Sound Testing on Office Conversions

APT Sound Testing under-take hundreds of sound tests on building conversions throughout the capital every year. Many of the sound tests we undertake are typically the conversion of existing 3 storey houses in flats, i.e. from one house into 3 flats. However, we are now seeing an increase in the amount of office blocks being converted into dwellings.

When offices are converted into dwellings we often undertake sample sound tests to check the existing sound levels prior to the commencement of works, once we have established the sound tests results we can then come up with a more cost effective design to comply with Part E of Building Regulations.

Historically we have found that if the floor structure is a typical 200mm concrete slab the sample airborne results are coming close to the requirements of Part E without any modifications to the existing slab; however, the impact results are poor. This is because the airborne sound is broken down by the mass of the concrete slab, therefore sounds such as speech & TV etc. are minimised.

Unfortunately, impact sound test results are poor due to the lack of isolation within the slab, therefore the sound travels straight through the slab to the area below. Sound such as people walking can be very loud and unacceptable.

Using our extensive knowledge regarding the way different materials and construction methods can influence the results of sound testing we can offer easy-to-follow acoustic advice on the most awkward developments.

Contact APT Sound Testing
APT Sound Testing undertakes sound testing on all types of residential buildings and commercial buildings. We also undertake sound testing on schools and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes.

Our team of experienced sound test engineers is dedicated to giving our customers the best quality of service and offers acoustic design advice where possible, to help our clients achieve the required acoustic results to pass the sound testing and attain building completion. We can also undertake ‘in-house’ UKAS accredited air tightness testing in one seamless package, lowering costs and negating coordination issues.

If you are having problems with you building’s design or simply require some friendly advice please contact us now at 01525 303905 or visit our Sound Testing services website.