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. For a clear explanation of the main sound insulation quantities and how they relate to testing and design, see our Technical Insight on Rw, DnT,w and Ctr.
The tests must be undertaken by a company holding UKAS or ANC accreditation. S & D Garritt have held ANC accreditation since 2007, and our testing is fully compliant with the requirements of Approved Document E and subject to annual audit.
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?
Demonstrating compliance with Part E is normally required in order to obtain sign-off from Building Control. This is achieved by carrying out 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 of the development, the layout and the number of construction types involved. As a general rule, 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 sound insulation tests across developments of all sizes and place great importance on the accuracy of the results obtained.
We can normally discuss the outcome of the testing with you on site as soon as the test work is complete, so there is no unnecessary delay in understanding whether compliance has been achieved.
Testing is normally completed during 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 clients the good news that a scheme has passed. If a test result is a failure, we can usually advise on the position straight away on site and help identify the most appropriate way to improve performance and achieve compliance.
There can be various reasons for a failure. Where required, we can review construction drawings, carry out on-site investigations and provide guidance on proportionate remedial works. Once the works are complete, we undertake re-testing to help avoid unnecessary delay or over-specification. We have a strong track record in helping clients achieve compliance with Part E and obtain sign-off with minimal fuss.
Areas we cover for Part E sound insulation testing
We provide Part E sound insulation testing nationwide, although 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, Greater 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