will probably need to carry out Sound Insulation Tests for the development. The numbers of tests that will be required will depend on the number and configuration of the dwellings involved. Please Call for a quotation on 0845 5212096
Under Approved Guidance Document E, if you have Registered and built New Build Dwellings under Robust Details, then you should not need to carry out testing as long as you have followed their procedures. Please Call for further clarification on 0845 5212096
What is the A.N.C.
The Association of Noise Consultants
http://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk
What is UKAS?
United Kingdom Accreditation Society
http://www.ukas.org
What is Sound Insulation Testing?
Sound Insulation testing is a method of measuring and quantifying the amount of noise reduction achieved between different attached dwellings. In Approved Document Part E of the Building Regulations, there are limits set out for both Airborne and Impact Tests that a separating structure ie Wall or Floor needs to achieve for compliance.
New Build Dwellings have to achieve a slightly better performance as there is a recognition that conversions are more difficult to manage in terms of performance of older structures that cant be changed.
The current limits came into force on July 1st 2003 are set out as below.
For Dwellings such as Hotels, Hostels and Bedsits the Regulations are slightly different
*********These Tables are taken directly from Approved Document E**********
Approved Document E DOWNLOAD
When do I carry out the Sound Insulation Tests?
Unlike the Air Leakage Tests, Sound Insulation Testing should be carried out at the earliest possible point just in case there are any problems. We normally suggest getting the test done before bathrooms and kitchens are installed if possible. Please see list below of min standards required for testing:
- Ensure all doors and any seals are fully fitted and working correctly.
- Ensure all windows and seals are fully fitted and working correctly.
- Ensure all electric fittings are fitted and working.
- Ensure 240Volt mains power is available on site in all rooms.
- Ensure all gaps are sealed in walls and floors (see diagram).
- Ensure all walls and ceilings have been plastered.
- Ensure no holes in floor or ceilings, seal gaps with mastic or silicon.
- Ensure we have access to all rooms on all levels.
- Ensure all properties are vacated during the duration of test.
* We reserve the right to sub-contract out sound testing as and when required. We guarantee that in all such cases only fully accredited members of either the ANC or UKAS organisations and are therefore are approved to carry out such tests.