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Sound Insulation testing to Building Regulations
Approved Document 'E' 2003(as amended 2004)
We can give quotations over the phone or by email however we prefer to
give a written quotation based upon your plans.
Unfortunately the test conditions require minimal noise interference;
consequently the majority of construction work will have to stop during
the test. This can have cost implications for substantial developments.
To help the developers of large projects, we often undertake our tests
outside of normal working hours. That is of course as long as there is
minimal disturbance to nearby residents.
Testing requirements.
1. There is no requirement in the Building Regulations Approved
Document E, 2003 (as amended 2004) to test between living areas and
lobbies or stairs. However it is essential that the construction of these
partitions satisfy the minimum expected requirements.
2. Testing for Airborne and Impact Sound Insulation must be carried
out after completion of construction, and before decoration.
3. All doors, windows and skirting boards must be installed.
4. Impact Testing must be carried out on the basic floor. No
carpets or vinyl flooring to be fitted.
5. We will create high levels of noise during part of the test. It
is essential that:
a. Neighbours and other residents are warned in
advance;
b. Animals are protected;
6. No one (except for the tester) remains in the room during a
test.
7. Conversely, some parts of the test will require low background
noise, therefore:
a. No building work can be carried out during test;
b. Voices and footsteps can effect the accuracy of
readings;
c. We may have to ask people to be extremely quiet.
8. Please ensure there is a 240V ac supply available, or notify us
in advance if 110V is used.
Brief version of the Sound Insulation Testing procedure.
This description is based upon testing a floor/ceiling system, so it will
refer to a SOURCE ROOM as being the room in the upstairs flat in which the
noise is generated, and the RECEIVING ROOM, being the room in the
downstairs flat.
Airborne Sound Insulation (ASI).
1. A noise source (loudspeaker) is placed in the source room, and
connected using a wireless system to the sound analyser in the receiving
room.
2. Background noise levels are measured in the receiving room using
the sound analyser, in 4 to 6 positions in the room, with the noise source
switched off.
3. Receiving room noise levels are then measured, whereby the
analyser will generate a loud noise (typically 105 dB) via the noise
source in the source room, and measurements are taken in the receiving
room in five positions or more dependant upon room size.
4. The noise levels are then measured in the source room in five
positions or more dependant upon room size.
5. The noise source is then moved to a second position in the
source room, and steps 2 and 3 repeated.
6. The noise source is moved to the receiving room, and is used to
measure reverberation times (times for sound to decay) in that room
(minimal 6 measurements).
7. The sound level meter calculates the sound insulation
performance of the floor/ceiling structure, and presents it as a single
figure.
Impact Sound Insulation (ISI)
This procedure must be carried out on floors with no covering (e.g. carpet
& underlay). It may be possible to test on laminate flooring or vinyl
flooring.
A noise source (tapping machine) is placed in the source room.
1. This device simulates a standard impact sound using hammers,
which hit the floor 10 times a second.
2. Background noise levels are measured in the receiving room. This
is done using a sound analyser, and
carried out in 4 to 6 positions in the room, with the tapping machine
switched off.
3. The tapping machine is switched on. Receiving room noise levels
are then measured at five positions or more dependant upon room size.
4. The tapping machine is then moved to a second position in the
source room, and step 10 repeated. For large rooms, this may need
repeating a third time.
5. The system calculates the sound insulation performance of the
floor/ceiling structure, and presents it as a single figure.
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