Thermal imaging surveys are a great tool for identifying building defects in new or existing commercial building. They can pick issues within your building envelope, such as damaged or missing insulation,

Thermal imaging inspections are useful for spotting leaks in pipes, and detecting moisture damage such as dampness in floors walls, and ceilings, and is often instructed by insurance companies to determine whether there are any hidden dangers in buildings that could cause major damage such as old electrical and mechanical systems.

Common building defects found with thermal imaging surveys

There are literally hundreds of varying defects that can be found using thermal imaging inspections, here is a list of the most common issues found in residential and commercial buildings:

• Faulty Electrical Systems – thermal imaging is good for fault diagnosis in electrical systems. Components can be checked in a live state with little danger to the user, there is no effect on the components or interruption in any processes the electrical system may be controlled, thus no downtime for server rooms and/or manufacturing plant etc.
• Leaky Pipes – leaking pipes in walls, floors and ceilings allow you to quickly target and rectify the issue before it causes too much damage to your building
• Building Construction Defects – thermal Imaging surveys can identify construction faults such as damaged or missing insulation in cladding and/or cavity walls.
• Air Leakage Paths – Identifying air leak paths in your building fabric during your building survey can help you keep your building warmer and more insulated, often resulting in decreased energy costs.
• Moisture Issues – Thermography can help identify moisture problems on the interior or exterior of the property which can affect the drying of buildings.
• Flat Roof Leaks – Thermal Surveys can help reduce the chance of possible leakage in flat roofing before it becomes a wider issue.
• Damp Issues – Using thermal cameras, you are able to accurately identify areas of damp, allowing you to target and rectify the issue from its root cause.
• Building Renovations – Thermal Imaging can help identify which parts of a building need improving, saving time and money on unnecessary restoration works.
• Leaking Pipes – thermal imaging can help you identify locations of leaking pipes in walls, floors and ceilings allowing you to quickly target and rectify the issue before it causes too much damage to your building.

We provide high-quality Thermal Imaging Inspections

Our experienced and highly qualified thermal imaging surveyors produce higher quality and more technically consistent thermography inspections. Our Level 3 engineers can troubleshoot, calibrate equipment, interpret data, and create reports that are both informative and easy to follow.

When you are employing a thermographer, you should check to see that they incorporate the high specifications possible for their inspections. Are they certified to Level 3 and do they use large format thermal imaging cameras?

If you would like further information on out thermal imaging inspection services, please contact us at 01525 303905 are or infor@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or visit our website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk and download our thermal imaging checklist

APT Acoustic Design Service
The importance of good acoustic design and construction should not be underestimated. If a project fails its precompletion sound testing it may need costly remedial works to comply with Building Regulations Part E.

On new build developments we offer comprehensive acoustic design via coordination with the lead consultant. We can also visit site during the construction process to undertake a detailed site survey visit to check the onsite construction is as per the construction details – this is often good to ensure the relevant parties are fully aware of the installation detail required, which in turn may highlight possible ‘onsite’ construction problems.

Acoustic Design Service in London

On conversion projects we can visit site and undertake sample sound testing, this will evaluate the performance of the existing floor and wall partitions, which allows for targeted acoustic design as the acoustic performance of the dividing partitions may be already good – especially if the buildings floors are constructed out of cast in situ concrete.

APT Sound Testing provides a consultancy design service to Architects, Property Developers and Building Contractors. We specialise in helping small developers pass their sound testing to achieve Part E compliance for all types of project such as new build properties, blocks of flats and conversions.

Many of our clients have previously conveyed negative feedback that larger acoustic consultancies don’t understand small builder requirements and subsequently often produce complicated acoustic design detailing that are both difficult (in terms of build-ability) and very costly to undertake. We try to provide acoustic solutions that are cost effective and easy to construct, saving our clients time and money.

If you would like more information in regards to our acoustic design service and/or sound testing please contact us at 01525 303905 or visit our website at: www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk

APT Sound Testing Services
Here at APT Sound Testing we undertake 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.

We provide provide UKAS accredited sound testing for London and the whole of the UK as required by Approved Document E of the Building Regulations.

Experienced Sound Testing Engineers

The team of experienced sound test engineers at APT Sound Testing are dedicated to giving our customers the best quality of service and offer 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.

Who We Work With

APT Sound Testing have years of experience working with a wide range of clients that span both the public and private sectors. We have clients ranging from self-builders through to the largest housing developers. We also work with the health authority and the banking sector on their cleanroom testing. Our clients have benefited from our wealth of knowledge and friendly, proactive service that we provide.

We have one of the highest return-client rates of any precompletion testing and consultancy services within the United Kingdom. This is due to the proactive unique service that we can provide. We do not subcontract our work – everything is undertaken in-house.

