Part E Sound Insulation Testing (Approved Document E)
Testing compliance for Approved Document E of The Building Regulations
We provide Part E sound insulation testing for residential developments to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. This includes pre-completion sound testing of new build dwellings and residential conversions, with results issued for Building Control approval. This service is commonly referred to as a pre-completion sound test for Building Regulations Part E compliance.
Testing is undertaken using Approved Document E compliant methods, with clear reporting and practical advice where remedial works are required. We are registered with the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC) scheme for sound insulation testing.
What is Part E sound insulation testing?
Part E sound insulation testing is required to demonstrate that separating walls and floors between dwellings or flats achieve the minimum acoustic performance set out in Approved Document E of the Building Regulations.
Testing is carried out on site once construction is complete but before occupation, and includes airborne and impact sound insulation measurements between adjoining dwellings, flats or rooms for residential purposes.
The tests should be undertaken by a company that holds either UKAS or ANC accreditation. S & D Garritt have held ANC accreditation since 2007 and so our tests are fully compliant with the requirements of Approved Document E and are subject to annual audits to ensure accuracy.
We can also provide building analysis and design advice before conversion works begin as part of Building Acoustics design
When is a sound insulation test required?
Proving compliance with Part E is normally required to obtain sign-off for a development by Building Control, achieved by undertaking sound insulation tests on separating walls and floors.
Pre-completion sound insulation testing is typically required for:
• New build houses and flats
• Residential conversions (material change of use)
• Hotels & Apart-hotels
• Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs).
Testing is usually required on a sample of dwellings, depending on the size, layout and number of construction types across the development. Usually, one set of tests is required per ten dwellings or flats of the same construction type. The tests are undertaken when the building is structurally complete with doors fitted, but before final sign-off by Building Control and handover to the client.
Our Test Services
We have undertaken hundreds of tests in all sizes of developments all over the country and ensure that the results we obtain of these vital tests are accurate.
We can talk you through the results of the tests during our visit to your site as soon as we have completed the test work – no waiting to find out if compliance has been achieved.
Testing is normally completed within a single site visit and includes:
• Airborne sound insulation tests between separating walls and floors
• Impact sound insulation tests for floors
• Registration of the tests with the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC)
• Written report for submission to Building Control, normally available within a day or two of visiting site.
What Happens If It Fails?
We always hope to give our clients good news with a ‘pass’ result. In the unfortunate event that the test result is a failure, we will be able to tell you the result straight away on site and work with you to improve the building performance to achieve the pass result needed.
There can be various reasons for a failure, but we can analyse construction drawings, perform on site investigations and provide guidance on proportionate remedial works. Once the work is complete we carry out re-testing, helping avoid unnecessary over-specification or delay. We have an excellent track record in helping clients go on to achieve compliance with Part E and get their development signed off with minimal fuss or delay.
Areas we cover for Part E sound insulation testing
We provide Part E sound insulation testing nationwide, but most of our work is within approximately 100 miles of our offices in Doncaster. This includes developments across South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, the North East and surrounding areas.
David Garritt BEng MIOA
Director and Acoustic Consultant
Book a Part E sound insulation test
To arrange sound insulation testing or request a quotation, please contact us using the details below. We can advise on test numbers, timing, and Building Control requirements before site attendance.
e-mail: contact@sdgarritt.co.uk
Phone: Doncaster main office, 01302 854 303
David Garritt’s mobile, 07894 073 973
Elizabeth Garritt BSc AMIOA
Acoustic Consultant