APT Sound Testing has been providing indoor air quality services such as post-construction air quality testing and indoor air monitoring for a number of years.

We have assisted many customers in gaining their BREEAM and other compliance credits through our air quality plan and BREEAM air quality testing services.

As well as helping you to gain your initial (BREEAM) credit, by testing the indoor air quality our engineering team is then able to produce a bespoke indoor air quality plan.

Our plans are able to provide you with the following benefits:

Advice on removal of contaminant sources
Dilution and control of contaminant sources
Procedures for pre-occupancy flush-out
Informative checklist to help you prepare for the third party testing
Third party testing and analysis
Advice on maintaining Indoor Air Quality In-Use

Our Services to attain extra BREEAM points for Indoor Air quality under BREEAM Hea02

There are two defined stages for achieving extra points under BREEAM Hea02. The first stage is the air quality plan and the second stage is indoor quality testing. here is a quick explanantion for each stage.

Stage 1 – BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan
The BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Plan reduces the risk of health deterioration and building performance by improving indoor air quality for the end user. It makes assurances in the design stage of a project which plan for the existence of ventilation, equipment and construction materials which improve indoor air quality for the buildings occupiers.

Stage 2 – BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing
Your project must be nearing completion, including a fully operational HVAC system, before Indoor Air Quality Testing can be carried out. The sampling identifies the presence of volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), including formaldehyde.

Where the levels of these compounds are found to exceed the prescribed limits, to claim the BREEAM credit it must be identified that appropriate measures have or will be undertaken in accordance with the IAQP and the consultant’s report recommendations to reduce the levels to fall within the limits.

We can undertake all your BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing requirements
Here at APT Sound Testing, we have significant experience in carrying out post-construction Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) testing. We are familiar with the stringent methods that are specified under BREEAM Hea02, Home Quality Mark (HQM) and other compliance standards. Our team will always provide a firm quotation and helpful checklist to help you prepare for the testing, prior to us visiting site to carry out this work.

We will ensure that all post-construction testing is carried out to the relevant standard that you are looking to achieve as specifications do vary.

When undertaking Indoor Air Quality Testing for BREEAM, we will typically test for Formaldehyde and TVOC in the air but can easily include other pollutants if required. We will normally sample rooms which will be occupied for long periods of time, for instance offices, hospitals and offices. It is important to make sure that a sufficient number of these rooms are tested in order to gain the relevant credit.

Our tasked team will make sure that all post-construction air quality tests are carried out in accordance with the very exacting BREEAM Hea02 methods. Our expert team will also provide free advice and guidance to your project manager to help to create the correct environment for the air quality tests as we have found over this years this to be very important.

To help you prepare for your Post Construction Air quality testing, please download our Indoor Air Quality Checklist.

Need to add a BREEAM Indoor Air Quality testing checklist

What happens after the indoor air quality test?
After the indoor air quality test, we will send you a detailed test report testing report. This shows you which gases are present within your building, and where they are likely to have come from. Where we can, we will tell you what you can do to improve the air quality.

It is essential that testing for Formaldehyde and VOCs is carried out to the specified BREEAM Hea02 exacting standard required on your project. All test samples must be analysed in a UKAS accredited laboratory and may take 1-2 weeks to arrive back at our office.

Call or email us today about Indoor Air Quality Testing. We are here to help!

Call us on 01525 303905 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk about our Indoor Air Quality Testing services. We are here to help! Alternatively, please visit our contact page here.

Is your project registered under the BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) scheme? If so, APT Sound Testing’s  Indoor Air Quality Consultants can help your project to achieve credits and reach a desired BREEAM rating. Take a look through our specialist BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Testing services to find out more.

BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Assessment Services

The criteria of BREEAM Health and Wellbeing subcategory Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality’ and Pollution subcategory Pol 02 ‘Local air quality’ require the knowledge of an Indoor Air Quality Test company to carry our Hea 02: Post-construction Indoor Air Quality Testing.