We are one of the few companies that have an office in central London, which means we can respond quickly and efficiently to our client’s survey and testing requirements. We also have the resources to undertake last minute testing have the resource capabilities to carry our last minute testing and weekend working – which we often do in the banking sector) should it be required.

Thanks to highly trained engineers, we are able to provide a quick and efficient service with the emphasis on customer satisfaction, which is why we have one of highest return-client rates of any acoustic consultancy. Using our many years’ acoustic design experience has allowed us to build a knowledge base that helps us achieve an understanding of our client and project requirements. We are also a multi UKAS accredited laboratory, working to strict ISO standards so you can sure of a quality service from start to project completion.

In is our ongoing policy to listen to our clients’ needs and present them with practical, cost-effective solutions which also takes into account buildability considerations. This means that we offer acoustic consultancy solutions, which encompasses acoustic design and precompletion testing in one easy package.

We use the latest acoustic testing and survey equipment which is UKAS calibrated to the highest standards. By investing in both our personnel and equipment it allows us to offer a more efficient service.

APT Sound Testing strive to provide our clients with a guaranteed quality service every time they decide to get in touch.

The team at APT Sound Testing would love to hear about your latest project, so please get in touch now by calling 01525 303 905 or visit our website today.

Sound Testing for Leasehold Agreements
One of the main reasons for neighbour disputes is down to the fact that floor modifications may have taken place without the flat owner, first consulting his/her leasehold agreement. In many cases the lease agreement contains something similar to the following conditions:

‘If the tenant wants to change the floor construction within his dwelling he shall’:

Commission an independent acoustic consultant to carry out a pre installation test, design the new acoustic installation and carry out a post installation test and provide the results to the landlord’s surveyors for approval; and invite the Landlord’s surveyor to inspect the acoustic insulation before it is concealed; and accept that the Landlord.

Whilst granting this Licence, does not accept any responsibility for the design or performance of the insulation provided and that if any issues arise the Tenant will address these immediately. In the event of reasonable complaint being upheld by the Landlord or his agent concerning noise affecting other Tenants within The Building, the Tenant will arrange for carpeting (the provision of which shall be determined by the Landlord) to be positioned and maintained at the Tenant’s sole cost;

We offer a comprehensive acoustic service to let our clients comply with their leasehold agreements.

Pre-works Sound Testing of the existing construction. This offers an accurate overview of the acoustic performance of the existing floor partition/s prior to the commencement of construction works.

It also enables us to offer a targeted acoustic design using the sound insulation performance of the existing construction.

Acoustic design review – once we have the performance figures from the sample sound testing have been established, we can forward a design that should improve the performance of the existing floor partition – even if you are changing the floor from a carpet to engineered timber floor finish!

Site Survey Visit – This allows us to check that the installation team is installing the acoustic materials as per manufacturer’s guidelines.

Final Precompletion Sound Testing in-line with Approved Document E. This provides an accurate overview of the acoustic performance of the upgraded partition/s, the results of which can be handed over to the relevant person for sign off.

Having undertaken hundreds of sound tests across London and the South East, we know the importance of getting acoustic design right from the word go, is key, and APT Sound Testing can help in all areas of sound insulation design and sound testing. Please get in touch with us today to request a quote or call us on 01525 303905 to discuss your development. Alternatively, visit our website for more information.

Please Note: Although we take every care to ensure the information was correct at the time of publication. Any written guidance provided does not replace the user’s professional judgment. It is the responsibility of the duty-holder or person carrying out the work to ensure compliance with relevant building regulations or applicable technical standards.

Undertaking a thermographic survey can be one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to generate BREEAM credits. Thermographic surveys are now a feature of BREEAM the environmental assessment method and rating system for commercial and domestic buildings. We always work proactively with clients to ensure a successful outcome.

BREEAM New Construction and BREEAM 2012 Domestic Refurbishment award credits for thermography surveys carried out by a Level 2 certified thermography engineer. The way each scheme works with respect to awarding points for thermography is slightly different. The very latest BREEAM 2014 UK New Construction scheme provides BREEAM credits for thermographic surveys but is in a slightly different way. A quick summary is below:

BREEAM Technical Guide
This new BREEAM technical guide describes an environmental performance standard against which new, non-domestic buildings in the UK can be assessed, rated, and certified. You can gain 1 BREEAM credit for a BREEAM thermographic survey in London. Within Man 01 – Sustainable Procurement, it states the following:

This new BREEAM technical guide describes an environmental performance standard against which new, non-domestic buildings in the UK can be assessed, rated, and certified. You can gain 1 BREEAM credit for a BREEAM thermographic survey in London. Within Man 01 – Sustainable Procurement, it states the following:

>>> The main contractor accounts for a thermographic survey within the project budget and programme of work.
>>> Once construction is complete a thermographic survey of the building fabric is undertaken in accordance with the appropriate standard and by a professional holding a minimum Level 2 certificate in thermography.

