Design of compartment walls and floors to meet Approved Document 'E' standards for converted dwellings, rooms for residential use and new buildings.

At the pre-completion stage some converted dwellings are failing the sound insulation tests, this is often has a severe cost implication. There are four main reasons for failure; 

·      Inadequate compartment wall/ floor specification e.g. not enough resilience or mass within the system.

·     Flanking transmission: sound which bypasses the compartment wall/ floor

·      Poor workmanship and lack of attention to detail. 

·      Inability to interpret manufacturers sound insulation data accurately. For an example an Rw is different to a DnTw and a + Ctr can make the world of difference.  We hope to post a guide soon.


Over the past 18 months our consultants have designed and specified many compartment floors and walls, identified flanking transmission routes and have advised builders in construction techniques. All of the partitions specified by our company have passed the requirements of Approved Document E when constructed in accordance with the design details.

When Cornwall Acoustics specify works we keep close contact with the developer and we encourage our client to contact us if they encounter any difficulty or have any questions during construction. We rarely charge for this service and our customers find this aspect most rewarding

Our company also specify the internal acoustic design for public buildings and educational centres.

Should you decide to use our services it is important that we get involved with projects at the design stage. We are an independent company; and do not sell or promote specialist products, but use the best available materials for the job
whilst reducing costs. In addition we give advice and construction checklists to builders and follow projects through to the end.

Remember you don’t have to construct new build to Robust Standard details; pre completion testing is an option.

The link below will take you to the planning portal website where you can download a copy of Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound.

http://www.planningportal.gov.uk