If your project requires indoor air quality testing, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team who can discuss your requirements in more detail or visit our Indoor Air Quality Testing services page.

Why Should you Seek Credits Associated with Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality

The internal environment of new or refurbished buildings, can pose a health risk to occupants. This can occur as a result of the emission of harmful pollutants from materials used during the construction and finishing works, such as sealants, paints, and furnishings. The building can also be compromised by improperly designed ventilation that can lead to a build-up of airborne compounds.

Collectively, the odours and poor ventilation, can lead to a deterioration in the quality of internal air and lead to adverse health effects for those exposed, such as shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, nausea, dizziness, and skin problems as well as eye, nose and throat irritation. Higher concentrations may be even more problematic causing irritation of the lungs, as well as damage to the liver, kidney, or central nervous system. Long-term exposure may also cause permanent damage to the liver, kidneys and/or central nervous system. That’s why it’s essential that Indoor air quality testing is carried out prior to building handover.

What is BREEAM Hea 02 Indoor Air Quality?

BREEAM Hea 02 ‘Indoor Air Quality’ details an approach to reducing internal pollutant concentrations during design and construction phases of a project. This minimises potential emissions and exposure to harmful indoor pollutants, which leads to the improvement of the internal environment of new and refurbished buildings along with the health and wellbeing of its occupants.

For further information, please read our latest BREEAM guidance blog, along with our BREEAM Indoor Air Quality Test Page.

Indoor Air Quality Test 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 projects such as the British Museum and the Heals Building in Central London.

Please contact a member of our IAQT team today on info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk to find out more about how we can help with the indoor air quality aspect of your BREEAM project, development, call us on 01525 303905 or visit our case studies to review recently completed projects such as the Heals Building in London.

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.

We at APT Sound Testing often get asked the following questions in regard to sound testing.

Do detached properties require sound testing?

No. Only attached properties require sound tests.

Are internal walls/floor between rooms within a single dwelling tested?

No. Laboratory test-based performance standards (Rw) exist for certain internal walls and floors but they are not intended to be verified as-built by on site measurement.

What is the difference between Rw and DnT,w?

DnT,w is an in-situ measured performance parameter that demonstrates the level of resistance to sound transmission between two adjacent spaces (both direct sound transmission and flanking sound transmission will contribute to the measured performance). Rw is a performance parameter that describes the level of sound transmitted through a single element, such as a wall, floor, door or window and it is measured in a laboratory where flanking sound transmission is negligible. The DnT,w of a separating wall or floor will typically be of the order 5 to 7 dB lower than the specified Rw for the single element, due principally to the contribution from flanking sound transmission around the element when it is built on site.

How much sound insulation testing is needed?

Approved Document E 2003 states that one set of sound tests is required for every 10 units in a group or sub-group. A group or sub-group is defined where significant differences in construction or layout occur.
Houses – a set of tests would usually comprise two airborne sound insulation tests of a separating wall
Flats – a set of sound tests would usually comprise: two airborne sound insulation tests on the separating wall; two airborne sound insulation tests of a separating floor; two impact sound transmission tests of a separating floor

Rooms for Residential Purposes (student accommodation, hotel rooms, care homes etc) – a set of tests would usually comprise: one airborne sound insulation tests of a separating wall; one airborne sound insulation test of a separating floor; one impact sound transmission test of a separating floor.

How are plots selected for testing?

The building control officer, warranty provider or other concerned parties may require you to carry out sound tests in specific areas or plots. However where this has not been stipulated we can advise accordingly. Where this is determined in advance of the testing, it should ideally be checked with the concerned party. Tests are usually conducted between pairs of rooms, so adjacent plots will be required.

Methodology

How is a sound insulation test carried out?

Airborne sound insulation test – A controlled noise is generated by an amplifier and loudspeaker across a broad range of frequencies on one side of a separating wall or floor and the noise level is measured in decibels (dB) using a sound level meter. Measurements are also made on the opposite side of the separating wall/floor (i.e. in the neighbouring dwelling) in order to determine how much of the controlled noise being generated in the source room is transmitted through to the receiving room.