The survey confirms:
Continuity of insulation in accordance with the construction drawings
Avoidance of excessive thermal bridging
Avoidance of air leakage paths through the fabric (except through intentional openings)
Any defects identified via the post-construction inspections are rectified

We use the latest high-resolution thermal imaging cameras to undertake our Thermographic Surveys throughout London and the Southeast. Thermal imaging is one the quickest and easiest ways to undertake fault diagnosis on your buildings, as thermography can quickly and accurately identify building faults and an easy to follow reports, so the defects can be quickly indented and rectified by the contractors.

When you are employing a thermographer, you should check to see that they incorporate the high specifications possible for their inspections. Are they certified to Level 3 and do they use large format FLIR thermal imaging cameras?

Their specification should include:

>>> Level 3 thermographic certification
>>> Level 3 qualified thermographers
>>> Large format FLIR cameras with 45-degree lenses

The benefits of thermographic inspections are well documented and when it’s used in conjunction with air tightness testing it can be a very power combination – especially when its used on commercial buildings.

We hope this information on thermal imaging inspections has been helpful. If you require a Thermal imaging survey our professional and certified Level 3 Thermographer’s will carry out your thermographic Inspections for BREEAM compliance in accordance with all necessary standards and current regulations.

All we need are a few details such as floor plans and elevation drawings and the building location to provide a quotation. We will also send our informative checklist to help you prepare for the thermal survey.

Please contact us for more information on our thermographic inspection services. If you would like to contact us for more information on our thermal imaging services, please contact us on 01525 303905 or by visiting our website.

How Many Sound Tests Do I Need On My Project?
Our clients often ask ‘how many sound tests do I need on my project’. Part E stipulated that 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 tests when assessing the performance of a wall this means 2 airborne wall, 2 airborne floor and 2 impact sound tests as a minimum wherever possible. 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.

Acoustic Design Advice

Approved Document E 2003 also states that a minimum of 10% of all party walls and floors is sound tested for every type of construction or sub-group, this means where there a variations in the construction of the floors and/or walls may occur then further testing may be required. The amount of sound tests required for each type of development is:

Houses:

On houses two airborne sound insulation tests on a pair of separating walls would be required.

Flats:

On flats a 6 Pack would normally be required, this 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:

On student accommodation, 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 on a separating floor and one impact sound transmission test of a separating floor.

If you are unsure of the amount of sound tests required on your development, please contact us now by visiting our website or calling our support team at 01525 303905.

APT Sound Testing has been helping our clients with acoustic design on their projects for almost 15 years and sound insulation testing for almost 20 years. During this time we have gained a massive amount of experience in dealing with building acoustics on all types of new build and conversion projects throughout London and the South East. That’s why so many clients use us for their acoustic design and sound testing in London.

UKAS Accredited Sound Testing
Our combined acoustic design and sound testing package is one of our most popular packages, as it reduces the chance of clients failing their precompletion sound testing. We offer acoustic advice from the design stage of your project, right through to helping clients that have already failed their sound testing.

We can offer easy-to-implement acoustic upgrades to ensure our clients pass their sound testing at the second attempt. Unfortunately, many sound testing companies do not offer acoustic advice in the event of a failure, so it would be worth checking this with the company prior to placing an order to proceed with the work.

APT Sound Testing’s quick and professional service ensures that you won’t have to wait too long for your acoustic design report and/or the sound test certificate. As we use the latest Norsonic sound testing equipment we are able to offer verbal results immediately on-site, along with a full written report and your certificate the very next day.

APT Sound Testing has been in the industry for a long time and we know the importance of your project passing the sound testing to achieve building sign-off, as it’s usually one of the last items you need to undertake prior to building handover.

We are a UKAS Accredited Company

Our sound test engineers carry all the latest Norsonic equipment, which is 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.

To find out more about our acoustic design service and/or UKAS-accredited sound insulation testing in London, please visit our website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk, alternatively please email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call us on 01525 303905 to discuss your needs with one of the team.

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.

If you are having problems with your building’s design or simply require some friendly advice please contact us now by visiting the APT Sound Testing website, calling us at 01525 303905, or emailing us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk.

The internal environment of new or refurbished buildings can pose a health risk to occupants via the emission of harmful pollutants from materials utilised as part of the construction, fit out and finishing works, such as paints and furnishings that’s why we need Indoor Air Quality Testing.

Many people are not affected by short-term exposure to the low levels of VOCs found in buildings; however, some people can be more sensitive, such as people with asthma or allergies. Research is ongoing to better understand any health effects from long-term exposure to low levels of VOCs.

