London is a massive UK city containing over 5 million properties. In this overcrowded environment, it is essential that noise transference between properties in kept to an absolute minimum for the occupant’s well-being.

APT Sound Testing Services undertake UKAS accredited Part E sound testing throughout London and the UK. We have extensive knowledge regarding the way different materials and construction methods can influence the results of a sound test, to ensure your company achieves complies with Sound Testing Regulations Part E.

APT Sound Testing Services
Pre-completion sound testing under part E has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003. All new build properties and conversions which were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested. Sound Testing is to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls or floors. In usual circumstances, the room/s to be sound tested will be the living rooms and bedrooms, which are classed as the two main habitable rooms.

The sound test procedure involves setting up a noise source in a room on one side of the party wall or floor and measuring the noise on both sides of the partition.

Airborne sound tests may also be required between horizontally and vertically separated pairs of rooms. The sound tests are undertaken by using a sound source, amplifier and loudspeaker to generate a high noise level in one room (the source room). Noise measurements are then taken in both the source and receiver rooms using a prescribed number of source and microphone positions. The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the airborne sound insulation (DnT,w + Ctr) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E.

For vertically separated rooms, an Impact sound test may also be required. This sound test is undertaken using a tapping machine which drops a series of weights onto the floor of the upper room. The noise level in the lower (receiver) room is measured for a prescribed number of source and microphone locations. The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the impact sound insulation (LnT,w) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E.

UKAS Accredited Sound Testing
Our sound test engineers carry all the latest Norsonic equipment, which are class one rating and all of our acoustic testing/sound testing, is completed to a strict quality controlled standard. We provide full UKAS Accredited sound testing.

Pre-completion sound testing is generally carried out at the request of the Building Control Officer. The guidance contained within Approved Document E gives detailed recommendations for the partitions to be tested and for the number of sound tests that should be carried out. We recommend that the proposed sound testing is agreed in advance with the Building Control Officer prior to the London sound testing.

We can undertake both acoustic airborne sound testing to allow for speech, television etc, and impact sound testing to allow for footfall etc. This is in accordance with the requirements of Approved Document E of The Building Regulations and the relevant European and International standards.

The testing methods for airborne and impact sound insulation testing in London are in full accordance with: the suggested methods presented in BS EN ISO 140-parts 4 and 7: 1998.

If you are in the construction stage of a new project and are not sure if your design will pass the building regulations then visit our Sound Testing Services website and we will check your acoustic design and offer advice (if required) for the wall or/and floor partitions. Alternatively, if you require sound testing for your London project please contact us now on 01525 303 905.

London is a huge city containing over 8 million people. In this crowded environment it is essential that noise transference between properties in kept to a minimum between new and existing buildings for the occupant’s wellbeing.

To help control noise issues APT Sound Testing undertakes UKAS accredited Part E sound throughout London and the South East. When there are problems with noise transference between dwellings, and the building’s design is called into question we can offer advice on how to upgrade the wall and/or wall partition.

We has extensive knowledge regarding the way different materials and construction methods can influence the results of a sound test, this helps to ensure to ensure your company achieves compliance with the Sound Testing for Part E of Building Regulations.

Sound Testing Services in London
Pre completion sound testing in London has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003. All new build properties and conversions which were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested. Sound insulation testing is to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls and/or floors. In is usual to test between living rooms and bedrooms, which are classed as the two main habitable rooms; however, other rooms can be used if this is not possible.

We are also experiencing a rise in the amount of sound testing that’s required to existing London buildings. We have carried out a large amount of sound tests in council/housing association blocks, where the residents are experiencing excess noise between the dividing wall and floor partitions. We also undertake sound testing to existing flats where the lease stipulates that wooden floors should not be used instead of carpets and as a result the noise levels have increased through the floors. In all these instances we can undertake sound testing to highlight the existing noise levels so acoustic upgrades – if required) can be targeted and implemented.

Our test procedure involves setting up a noise source in a room on one side of the party wall or floor and measuring the noise on both sides of the partition. Airborne sound testing may also be required between horizontally and vertically separated pairs of rooms.

