Do I need a sound test?

If you are creating a dwelling or a room for residential purposes (either newly constructed, or through material change of use) then Approved Document E states that, with the exception of developments that have followed certified Robust Details, you must perform an acoustic test. Testing is required to be carried out for party walls and separating floors between dwellings, but only where these separate one habitable space (e.g. bedroom and living room) from another.

For larger developments one set of acoustic tests is required for every ten dwellings. A set of acoustic tests encompasses two party wall airborne tests, two separating floor airborne tests and two separating floor impact tests.

What happens if the dwelling fails the acoustic test?

The majority of dwellings tested achieve a first time pass. However, should your dwelling not achieve a first time pass we shall advise you of all acoustic weak points identified during the test and appropriate remedial work. If it is possible for the remedial work to be carried out at once we shall allow a reasonable amount of time for the works to be complete and then re-test at no extra charge. If it is not practical to carry out the remedial work on that day we will arrange for one of our sound test engineers to attend site again on another day once the works are complete.

How can I improve acoustic performance?

1. The building must be ready to test:
   1. All windows and doors must be installed, fitted with latches and draught strips, and closed.
   2. All ventilation systems and trickle vents must be installed and closed.
   3. Walls, floors and ceiling must be in a finished state, with no holes or gaps.
   4. Skirting, sockets and light switches must be fitted.
2. Specify materials with good sound insulation properties.
3. Ensure sound insulation installed within cavities is continuous.
4. Beware of flanking. This is where sound travels around an insulated surface (for example bypassing a soundproofed floor by travelling through the adjoining wall structure).
5. Ensure separation between walls, floors and ceilings. Use perimeter flanking strips and acoustic sealant.
6. Use acoustic sockets and light fittings and avoid high ratios of light fittings (particularly downlights) and sockets.
7. Stagger the position of sockets on opposite sides of separating walls.
8. Avoid penetrations through the resilient layer and seal any gaps where pipes and cables pass through walls and floors.
9. Seal any gaps around windows and doors.

Site requirements for the test

1. The integrity of the structure must be complete prior to the test. Please see “How can I improve acoustic performance?”.
2. For impact floor sound insulation tests, there should be no soft covering fitted to floors within the rooms that are to be tested (e.g. carpet, soft vinyl or ceramics). If carpets have been fitted, they must be rolled back for the duration of the test.
3. Rooms to be tested must be unfurnished, empty and tidy.
4. Trades will not have access to the dwellings during the tests.
5. There should be no noisy operations or work carried out nearby the dwellings during testing (drilling, cutting & groundwork).
6. 240v mains power must be available within the rooms to be tested.
7. Access is required to the properties either side of a party wall/floor being tested.

Why choose Achieve Green?

As registered members of the Sound Insulation Testing & Measurement Association (SITMA) you can rest assured that our acoustic test certificate will be accepted as evidence for Building Regulations sign-off.

Our engineers have experience of carrying out a successful sound test within dwellings of all types and sizes.

For added piece of mind we will be happy to assist you with free advice and guidance throughout the construction process.

We fit around you, attending at a time that is convenient and producing the report within 24 hours.

All of our engineers are CSCS certified.

By using an ISO 9001 accredited organisation such as ours you can be confident in receiving a consistently high quality of service.

How much does a sound insulation test cost?

The cost of an acoustic test varies based on the size and location of the development. We are able to offer large discounts for developments where multiple plots can be tested on a single visit. We can also offer discounts when we are engaged to provide multiple services on the same project, for example when we carry out air permeability testing or extractor fan flow rate testing at the same time as the acoustic test.

Please contact us for a quote. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one working day.

Testimonials

We are an RIBA Chartered Architectural Practice based on the South Coast, and have used the services of the Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells on countless projects over many years, mainly for the preparation of SAP calculations but also energy statements and air pressure testing across a broad range of projects. They have offered us invaluable practical advice on more complex projects to ensure compliance with the ever evolving statutory standards and we have always found them to provide a prompt, efficient, friendly and cost effective service and would not hesitate to recommend them.

Lightbox Architecture Limited

We have found the Achieve Green team to be highly experienced, specialised and competent. Advice is constructive and their approach to projects is strategic, ensuring the most effective solutions are taken forward. The team has a comprehensive understanding of planning requirements and appreciates how these translate into technical and on-site delivery. We highly recommend the team and look forward to working with them on forthcoming projects.

Kitewood Estates Ltd

As a business we have been involved with Achieve Green for a number of years. Their proactive involvement in our projects from design through to completion has enabled us to continually improve the energy efficiency of all our homes. The prompt and efficient service has meant they have become an integral part of our design team.

Panfile Ltd

I have been working with Jonathan and his Achieve Green team in Tunbridge Wells since 2011 on a range of projects from Schools, new build housing to straightforward extensions. They are very knowledgeable and efficient and have provided invaluable input to projects over the years ensuring that as a designer I can put forward the most cost effective solutions to complying with Part L.I always recommend Jonathan if ever anybody is in need of SAP and compliance testing services.

Bradbury Design Ltd