Impact sound transmission test – A calibrated tapping machine which comprises 5 metal ‘hammers’ driven up and down by a cam and electric motor, is used to simulate footfall noise on the floor surface. The resulting noise is measured in the neighbouring dwelling below, using a sound level meter.

What is reverberation time?

For both airborne and impact sound tests, the reverberation time (the time taken for sound to decay) is measured in the receive room and forms part of the calculation of the sound insulation performance.

If you would like more information in regards to sound testing please contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call us on 01525 303905.

Due to the housing shortage many houses are being converted into flats, which has resulted in a massive spike in noise complains amongst neighbours in such developments. Much of this rise in complaints are due to insufficient acoustic design at the start of the project, this means the dividing partitions are not being designed or constructed to comply with Part E of Building Regulations for Conversions.

In our experience many of the sound insulation tests we undertake on refurbishment projects achieve 30-35dB for airborne sound, which is well below the required 43dB as stipulated in Part E. For impact sound testing, the figures are usually around 70dB which is well above the required 64dB, which is also a massive failure.

Essential Acoustic Design
Taking the above into account is it essential that the acoustic design is addressed right from the start of the refurbishment project. The usual existing construction is 175mm joists with floorboards attached to the top and a single layer of plasterboard – as per the below detail:

Upgrades or changes to the buildings structure, i.e. previous service works for water pipes, drainage and heating systems may have removed acoustic materials or interfered with acoustic isolation. This can lead to a wide disparity in performance between damaged and undamaged floors or walls.

To overcome many of these issues we can visit site and undertake sample sound insulation testing through your property to establish the current noise levels. Once the noise levels have been established we can advise on acoustic upgrades to help you improve the sound insulation levels. it may be as simple as the installation of an acoustic resilient layer on the floor, or a minor wall upgrade.

UKAS Accredited Sound Testing
APT Sound Testing provides UKAS accredited sound testing for London and the whole of the UK as required by Approved Document E of the Building Regulations.

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.

Our team of experienced sound test engineers 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.

Airborne sound testing is undertaken to walls & floors. Firstly a controlled noise is generated by an amplifier and loudspeaker across a broad range of frequencies. The generated noise is very loud and is often in excess of 100dB. Initial measurements are taken using a class 1 sound level meter within the ‘source room’ followed by further measurements in the ‘receiver room’ on the other side of the wall or floor under investigation.

The source room speaker position is then changed and the measurements repeated either side of the partition under test. Thereafter background noise measurements are made using a class 1 sound level meter in the receiving room and are used to apply appropriate corrections for external sound such as traffic noise.

Similarly the reverberation time (the time taken for sound to decay by 60dB) is measured within the receiving room using the sound source and a sound level meter to determine the corrections that must be applied to account for the characteristics and absorptiveness of the room.

The difference in the two airborne noise levels (for walls and floors), corrected for background and reverberation characteristics determines the airborne sound insulation performance of the wall, or floor.

A greater airborne noise difference between the source room and the receiver room determines a higher airborne sound insulation performance and the higher chance of compliance with Approved Document E.

We have undertaken thousands of sound insulation testing in London and the UK and have a large amount of experience with helping clients with their acoustic design to achieve compliance with approved document E.

If you would like more information on airborne sound testing then please visit our contact page or call our team on 01525 303 905 or visit the APT Sound Testing website.

APT Sound Testing provides an extensive range of acoustic services from APT Sound Testing Our team of experienced acoustic engineers and technicians can assist you with independent acoustic design advice for party walls and floors and compliance with Building Regulations Part E.

We work with our clients to provide complete acoustic solution, saving you time and money. Whether you are an architect, developer, or private self-builder, we can provide advice in terms of Building Acoustics for your New-build, Conversion, or Material Change of Use projects such as HMO.