How indoor air quality testing can help to reduce exposure to VOCs

In most cases, you can best avoid exposure to VOCs by controlling their source. This can be undertaken by the use materials and products that do not give off VOCs. And adequate indoor air quality testing throughout the duration of the works.

Such examples are listed below.

• Ensure you have a suitably trained operative with calibrated air quality testing equipment to check that the air quality levels are safe via ongoing indoor air quality sampling.
• To reduce VOCs, select paints and varnishes that are labelled as containing low VOCs
• Do not allow smoking in or near your office. Second-hand smoke contains many pollutants, including VOCs
• Minimise the use of scented products such as aerosol deodorizers and candles/incense
• Where possible store furnishings and building materials for at least a few weeks. This will allow gases to be given off before you bring them into your office. If this is not possible, increase the ventilation by opening windows and doors in the building wherever possible.
• Ensure contractors store paints, cleaners and solvents in a separate room like an outdoor shed or in areas with proper ventilation and ensure lids are kept on unless in use.
• Ensure contractors remove all old or unnecessary tins or bottles that contain products with VOCs from the workplace. Do not throw unused products away ensure they are safely and properly disposed.

New carpets/carpet tiles can effect Indoor Air Quality

• If glues are required to bond the carpet to the floor, only select those suitable for indoor use
• Ensure operatives leave the area throughout the duration of the carpet installation.
• During the installation, try to ventilate the area as much as possible using fans and opening doors and windows. Continue to ventilate for several days after installation until the smells have gone.
• Double check the air quality by undertaking ongoing indoor air quality testing.

Adequate Ventilation:

• Ensure you get enough fresh, clean air into your building by opening windows and doors.
• Increase ventilation prior to bringing new VOC sources into your building such as new carpets, furniture, or drapes. Open doors, windows and skylights wherever possible.
• Follow manufacturers COSHH labels. If the label says “use in a well-ventilated area” go outside or to an area where an exhaust fan or open window provides extra ventilation throughout. In all instances ensure adequate ventilation is provided throughout the works and rest period.

We are the Indoor Air Quality Testing Experts

APT Sound Testing has a large amount of experience in the provision of BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing services. This ensures we are able to address all elements of indoor air quality testing. We have supported a wide range of BREEAM projects within the commercial and industrial sectors. These have included hospitals, health centres, laboratories.

Please get in touch with a member of our engineering team today at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or 01525 303905 to find out more about how we can help with the indoor air quality testing aspect of your BREEAM development or visit our case studies to review recently completed projects such as The Annexe (Imperial War Museum) and The Heals Building in Central London.

If your scheme is registered with BREEAM you may require indoor air quality testing to fulfill the requirements of the ‘Health and Wellbeing’ credits, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialist team today to find out how we can help you achieve the extra BREEAM credits associated with Hea02 for indoor air quality (VOC) testing.

Extra BREEAM Credits for Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality Testing
The internal environment of new structures and/or refurbished buildings, although newly developed can pose a health risk to occupants. This can occur as a result of the emission of harmful pollutants from materials utilised as part of the construction, fit out and finishing works, such as paints and furnishings. In addition to materials, improperly designed ventilation systems can lead to a build-up of airborne compounds. Collectively these issues can cause a deterioration in the quality of internal air and lead to adverse health effects for those exposed.

Trying to achieve the criteria set out in Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality’ facilitates an active approach to reducing internal pollutant concentrations during design, construction and completion. This minimises emissions and potential exposure to harmful indoor pollutants such as VOC’s and Formaldehyde. As a result, improving the internal environment of a development should improve the health and wellbeing of its occupants.

BREEAM-Indoor-Air-Quality-Test equipment

The new updates to BREEAM Hea02 Air Quality Credits
The emissions from construction products credit have been updated to amend the emission standards against which building products must be compared. This will increase BREEAMs applicability and ease the process of identifying compliant products. Lastly, the total volatile organic compound (TVOC) concentration criteria against which post-construction monitoring must be compared has been increased from 300μg/m3 to 500μg/m3 over the 8-hour period. This change is likely to allow consistency with the criteria and bring it in line with the American WELL building standard, which has gained popularity throughout Europe over the last couple of years.

BREEAM-Indoor-VOC-Air-Quality-Test equipment

We are the Indoor Air Quality Testing Experts
APT Sound Testing has a large amount of experience in the provision of BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing services. This ensures we are able to address all elements of Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality. We have supported a wide range of BREEAM projects within the commercial and industrial sectors. These have included hospitals, health centres, laboratories.

Please get in touch with a member of our engineering team today at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or 01525 303905 to find out more about how we can help with the indoor air quality testing aspect of your BREEAM development or visit our case studies to review recently completed projects such as The Annexe (Imperial War Museum) and The Heals Building in Central London.