The sound insulation testing is undertaken by using a sound source, amplifier and loudspeaker to generate a high noise level in one room (the source room). Noise measurements are then taken in both the source and receiver rooms using a prescribed number of source and microphone positions. The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the airborne sound insulation (DnT,w + Ctr) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E of Building Regulations.

For vertically separated rooms, Impact sound testing may also be required. This sound test is undertaken using a tapping machine which drops a series of weights onto the floor of the upper room. The noise level in the lower (receiver) room is measured for a prescribed number of source and microphone locations. The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the impact sound insulation results (LnT,w) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E of Building Regulations.

APT Sound Testing Services
Our sound test engineers carry all the latest Norsonic equipment, which are class one rating and all of our sound insulation testing, is completed to a strict quality controlled standard. We provide full UKAS Accredited sound insulation testing and air testing.

If you would like advice on your acoustic design or sound testing in London, please contact APT Sound Testing now on 01525 303905 or visit our Acoustic & Sound Testing Services website.

If you have experienced excess noise from your neighbours above you, you will know the stress that accompanies of domestic noise pollution. On new properties the Building Regulations set out clear requirements for soundproofing, which can reduce – but not eradicate – excess noise through floors. Unfortunately, on old conversion properties, sound insulation wasn’t a priority, which has led to excess noise pollution for millions of households and by modern standards a sound testing floor failure.

Most original dividing floors (pre-2004) are not built with acoustics in mind. Most existing floors without recent acoustic upgrades, will usually achieve 30-35dB for airborne sound and 66-74dB for Impact Sound. Obviously, these figures fall well short of the minimum requirements of Approved Document E, which requires a 43dB & 64dB sound insulation reduction.

Many existing floors are constructed from 200mm x 50mm wooden joists, with a 20mm existing floorboard directly fixed to the top of the joists and a single later of plasterboard/lathe and plaster below the joists – as shown in Plate A below.

Plate A – a picture of an existing floor partition with poor sound insulation

Typical reasons for sound test failures through floors

There are many reasons for floors having poor sound insulation values, and noise flanking is often one of the main culprits. Here are 10 common reasons for noise flanking through floors in new and converted properties.

1. Where lightweight blocks have been used in the inner envelope construction. This allows sound to travel along the lightweight blocks both vertically and horizontally from dwelling to dwelling.
2. Bridging an acoustic floor system with skirting, or via screwing down the floor system directly to the joists.
3. Resilient bars missing or fitted incorrectly to the underside of the floor joists, i.e. screw that are too long.  
4. Excess recessed lights have been fitted into an acoustic ceiling, without incorporating acoustic socks to the top of the light or an extra plasterboard lining above.

5. Not using the correct acoustic insulation, in our experience the minimum mass of the acoustic insulation should be 60kg/m3.
6. The direct fixing of plasterboard and/or floorboards to joists without using a resilient membrane to improve isolation values.
7. Through continuous windows that are not secondary glazing that run vertically through dwellings, such as an office and/or church conversions.
8. Along structural joints along the perimeter wall and floor joint. These areas should be filled with acoustic mastic)
9. Structural steels that run through one property to the other without material isolation, i.e., plasterboard is screwed directly to the steel offering little or no noise isolation.
10. Service penetrations/pipework which run continuously through separate properties without having adequate boxing, such as kitchen and bathroom services.

Plate B – Our Sound Testing Equipment

Our 3-step plan to reduce noise through floor partitions

If your floor partition is letting through too much noise don’t panic, we can offer our 3-step plan to help you reduce noise in your property.

1. Sample Sound Insulation Testing (pre-construction works)

We visit site to undertake sample sound testing to your existing floor partition to check ascertain the sound insulation performance of the floor. Thereafter, once the sound levels have been established and targeted acoustic design can be undertaken to ensure compliance with Building Regulations Part E.

• Acoustic Review of your Project. 

We undertake an acoustic design review and produce a report of the required acoustic upgrades required to improve the sound insulation performance of the floor partition. and detailing. Wherever possible we will try to ensure that the acoustic solution is straightforward to install for the installation teams.

