Sound testing or sound insulation testing is a requirement for new residential developments, conversions, and extensions. As the name suggests, this involves making sure that the project can demonstrate reasonable resistance to sound passage. The level of noise attenuation is tested in both airborne and impact noise. At Prop Cert, our experienced acoustic consultants are ready to work with your residential development across the UK. Call and book us today.
Essentially, sound insulation is the measure of sound hindered by a barrier. The barrier can be a wall, window, ceiling, or other architectural elements. The sound is calculated by considering both the sound levels present in the source room and the receiver room when the sound is made.
Airborne sounds like a conversation between people and impact sounds like footsteps or falling objects are equally measured during testing. Sound travels through partitions. When an airborne sound is made, part of it is reflected by a wall, and part of it passes through the wall into the next room. Impact sounds create vibrations directly on the surface which transmits sounds through them.
Although we would need constructed walls and floors prior to the actual testing, reaching out to us as early in the development as possible can increase the likelihood of our advice helping you get a good rating.
Ideally, windows and external doors have already been installed. The ventilation system should also already be in place. Skirting boards, light switches, and electrical sockets must be fitted. When testing floors, there shouldn’t be cosmetic floor fittings. There must be no operations around the testing area that cause noises, this includes trades working on other parts of the development. All rooms to be tested should be empty and tidy.
Examples of Code C1 include exposed live wires that are accessible to human touch and conductive parts that have become exposed.
Examples of Code C2 include the absence or a reliable earthing, and when a metallic pipe is used for flammable
liquids like gases.
Examples of Code C3 include the absence of a \'Safety Electrical Connection - Do Not Remove\' sign, and socket
outlets mounted incorrectly.
Working with our sound testing team will help you comply with Part E of the Building Regulations for England and Wales. We have the best turnaround time in the industry – 3.5 days. Our experts and the reports they produce are reliable and accurate. We have been in the business of helping property owners and development managers like you meet requirements and standards around the UK since 2010. We’re proud to be part of the many successful projects our clients have produced.
Call us. We’re happy to answer all your questions about sound testing and other development requirements.
hello@propcert.co.uk