APT Sound Testing provide UKAS accredited sound testing & Thermal Imaging Surveys for London and the whole of the UK as required by Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. We undertake projects on all types of residential buildings and commercial buildings. We also undertake sound testing on schools and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes.

Thermal Imaging Surveys in London

A thermal Imaging survey is a completely non-invasive method of investigating many aspects of a building that are virtually impossible by any other method.

Thermal Imaging Process

A thermal Imaging survey is an extraordinary method of investigating many aspects of a building that is completely non-invasive.

Thermal Imaging Inspections use IR Thermography to identify a wide range of issues such as:

• Incorrectly applied or inadequate insulation within the building envelope

• Locating air leakage paths into/out of your building

• Moisture infiltration

• Poor moisture barriers

There is no other low impact and accurate way to assess the unseen performance of insulation or the building fabric.

A thermal Imaging Survey can is also ideal for identifying water penetration through roofs or other parts of a building structure, alleviating the need for time consuming water dye tests which are not always accurate.

APT Sound Testing uses the latest Flir Thermal Imaging Cameras for our thermography report generation and as well as utilising the latest software for accurate reportage and trend analysis.

This means or thermal imaging reports can be issued within hours of the survey being completed with recommendations to help our clients deal with every eventuality.

How we Prepare for a Thermographic Survey

What is also important is that there must be no direct or residual solar loading from the sun in the building.

Many companies have their thermal imaging surveys undertaken an hour or so after sunset and this is usually flawed and may lead to inaccurate results. Whilst there may be rate exceptions to this, as a rule, there will be solar load in the building for many hours after sunset.

Therefore, we have learnt to undertake more accurate reportage the thermal imaging surveys should generally be conducted in the early hours of a cold morning, approx.

Two hours before the sun can fall on the building. It is more difficult to undertake conduct these types of heat loss survey during summer months when the ground temperatures and surrounding buildings are at high temperatures for months on end; however, this can be overcome by ramping up internal temperatures within the building and using the latest and more advanced thermal imaging cameras.

In all cases APT Sound Testing will check each project in isolation to ensure the correct site conditions are in place prior to undertaking the thermal imaging survey in compliance with the requirements with BS EN 13187. Building Regulations Part L and this link both offer lots of useful information in regards to Thermography Surveys.

We 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.

If you need more information on how to prepare your building for a Thermal Imaging Survey please download our air tightness testing checklist. If you would like more information in regards to our, please visit our website or call us Direct on 01525 303 905

When designing a new project containing multiple dwellings, why go further than just meeting the basic regulations. For instance, if you only manage to achieve the minimum requirements for compliance with Building Regulations Part E for sound testing, then the chance of noise complaints will usually be higher than if you better it by 5-7dB.  

Improving Acoustics in Dwellings

The World Health Organisation defines noise as ‘unwanted sound’ and such noise in buildings can have significant effects on the people (residents) who occupy them. If a person is subjected to excess noise for long periods, it can result in physical discomfort or mental distress and in many cases noise complaints. The WHO estimates that around 50% of the population of the European Union live in areas are exposed to noise levels that do not ensure acoustic comfort to their inhabitants and more than 30% are exposed to noise levels at night which is at a level disturbing to sleep this is simply not good enough.

Within homes, a noisy neighbour can be one of the main problems experienced in attached housing. It’s estimated that up to 4 million people in Britain have had their lives disturbed by noisy neighbours.

The best way to combat excess noise is to ensure that proper precautions are taken at the design stage of the project and thereafter during construction of the building. Noise transmission levels should be compatible with the building’s usage with the correct acoustic climate provided in each space.

The UK has the building regulations and a number of sector specific guidance documents covering noise, these are:

• Approved Document E
• Building Bulletin 93
• Health Technical Memorandum 08-01
• BS8233
• BS4142

There are strong arguments for considering solutions which go above and beyond just meeting the minimum requirements in the above regulations. For instance using acoustic ceiling products and partition systems it is possible to create environments that offer greater acoustic comfort for occupants go above and beyond the standard Building Regulations requirements, which should have a positive impact on health, well-being and productivity.