• Precompletion Sound Testing (post construction works)

We undertake the final precompletion testing to ensure the acoustic design and installation have improved the sound insulation values of the floor partition.

A simple acoustic upgrade to improve sound insulation in floors.

There are many quick and simple solutions to improve the sound insulation performance in floors. One of the easiest acoustic upgrades is to retain the existing joists, between the joists install a 100mm RW60 acoustic insulation. Above the joists install 22mm T&G boarding with a 6mm resilient membrane bonded to the top of the T&G board. The top of the floor can then be finished with engineered flooring and/or carpet. Below the joists install resilient bars, ensuring the correct length screws have been used in the installation. Below the resilient bars install 2 layers of 15mm soundboard – ensure all boards are properly lapped, and the perimeter joints (usually 5mm) are filled with acoustic mastic. Also ensure all service boxing has two layers of 15mm board and SVP pipes etc, are wrapped in acoustic wool.

Plate C – A picture of APT acoustic engineer undertaking party floor sound testing.

We can help improve your sound insulation.

We can help upgrade the sound insulation in your home. Using our many years of experience in building acoustics, we can offer a total acoustic party floor solution for new and conversion projects. We have previously helped hundreds of architects and developers with their acoustic design and testing requirements on projects ranging from a couple of units, up to apartment blocks containing hundreds of flats. Using our experience and knowledge, we always try to provide the best solution considering material costs and on-site buildability.

To improve the sound in insulation in floors, you need to conder improving/introducing the following 5 elements to the floor design and construction:

• Adding Mass
• Introducing Isolation
• Adding Absorption
• Introducing Resilience
• Adding Stiffness

APT acoustic engineer undertaking party floor sound testing in London.

How APT Sound Testing can help 

APT provides acoustic testing, consultancy to help home owners, architects and developers achieve the minimum requirements of Part E of new build and/or conversion projects. We also carry out our specialist Lease Condition sound testing where specific sound reduction requirements are required.

We can propose various designs accounting for:

Where possible we try to propose an off the shelf solution, which is often the cheapest option. Many other companies will try to push a bespoke ‘specialist’ solution that is often much more expensive and more difficult to install. We are also a UKAS accredited company, so you can be sure of a friendly and professional service providing a ‘one stop’ solution for all your acoustic requirements.

If you would like more information in regards to sound testing service and/or acoustic design services please contact us on 01525 303905 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk, or for more information please visit our website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk

Air leakage is a major issue for homeowners, especially in light of the rising heating and cooling costs across the UK and Europe. Air leakage can lead to higher energy consumption, higher carbon emissions and indoor air quality issues this is where air tightness testing can play its part.

Air tightness testing is a technique that can be used to quantify the amount of air leakage of a building fabric. The air tightness test measures the rate of air leakage through a building fabric by pressurising or depressurising a building and measuring the difference in pressure across different sections of wall, floor and roof. By reducing air leakage in newbuild/existing homes, you can lower your heating bills by up to 30%.

Our equipment for undertaking commercial air tightness testing.

Lowering Air Leakage in Homes

Lowering air leakage in homes is Faily straight forward. Firstly, it is important to identify the location of the air leakage, this can be undertaken via a smoke leakage survey which details each air leakage paths within the building envelope. Thereafter, the air leakage paths can be sealed to lower the air leakage rate of building. Combined air tightness and smoke testing is especially useful for identifying leaks in large buildings with lots of M&E etc. as it identifies areas in hard to reach areas such as structural steels penetrating the envelope etc.

Air tightness testing is no evasive and low impact.

Air tightness testing is a non-invasive technique, that is a quick and very low impact as the equipment simply fits into an existing door opening, we do not fix anything to the building itself. Also, to help client get ready for their air tightness test, we always send out our informative checklist to them prepare for the testing. Please download our air tightness checklist for more information on how to prepare your building for the air tightness test.

How is an air tightness test carried out?