Sound Insulation Testing & Acoustic Consultancy
We can offer all types of advice from a quick site visit to provide verbal acoustic advice, to a fully-fledged acoustic design review of all relevant details for a larger development. Not only do we review the separating construction but also the junction details considering potential noise flanking issues.

Following the design stage advice, we can then carry out the sound insulation testing at the pre-completion stage so our clients can achieve building control sign-off for the acoustic element of the development. We provide our acoustic services for all types of projects from small housing developments to the largest residential developments.

What is Part E of Building Regulations?
Approved Document E of the Building Regulations requires that new attached homes are designed and constructed to provide reasonable resistance to the passage of sound via the party walls and floors and that, unless the homes are registered with Robust Details Limited, a sample of 10% of dwellings on every new development will have to be sound tested.

Using our pre-completion testing service gives you:

Quick response, fast results– the sound testing is arranged around your build schedule, and you will receive an immediate indication of test performance on site, with a full certificate/report sent electronically shortly afterwards.

Expert remedial acoustic advice– if your project fails any of the sound tests, we try to help you achieve compliance as quickly as possible. We will, whenever possible, undertake re-tests during the same visit to help you get the pass you need.

Complete compliance signoff solution– if you combine your sound insulation testing with our air leakage and energy assessment services. We will ensure swift communication between teams to clear outstanding technical conditions.

APT Sound Testing can provide telephone advice, a quote to undertake an acoustic design review of your architect’s drawings to help the likelihood of passing the sound insulation test at the first attempt, reducing the risk of costly remedial works to your project prior to handover. If you require sound insulation testing to party walls, or you need an acoustic design review on your development, please contact us now or visit our acoustic design page.

Our acoustic engineers have carried out over 10,000 sound insulation tests and have the experience to help you with any scheme.

We are also a UKAS-accredited sound testing, 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 in London, please contact us at 01525 303905 or info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk, for more information please visit the APT Sound Testing website or download our sound test checklist.

Sound testing is an essential aspect of property development that ensures the acoustic performance of a building meets the required standards. This process involves measuring the levels of sound insulation between adjoining properties to assess the impact of noise transfer from one area to another. The purpose of sound testing is to identify any issues and provide recommendations for remedial actions that will improve the acoustic performance of the building.

The importance of sound testing cannot be overstated as noise pollution has been shown to have negative effects on health, productivity, and general well-being. Living in a noisy environment can cause stress, sleep disturbance, and hearing impairment, which can ultimately affect the quality of life of the occupants. Therefore, it is important to ensure that buildings are acoustically insulated to mitigate the impact of noise pollution.

Sound Testing Recommendations
Sound testing is typically conducted in two stages: pre-completion testing and post-completion testing. Pre-completion testing is carried out during the construction phase of the building to identify any issues and provide recommendations for remedial action. Post-completion testing is carried out after the building is occupied to ensure that it meets the required acoustic performance standards.

The results of the sound tests are presented in the form of sound insulation values (measured in decibels) and a report that highlights any issues and recommendations for improvement. The values are compared against the minimum standards set out in building regulations and other relevant guidelines. These standards vary depending on the type of property and the intended use of the space. For example, the minimum sound insulation standards for residential buildings are different from those for commercial buildings.

Sound testing is essential for a number of reasons. Firstly, it ensures that buildings are compliant with building regulations and other relevant guidelines. Compliance with these standards is a legal requirement and failure to meet them can result in legal action being taken against the developer or owner of the property.

Secondly, sound testing helps to improve the quality of life of the occupants by reducing the impact of noise pollution. This is particularly important for residential buildings, where noise from adjacent properties can be a significant source of disturbance. By ensuring that buildings are acoustically insulated, the occupants can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable living environment.

Thirdly, sound testing can help to improve the value of a property. A building that has been sound tested and certified to meet the required standards is likely to be more attractive to potential buyers or tenants. This is because they can be assured of the quality of the building’s acoustic performance, which is an important factor for many people when choosing a property.