Firstly, get advice on acoustic design before starting construction. The most effective way to ensure you improve the acoustics on your project and pass your sound test at the first attempt is to plan your project with sound insulation in mind. This does not need to be costly, and can save considerable time and cost at the end of the project, by reducing the chance of needing to undertake remedial works and re-testing.

The two main areas to take into consideration are usually the dividing wall and floor partitions. If you are unsure of how to build the separating wall and floor partitions and associated junctions across your project don’t panic, we can offer an acoustic design service. The degree of guidance you require can vary from site to site; however, we can cater for every eventuality by offering sample sound testing to establish the sound insulation performance of your existing wall and floors. Thereafter we can undertake more targeted design review using the information at hand.

When your project is underway, we can visit site and check the construction is being constructed as designed. Even minor alterations can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of your sound insulation measures.

If you have a new project and you need help with your acoustic design and/or sound testing then please email us at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk  or call us on 01525 303 905. If you want more information on our full range of services please visit our website at: www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk

If you would like to download more information on Improving Acoustics in Dwellings and how to prepare for your sound testing, please click download our sound testing checklist.

Improving your Air Test with Good Construction Detailing

Since April 2006, air testing has been required to be tested for Air Permeability, in order to comply with Part L1 & L2 of the Building Regulations.  Since 2011 the air leakage target has reduced from 10m3/hr/m2 to 5m3/hr/m2. In the next 2 years it is expected that the target may be reduced to 3m3/hr/m2.

We provide a personal, helpful, efficient and cost effective air test service to our clients. Using the latest high power, portable door fans systems, we offer air testing to all building types, ranging from small rooms, flats & houses to office blocks & large distribution warehouses in accordance with the Building Regulations Part L1 & L2

Our air test fan systems are compact, discreet and fit simply into a personnel door. The system can easily be transported through areas of limited access or up to high level areas. Many contractors use us to undertake the testing in busy city centres or other tight access areas as we eliminate the site disruption caused by the larger trailer type air testing equipment.

In the event of a building failing an air test we then offer smoke testing – both hand-puffer for dwellings and large scale smoke testing for commercial buildings. This highlights the areas of air leakage through the building fabric. We can then undertake a full written and photographic survey as reference for your site management and relevant subcontractors. We will also offer FREE advice on the best method to seal any leaking areas. The main benefits of this are:

•             Air leakage paths are quickly identified in the event of a test failure

•             A full written air leakage report is forwarded so remedial works can start straight away

•             Building handover/practical completion and handover can be achieved more quickly
 

Construction Phase Consultancy

Air Pressure Testing has a practical ‘hands on’ approach during building construction and prefers to be involved as practically possible during this stage. We undertake periodic site visits to inspect the building envelope assembly as it is constructed and provide both written and photographic reports to enable any further works / remedial works deemed necessary to be accurately targeted. Site visits are generally to allow us to identify:

•             Insulation placement, continuity and effectiveness at thermal bridge junctions

•             Air barrier continuity within elements and at interfaces (particularly at sub-contract  package interfaces) 

Foundation/ground floor Initial works (Air Test risk factor 8)

a.            Ensure that any penetrations through the air barrier (e.g. service pipes) have been dressed. Pre- formed collars, sometimes referred to as ‘top hats’, which seal to the membrane and around the throat of the pipes are effective means of achieving a good airtightness seal.

b.            Ensure that the wall and floor damp-proof course/membrane forms an adequate airtight layer.

c.             With using timber frame construction, check that the sole plate is sealed to the foundation/floor-slab.