Our blower door fan system mounts into a standard size door-sized housing (900mm x 2000mm) which is then adjusted to suit the size of the door frame. We then set up the blower door equipment as follows.

1. Firstly, we check the main areas are temporarily sealed such as AC/HVAC intake and exhaust grills, kitchen, utility and bathroom extract fans, relief dampers, etc. 
2. We find a suitable doorway to temporarily install our blower door fan system (depending on building size).
3. We then record the first series of environmental measurements such as internal and external temperatures as well as barometric pressures and internal and external temperatures.
4. We turn on the fan equipment and take measurements between 25-70Pa in 5Pa increments, recording the pressure differential at each step.
5. We then record the second set of environmental measurements.
6. Finally, our air test engineers calculate the total air flow required to achieve a pressure differential of 50 Pa, divided by the total building envelope area – this calculation will show leakage rate in m³/h.m² @ 50 Pa.
7. If a building fails the air tightness test, we pressurise the building (blows air into) to around 50 pascals of pressure. This forces air to flow through cracks or air leakage paths throughout the building envelope.
8. We turn on our smoke machine and walk around the house or commercial building, highlighting, and recording all the air leakage paths through the building envelope and a report is sent across to our client detailing the air leakage paths.
9. For a large commercial air test, we install a large fan panel across the doorway of the building, this usually houses 3 high power blower door fans; however, the above process is similar for both commercial and residential testing.

smoke machine for highlighting air leakage paths in buildings

What’s a good level of air tightness for my project?

With many existing Victorian houses or commercial buildings, the air leakage can be as high as 15m3/hr/m2, which is very poor when you consider a high percentage of new dwellings are getting between 3 to 5m3/hr.m2, and many commercial buildings below 3m3/hr/m2. So, what’s a “good” level of airtightness for your building? Well, for houses that don’t have mechanical ventilation, a good air tightness target would be between 3-5m3/hr/m2. For a dwelling with mechanical ventilation its best if your figure is below 3m3/hr/m2.

Why is excess Air Leakage an issue? 

There are many reasons poor air tightness can be problematic, such as Excess air leakage through the building envelope causes energy to be consumed when replacement air is conditioned, either via cooling or heating.

• Large penetrations – especially at low level can cause the ingress of rodents such as mice and rats.
• Excess draughts, through the building can badly affect the occupiers of the dwellings and commercial buildings such as offices. If cold damp air is blowing into the building it can be uncomfortable in both hot and cold weather.
• Excess air leakage can lead to condensation issues, as the air can blow through the floors, walls, and ceilings and usually contains water vapour, these uncontrolled air leaks can cause condensation, mould, and rot issues.
• Large amount of air leakage can bring polluted/toxic outdoor air into a building from, for example, buy main road, fuel garage, bins, restaurants, or external ventilation. Any uncontrolled air that enters a building is often loaded with pollutants, especially if you are close to a main road etc.
• Excess noise pollution

What is the building envelope?

The building envelope, or enclosure as its also known is all of the elements of the outer shell that maintain a dry, heated, or cooled indoor environment and facilitate its climate control, i.e., heating and cooling. The main elements of the building envelope are the floor, walls and roof. This also includes window and doors.

A robust air seal line with help air tightness

Many companies don’t fully understand the importance of the air seal line in regard to air tightness. The air seal line is usually the building envelope; however, this is not always the case. In many instances buildings may have plant rooms where are heavily vented to outside atmosphere, in these instances the air leakage line will be the internal wall that divides the plant room from the rest of the dwelling.

There are many reasons why the air leakage line fails, this can be down to the incorrect sequencing of construction work, such as the late addition of mechanical and electrical pipework & cables just prior to the air test which introduces additional penetrations through the newly completed building fabric, leading to air tightness test failure.

A large air leakage path under the sink

 

Employ an air tightness champion

By employing an air tightness champion at the beginning of the project, you will have a far higher change of passing the air tightness test at the first attempt. The Airtightness Champion will usually be tasked with the coordination between subcontractors and the design team.