Sound testing is also important for ensuring that the building meets the needs of its intended use. For example, a building that is intended for use as a music studio or a cinema requires a higher level of sound insulation than a residential building. By conducting sound tests, the developer can ensure that the building meets the specific requirements of its intended use.

Sound testing is also beneficial for architects, engineers, and other building professionals. By conducting sound tests, they can identify any design flaws that may impact the acoustic performance of the building. This enables them to make necessary changes before construction begins, which can save time and money in the long run.

Furthermore, sound testing can help to reduce the likelihood of disputes between neighbors. In residential buildings, noise from adjacent properties can be a source of tension between occupants. By ensuring that the building meets the required sound insulation standards, the likelihood of disputes arising can be reduced.

It is worth noting that sound testing is not a one-time process. The acoustic performance of a building can deteriorate over time due to wear and tear, changes in the building’s use, or changes in the adjacent environment. Therefore, it is important to conduct regular sound tests to ensure that the building continues to meet the required standards.

In conclusion, sound testing is an essential aspect of property development that ensures the acoustic performance of a building meets the required standards. It has numerous benefits, including improving the quality of life of the occupants, ensuring compliance with building regulations, increasing the value of the property, and reducing the likelihood of disputes between neighbors. Therefore, it is important to conduct sound tests during the construction phase and regularly after the building is occupied to ensure that it continues to meet the required standards.

If you need help with the acoustic design and sound testing to comply with the lease condition/s on your project;  or, you have a problem with raised noise levels due to neighbours changing their floor construction, we provide an acoustic design and sound testing solution to achieve compliance with your lease condition. Please visit our website now at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk or contact us now at 01525 303 905.

If you are changing a carpet floor finish to wooden and/or tile flooring in a leased residential dwelling, then you will need to check what your lease allows you to. In existing apartment blocks it is very common for the corresponding residential lease to contain clauses that may restrict alterations to floor finishes, this is normally where carpeted flooring is in place, but this also applies to where hard or wooden floor finishes are being altered as well e.g., wood to stone finish.

Usually, the lease clause will state that  sound insulation testing of the new floors is required to provide the same resistance to sound as the existing floor construction. In our experience, most lease conditions require sound testing prior to works commencing to ascertain the existing acoustic performance, thereafter a second set of sound tests must be undertaken once the works are complete to check that the sound insulation is the same (or better) than the original flooring.

Sometimes the lease will also stipulate that an acoustic consultant must be employed to prepare a robust acoustic design for the floor, to ensure the desired sound reduction will be achieved. It can be difficult to ensure that a wooden floor construction will offer the same acoustic performance as an existing carpeted floor, and therefore a detailed acoustic design as well as careful site installation is required to ensure compliance with the clause of the lease.

Acoustic design and sound testing for lease condition compliance

We have helped hundreds of clients to comply with the acoustics for their lease conditions, so please get in touch if you need help. We usually undertake the following process to achieve compliance:

Pre-works Sound Testing
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
We will analyse the sound test results as well as the existing construction detail of the party floor; thereafter, we will review your proposed floor specification and forward our findings via an easy-to-follow acoustic design report. The report will contain the materials to be used as well as installation instructions to meet the requirements of the lease. The acoustic design review is very important to ensure install the correct materials to attain compliance with your lease.

Site Inspection Visit
Our engineers will visit site and check that acoustic correct materials are being installed inline with manufacturer’s guidelines.

Post-works Sound Testing
Once the new flooring is installed, we will conduct post completion sound testing to provide evidence that the lease requirements have been met, we then provide the test reports to provide to your management agent for sign off.

We have helped hundreds of clients to comply with the acoustics for their lease conditions, so please get in touch if you need help. We usually undertake the following process to achieve compliance:

If you need help with the acoustic design and sound testing to comply with the lease condition/s on your project;  or, you have a problem with raised noise levels due to neighbours changing their floor construction, we provide an acoustic design and sound testing solution to achieve compliance with your lease condition. Please visit our website now at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk or contact us now at