History of Sound Testing

In July of 2003, the new Approved Document E ‘Resistance to the Passage of Sound’ (ADE 2003) of the Building Regulations came into force. This requires that new residential properties and rooms for residential purposes be tested (known as pre-completion testing) to demonstrate compliance with the explicit sound insulation performance requirements of ADE 2003.

Guidance in ADE 2003 on pre-completion testing indicates that tests should be carried out at a rate of one set of tests of each construction sub-group completed, whatever the size of the development and thereafter at least one set of tests every ten completions (assuming no failures).

The onus is on the developer to perform pre-completion testing before the property can be “released to market” and it is now an offence not to perform pre-completion testing.

 

Calculations

In 2004 the Government allowed Robust Standard Details (RSDs) to be used as an alternative to pre-completion testing for demonstrating compliance with the sound insulation performance requirements of ADE 2003 for new dwelling houses and flats.

The RSD scheme provides builders of new properties with material and construction specifications that, provided construction guidelines are followed and quality of workmanship is adhered to, should provide a level of sound insulation compliant with ADE 2003 (RSD structures typically achieve a higher performance specification than that required by ADE 2003).

It should be noted that the use of RSDs as an alternative to pre-completion testing is not applicable to dwelling houses or flats formed by a material change of use (i.e. conversions) or rooms for residential purposes (hotels, cluster flats, etc).

 

Advice and Consultations

We often advise property developers, contractors, housing associations and local authorities on the implications of ADE 2003.

Advice is given on the materials and construction details for separating floors and walls and the key interfaces with other building elements.

We also offer advice on the additional requirements of ADE 2003 including the control of reverberation in common areas and the performance of internal walls and floors.

We're also advising a number of clients on the practical application of RSDs as in some instances the option for construction are potentially reduced and construction costs may be significantly higher than those of a non-RSD structure.

What We Can Do For You

• Material and construction specification of walls and floors and interfaces (junction details).

• Control of reverberation in common areas of buildings.

• Inspection of site works to ensure compliance with specification.

• Sound insulation testing of separating walls and floors.

• Design of remedial works to improve existing sound insulation.

• Assessment and control of flanking sound transmission

• Liaison with the local planning authority and environmental health departments to determine relevant noise criteria.

• Noise and vibration surveys and assessments to characterise a site’s ambient climate for planning applications.

• Noise monitoring at existing sites to determine compliance with planning and operational conditions.

• Environmental noise impact assessments.

• Traffic, railway and airport noise assessment, prediction and control.

• Industrial, commercial and retail noise assessment, prediction and control.

• Representation at public inquiries, liquor and public entertainment licensing hearings.

If you have a general concern, just give us a call and we can talk it through.

 

Reports and Certificates

 

All reporting is done with engineers in compliance with the Association of Noise Consultants (ANC). The results are stored and logged with the ANC prior to producing the reports for clients.

Always insist that any quotation for sound insulation testing includes a detailed scope of work and states that the tests that you are paying for will discharge Part E of the Building Regulations. It is also important to use either an ANC registered or UKAS accredited organisation for all of your sound testing. Building Control authorities will refuse to accept tests performed by unsuitably ‘qualified’ testing organisations. Always check that the organisation that you are placing your order with has the registrations/accreditation necessary for performing sound testing.