The airtightness champion, will also undertake the following site tasks:

• Subcontractor toolbox talks: Brief the construction team of the importance of airtightness and their collective role in achieving it.
• Clearly identify the location of the air barrier within the building envelope.
• Monitor the quality of site works, by instituting a regimen of inspection during construction, with particular regard to ensuring the air barrier is uncompromised by shoddy workmanship.
• Organising intermediate airtightness tests during construction and make trades aware of the importance of good air tightness.
• Ensure that the air barrier is complete prior to covering up by other work and trades, such as the installation of kitchen cupboards over service penetrations, which can lead to expensive uncovering and remedial work.
• Ensure that final checks are made to the building prior to booking in the air tightness test.
• Ensure that air tightness testing is scheduled well advance to achieve maximum benefit for purposes of remedial work to prevent delays in handover.

Improving air tightness by identifying leaks

At Air Pressure Testing, we are happy to provide you with general air leakage design advice for your building envelope and onsite guidance, using our vast amount of knowledge as a UKAS testing laboratory, we can quickly ascertain the most common air leakage paths such as:

• Behind kitchen units.
• Behind Utility Cupboards
• Around Boiler Cupboards
• Gaps between skirting board and floor on each floor level.
• Around External Windows and Doors
• Around poorly fitted trickle vents.
• Around Patio doors.
• Gaps around the stairs.
• Around loft hatch.
• Gaps around the shower trays and bath panels

APT Sound testing can help you pass your air tightness test!

We provide advice and guidance on how to pass your air leakage test at the first attempt. We are happy to provide you with general air leakage design advice for your building envelope and onsite guidance. Upon completion of your project, we provide Nationwide UKAS Accredited Tightness Testing for domestic and commercial buildings to help you demonstrate Building Regulation Part L Compliance.

Please download our air tightness checklist for more information on how to prepare your building for the air tightness test or contact us on 01525 303905 or info@airpressuretesting.net  

APT Sound Testing – Our Air Tightness Testing Service

Air tightness testing, also known as blower door testing, is the process of measuring the amount of air leakage from a building through the building envelope. To try and help our clients better understand and prepare for their air tightness testing, we have tried to explain and answer our customer’s most common questions. For more information on our air tightness testing services you can also visit our Services Page.

What is Air Tightness Testing for Building Regulations?

Air testing is mandatory in the United Kingdom and is governed by Part L of the Building Regulations, this split into two parts; for domestic properties Part L1A should be used and for commercial properties Part L2A should be referenced.

Building Regulations Part L states air tightness testing should be carried to check the air leakage that occurs through a buildings envelope. The air leakage test checks the amount of air that escapes through gaps or air leakage paths through the building fabric. If the building is more air tight, less energy will be being needlessly lost, thus lowering the carbon emissions of the building. Air testing also shows how efficient a building is at retaining conditioned air which will also put less straight on your mechanical and ventilation system. Failing to maintain adequate air tightness can lead to up to 50% of heat loss from within a building to the outside atmosphere.

What air leakage target do I need to achieve?

Most new dwellings and commercial buildings need to achieve an air leakage of 3m3/hr/m2 to 5m3/hm2, this rate would usually be acceptable by building control and your SAP assessor as an acceptable result, although you need to check each your designed SAP assessment as there may be items within your buildings design that that may affect this figure.

How long does the air test take?

Most air tightness tests can be completed in 1-2 hours if they pass straight away; however, tests can take much longer if they initially fail. It usually speeds up the process if customs prepare their buildings in-line with our air tightness checklist as its means we can start the testing as soon as we arrive on site instead of waiting for the client to tape up areas, or make upgrades to the building envelope.  We also offer a smoke testing service to locate the air leakage paths within a building envelope which can also take extra time; however this often allows our clients to seal and pass their building at the first attempt even if their building initially fails the air test.

How do you undertake an air tightness test?

