Sound Insulation Testing
Sound testing for all building types for Approved Document E compliance
Types of Sound Insulation Testing
- Residential
UKAS accredited Part E sound testing of houses and flats – newbuild and created by material change of use.
- Commercial
UKAS accredited Part E sound testing of rooms for residential purposes including: Care homes, Student accommodations, Hotels, etc.
- Sound Insulation Testing - Education
BB93 sound testing for Education Buildings including: Schools, Universities, Colleges, etc.
- Sound Insulation Testing - Healthcare
HTM-08 sound testing for Healthcare Buildings including: Hospitals, Medical Centres, Doctors’ surgeries, etc.
Our Sound Testing Process
1. Answer any queries
We confirm a date. Our engineer will call you ahead of the test date to talk you through the preparation and process plus agree the timings.
4. On the day of testing
Airborne tests involve creating noise of a known level (approximately 100dB) on one side of the party/separating wall/floor and measuring the volume on the other side to calculate the amount of noise that the wall or floor is insulating. Measurements are taken in multiple planes and positions, reverberation (echo) and background noise are taken into account. The result is expressed in decibels (dB) as DnTw with corrections including traffic noise (Ctr).
Impact testing is done using a tapping machine that simulates footfall on the uncovered floor surface. The level of noise is measured in the unit below and the result is expressed in dB as LnT.
New flats and houses must achieve greater than or equal to 45dB sound insulation for airborne tests and less than or equal to 62dB for impact tests. Converted properties have slightly easier targets.
Testing typically takes place very close to completion but before carpets or other flooring is laid.
Please see FAQs.
5. Paperwork
We issue a short-form UKAS test report including certificates for each test.
If the worst should happen and there is a failure, we put you in touch with an experienced acoustician who can provide design/remedial advice ahead of retesting.
NEED SOME HELP?
Through our sister company (Robust Testing Solutions Ltd) and selected partners, we are able to offer advice and support on sound insulation as well as other construction-related acoustic consultancy services for planning, site noise, etc.
IF THINGS DON’T GO TO PLAN
In addition, if buildings fail to achieve the required levels, the consultants we work with can diagnose the cause and suggest remedial solutions.
AND THERE’S MORE ...
We also carry out air tightness testing:
- Houses and flats for Part L or low energy schemes
- Commercial buildings for Part L
- Smoke shafts for smoke ventilation
- Plenums/raised access floors
- Hospital isolation areas – Isolation suites, operating theatres, etc
- To identify the source of smells/smoke
What our clients say about us
WHY CHOOSE ALT?
Helpful
We work with you to achieve the best result, identifying potential issues and repeating the testing once these have been addressed. We are on hand to answer any questions before, during and after the testing.
Flexible & Responsive
We try to fit in with the dates and times you need the test, we try to work around other trades to minimise disruption on site. We issue quotes and certificates within 1 working day, our lead-times are typically around a week but we will try and fit you in sooner if required.
Knowledgeable
We have been air testing since 2002 and all our test engineers have a vast amount of experience.
Great value
Our prices are very competitive but we can also undertake air and sound testing on the same visit to save you more money. If you do manage to find the testing cheaper, we will beat any quote.
Get a quote
Complete a few details about your project and we will provide an estimated cost. Provide more information and we will issue a formal quotation.
