Will ADE Sound Testing disrupt work on site?

During Approved Document E Sound Testing, high levels of noise are generated but in order to make accurate test measurements, relatively quiet conditions are needed. Anyone working within the testing area will have to leave temporarily and any noisy works in the vicinity of the test areas including external site activity or ground works will need to be halted. Access is required for all the rooms being tested. Prior to testing, suitable couplings of test rooms, will be identified to enable a schedule of testing which may assist in controlling noise from other parts of the dvelopment to achieve the best possible testing environment.

How long will testing take?

The time taken for testing varies with site conditions, but generally a set of tests on houses takes about one to two hours and a set of tests on flats between two to three hours. During the test Soundguard Acoustics will require free uninterrupted access to the rooms in all test areas.

Can I observe the sound test?

Soundguard Acoustics will happily give you a brief overview of the test and demonstrate what we do, however, during the formal tests there are stringent rules restricting the number of personnel within the test areas so you will need to leave the engineer to it.

Should I inform my neighbours of the testing?

Noise levels are very high and if the building is attached in any way to occupied properties then it would be advisable to inform the residents as they are likely to hear the test. In some builds access to their property may be required. We recommend you check this with your BCO and request access to the neighbouring properties accordingly. Contact Soundguard Acoustics HERE for further advice regarding your Approved Doc E Sound Testing.

How many Approved Doc E sound tests do I need within my development?

One set of tests needs to be undertaken for every ten flats or houses, provided the construction system is the same. A set means that the test should include two locations where the party element (wall or floor) is tested.

This is equivalent to two individual tests when assessing the performance of a wall (airborne performance only) and four individual tests when assessing a floor (two airborne and two impact tests).  All tests must be undertaken between habitable spaces (e.g. bedrooms, living rooms) and not to or from common spaces such as stairwells and corridors.
Approved Document E 2003 states that a minimum of 10% of all party walls and floors is sound tested for every construction group or sub-group. This means that where variations in the construction may occur then further testing may be required.

Houses: a set of tests would usually comprise of two airborne sound insulation tests of a pair of separating walls

Flats: a set of tests would usually comprise of two airborne sound insulation tests on separating walls; two airborne sound insulation tests of separating floors and two impact sound transmission tests of separating floors

Rooms for Residential Purposes: (student residences, hotel rooms & care homes) a set of tests would usually comprise of one airborne sound insulation test of a separating wall; one airborne sound insulation test of a separating floor and one impact sound transmission test of a separating floor

Contact Soundguard Acoustics today for your advice or quotation for your testing requirements EMAIL

Is my build ready for a Sound Test?

Sound insulation tests are undertaken when the development is “pre-completed”. This means that the test rooms should be at a stage where just final finishing, such as painting and carpets are required. 

Soundguard Acoustics has provided a site checklist below to assist you with this. By ensuring that you meet the requirements of the checklist then the build can be deemed to be at a stage ready for soundinsulation testing. Where items are not in place this will negatively affect the sound insulation performance of the build.

  

• Windows should be fully installed, glazed & closable
• Trickle vents and other ventilation systems should be fitted
• Internal & external doors must be hung, glazed & closable 
• All wall, floors & ceiling constructions must be completed
• Skirting boards should all be fitted & cornice where fitted
• Electrical sockets, TV Aerial sockets & light switches should be fitted
• Rooms must be clear of building materials, tools & unfurnished
• No cosmetic floor coverings should be fitted (i.e. laminate, carpet, vinyl, ceramics)
• No trades should be working in the dwellings during the tests
• Access to rooms either side of the separating structure is essential
• Non-tester access to the rooms is prohibited during testing
• No noisy operations (drilling, cutting or groundwork) to occur nearby during testing
• Provision of 240v 50Hz mains power is required within the dwellings

How many sound tests do I need?

One set of sound tests needs to be undertaken for every ten flats or houses, provided the construction system is the same. A set means that the test should include two locations where the party element (wall or floor) is tested.

This is equivalent to two individual sound tests when assessing the performance of a wall (airborne performance only) and four individual tests when assessing a floor (two airborne and two impact tests).  All tests must be undertaken between habitable spaces (e.g. bedrooms, living rooms) and not to or from common spaces such as stairwells and corridors.

Approved Document E 2003 states that a minimum of 10% of all party walls and floors is sound tested for every construction group or sub-group. This means that where variations in the construction may occur then further testing may be required.

• Houses: a set of tests would usually comprise of two airborne sound insulation tests of a pair of separating walls
• Flats:a set of tests would usually comprise of two airborne sound insulation tests on separating walls; two airborne sound insulation tests of separating floors and two impact sound transmission tests of separating floors 
• Rooms for Residential Purposes: (student residences, hotel rooms & care homes) a set of tests would usually comprise of one airborne sound insulation test of a separating wall; one airborne sound insulation test of a separating floor and one impact sound transmission test of a separating floor

Soundguards Director gains MSc in Applied Acoustics

Rob Shaddick, Director of Soundguard Acoustics Ltd has gained an MSc in applied acoustics through the University of Derby. The MSc in applied acoustics has proven to be a valuable addition to the company and Robs personal development. Especially in acquisition of expert witness cases and in securing membership and accreditation with the Association of Noise Consultants for Approved Document E pre-completion testing.