Sound Insulation Testing

ound insulation testing is a mandatory requirement under Building Regulations Part E for many new build and converted residential properties in England and Wales. The purpose of the test is to confirm that separating walls and floors provide adequate protection against airborne and impact noise between dwellings.

This service provides fully compliant sound insulation testing carried out in accordance with Approved Document E and recognised testing standards, with clear results accepted by all local authority and approved Building Control bodies.

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What Is Sound Insulation Testing?

Sound insulation testing measures how effectively walls and floors reduce the transmission of sound between adjoining dwellings.

Two main types of sound transmission are assessed:

Airborne sound – voices, music, television
Impact sound – footsteps, dropped objects

Testing is carried out on separating walls and floors between:

Flats and apartments
Terraced and semi-detached houses
Converted buildings

Results are compared against minimum performance standards set out in Approved Document E.

Why Is Sound Insulation Testing Required?

Poor sound insulation can significantly affect occupant comfort and quality of life. Sound insulation testing ensures that dwellings meet legal minimum standards for acoustic performance.

Testing is required to:

Demonstrate compliance with Building Regulations Part E
Support Building Control approval
Avoid costly remedial works after completion
Confirm that construction details have been installed correctly

Without a compliant sound test result, Building Control will not issue a completion certificate.

When Is Sound Insulation Testing Required?

Sound insulation testing is required for:

New Build Residential Developments

Flats and apartments
Terraced housing
Semi-detached dwellings

Conversions & Change of Use

SBEM calculations completed at as-built stage
Barn and warehouse conversions
Subdivision of existing dwellings into flats

Material Change of Use

Where a building is converted to create one or more new dwellings, sound insulation testing is mandatory.

Sound Insulation Testing & Part E Compliance

Approved Document E sets minimum performance standards for:

Airborne Sound Insulation

Measured as DnT,w + Ctr (dB) for:

Walls between dwellings
Floors between dwellings

Impact Sound Insulation

Measured as LnT,w (dB) for:

Floors between dwellings

Typical minimum standards include:

Measured as LnT,w (dB) for:

≥ 45 dB for airborne sound (new build)
·≤ 62 dB for impact sound (new build)

Converted buildings have slightly different target values.

Pre-Completion vs Post-Completion Testing

Pre-Completion Testing

Sound testing must be carried out before the building is signed off, but once:

Existing properties being sold or let
· Floors, ceilings, and doors are installed
· The building is ready for occupation

Post-Completion Issues

Testing after occupation can lead to:

Disruption to occupants
Delays
Increased costs

Early planning ensures testing is carried out at the correct stage.

Domestic Sound Insulation Testing

For residential developments, sound insulation testing typically applies to:

Flats and maisonettes
Houses with shared walls
Converted properties

What Is Tested:

Separating walls between dwellings
Separating floors between dwellings

Tests are selected in line with:

The number of dwellings
Building Control requirements
Approved Document E guidance

Testing Procedure

Sound insulation testing is carried out in accordance with:

BS EN ISO 140 / 16283 series
Approved Document E

Typical Test Process:

Site inspection and confirmation of readiness
Airborne sound testing using calibrated sound sources
Impact sound testing using standard tapping machines
Data collection and analysis
Issue of a compliant sound test report

Reports are issued promptly and formatted for Building Control submission.

Common Causes of Failed Sound Tests

Sound insulation failures are often caused by:

Poor detailing at wall and floor junctions
Unsealed service penetrations
Incorrect installation of acoustic insulation
Rigid connections causing flanking sound paths

Where a failure occurs:

The cause is clearly explained
Practical remedial advice is provided
Re-testing can be arranged once works are complete

Sound Insulation Testing for Developers & Contractors

Sound insulation testing is regularly required for:

Multi-plot housing developments
Apartment blocks
Conversion projects

This service supports:

Flexible test scheduling
Multiple plot testing
Consistent reporting across developments
Coordination with Building Control

Early coordination reduces the risk of failed tests and delays.

What Is Required Before Testing?

To carry out sound insulation testing, the following conditions must be met:

The building is fully enclosed
Floors, ceilings, and finishes are complete
No excessive background noise
Access to both sides of the separating element

Clear guidance is provided before attendance to ensure the site is test-ready.

Sound Insulation Testing & Building Control

Sound test reports are issued in a format accepted by:

Local authority Building Control
Approved inspectors

Reports include:

Test locations
Methodology
Results and compliance statements

Where testing is not feasible, robust details may be used — subject to Building Control approval.

Relationship to Other Compliance Services

Sound insulation testing often forms part of a wider compliance package alongside:

· BREL / Part L documentation
· SAP calculations
· Air tightness testing
· EPC production

A coordinated approach helps avoid conflicts between acoustic and energy performance requirements.

Why Use a Specialist Sound Insulation Testing Service?

Qualified acoustic testers

Testing carried out to recognised standards

Reports accepted by all Building Control bodies

Clear pass / fail outcomes

Practical remedial advice if required

Fast turnaround

The focus is on first-time compliance wherever possible.

Sound Insulation Testing for Building Regulations Part E Compliance