The air tightness test is undertaken in-line with Building Regulations Part L1 & L2 and ATTMA TS1 & TS2. Basically we measure the pressure differential across the envelope of the building by means of the temporarily installation of a large fan inside a door panel. Thereafter, a range of static pressures and environmental readings are taken. The fan is switched on and the air pressure in the property is gradually increased or decreased and the differential pressure is recorded at each step, usually from 25 Pa to 70 Pa. The total air flow required to achieve a pressure differential of 50 Pa is calculated and divided by the total building envelope area to provide the leakage rate in m3/h.m2@50Pa.

How do I prepare my building for the air test?

The more complete you’re building the more chance you have of passing the air tightness test at the first attempt. We send our and air test checklist with every quotation to help our client prepare for the testing. It is our aim to help clients pass their air test at the first attempt.

Basically you prepare the building in-line with our checklists and the items below, you will generally have a much better chance of passing the testing at the first attempt.

1. The building envelope should be fully complete; this includes walls, floors and ceilings.
2. All doors and windows must be fully fitted and able to shut tightly against their seals.
3. All electric fittings must be installed and functional.
4. All mechanical fittings must be installed and functional.
5. Gaps within walls and floors must be sealed.
6. All service penetrations must be fully sealed through the building envelope. 
7. Bathrooms and kitchens must be fully fitted and all service penetrations sealed.
8. All mechanical ventilation turned off with grilles sealed.
9. All trickle vents to windows and doors must be sealed.
10. All fireplaces must be sealed.
11. Ensure water is present in soil pipes.
12. 240v power must be available on site.

Whether you need air tightness test please contact us on info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk  to obtain a no obligation quote. If you need more information on how to prepare your building for the air test please download our air tightness testing checklist. 

Alternately, please visit our website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk, for more information on our precompletion testing services

London is a massive city containing over 5 million properties. In this overcrowded environment it is essential that noise transference between properties in kept to an absolute minimum for the occupant’s wellbeing.

We undertake UKAS accredited Part E sound throughout London. We have extensive knowledge regarding the way different materials and construction methods can influence the results of a sound test, to ensure your company achieves complies with Sound Testing Regulations Part E.

Sound Testing Services
Pre completion sound testing under part E has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003. All new build properties and conversions which were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested. Sound Testing is to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls or floors. In usual circumstances, the room/s to be sound tested will be the living rooms and bedrooms, which are classed as the two main habitable rooms.

The sound test procedure involves setting up a noise source in a room on one side of the party wall or floor and measuring the noise on both sides of the partition.

Airborne sound tests may also be required between horizontally and vertically separated pairs of rooms. The sound tests are undertaken by using a sound source, amplifier and loudspeaker to generate a high noise level in one room (the source room). Noise measurements are then taken in both the source and receiver rooms using a prescribed number of source and microphone positions. The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the airborne sound insulation (DnT,w + Ctr) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E.

For vertically separated rooms, an Impact sound test may also be required. This sound test is undertaken using a tapping machine which drops a series of weights onto the floor of the upper room. The noise level in the lower (receiver) room is measured for a prescribed number of source and microphone locations. The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the impact sound insulation (LnT,w) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E.

Our sound test engineers carry all the latest Norsonic equipment, which are class one rating and all of our acoustic testing/sound testing, is completed to a strict quality controlled standard. We provide full UKAS Accredited sound testing.

Pre-completion sound testing is generally carried out at the request of the Building Control Officer. The guidance contained within Approved Document E gives detailed recommendations for the partitions to be tested and for the number of sound tests that should be carried out.

We recommend that the proposed sound testing is agreed in advance with the Building Control Officer prior to the London sound testing.

We can undertake both acoustic airborne sound testing to allow for speech, television etc, and impact sound testing to allow for footfall etc. This is in accordance with the requirements of Approved Document E of The Building Regulations and the relevant European and International standards.

The testing methods for airborne and impact sound insulation testing in London are in full accordance with: the suggested methods presented in BS EN ISO 140-parts 4 and 7: 1998.

If you are in the construction stage of a new project and are not sure if your design will pass the building regulations then contact us at info@airpressuretesting.net and we will check your acoustic design and offer advice (if required) for the wall or/and floor partitions. Alternatively if you require sound testing for your London project please contact APT Sound Testing services today on 01525 303 905.