Internal Floors (Air Test risk factor 9)

a.            Using joist hangers can limit penetrations through the air barrier.

b.            If joists are to be supported by the wall, check that there is no air leakage into the cavity and the wall between the joists is fully filled/completed.

c.             Ensure timber floor sheets/boards are well fitted and sealed at their edges as well as at junctions with perimeter walls with mastic.

d.            Ensure the ceiling-to-wall joint has been sealed with mastic.

Eaves Level (Air Test risk factor 8)

a.            Ensure the airtightness layer between the wall and ceiling/roof is continuous ceiling below the roof space.

b.            Ensure there is a continuous air barrier over the whole ceiling area.

c.             Ensure all service penetrations (ventilation ducts from extract fans and light fittings) have been properly sealed where they penetrate the air barrier as this is a major air leakage path.

d.            Ensure all loft hatches are airtight and surrounds are sealed where they penetrate the air barrier.

External Doors & Windows (Air Test risk factor 7)

a.            Ensure you always specify good quality windows and doors.

b.            Always check that the wall-to-frame junction is properly sealed and continuous with mastic against the wall’s airtightness layer

c.             Ensure all windows and doors have an appropriate weather-seal between the opening unit and the frame – check for missing weather seals.

d.            All external doors should be fitted with draught excluders.

e.            Ensure the letterbox is fitted with a draught excluder.

Envelope Service penetrations (Air Test risk factor 10)

a.            Check for seals at service entry points (pipe and cable routes), e.g. around incoming water pipes,  gas pipes, electrical cabling, as well as waste water pipes for sinks, baths, washing machines,  dishwashers, etc. Seals should be provided internally and externally.

b.            Where multiple services penetrate at the same point, there should be sufficient space to fully seal round each of them.

Brick/block masonry construction (Air Test risk factor 7)

a.            Ensure the quality of construction as the work proceeds. Good mortar joints are required (i.e. no gaps around the blocks or bricks) on both internal and external faces – this also reduces sound transmission.

b.            Ensure all block-work is paint grade and painted were possible.

c.             The application of wet plastering, parging or the addition of fully-sealed dry lining will create a good air seal.

d.            Parging is an effective method of sealing around joists that penetrate the inner leaf of an external wall.

e.            Check that there is a good seal around all services that penetrate the masonry.

Plasterboard Dry lining (Air Test risk factor 10)

a.            Check the plasterboard is continuous (e.g. there are no large holes behind the kitchen units/bath). 

b.            Ensure that airtightness measures have been incorporated at all edges, particularly at the floor/ceiling junctions and around openings.

c.             Check the plasterboard is correctly detailed at joints, corners, reveals and window sills. Plasterboard should be mounted on ribbons of plaster or adhesive around all the edges (rather than dabs) to  prevent air leaking through the porous block-work behind.

Sealed Membranes & Vapour barriers (Air Test risk factor 9)

a.            Where the vapour barriers have been used as the air tight barrier, check that it is complete, that all joints have been sealed and it’s not damaged.

 Timber frame construction (Air Test risk factor 8)

a.            It’s usually easier to make timber frame dwelling airtight than other forms of construction. This is partly due to pre-fabricated construction and the use of the impermeable vapour barrier as the air barrier. The plasterboard layer can also become an air tight layer.

b.            Where vapour barriers have been used special care will be needed to avoid it being torn. Any damage to the vapour barrier must be carefully repaired.

Remedial Air Sealing Solution

1.            Smoke Investigation with Air Testing Fans:

APT’s Air Sealing Team utilise smoke investigation to identify the air leakage paths and prioritise which can be sealed first to attain an air test pass.

2.            Remedial Air Sealing Works:

APT can carry out the air sealing works. Typically allow for a 2-4 man Remedial Air Sealing Team. Adequate access must be provided for all sealing works. We provide all air sealing Materials – Rates provided on Request.

3.            On-going Air Tightness Assessments:

Enables the APT Sealing Team to seal the building until the fans indicate that the air

test would pass – thereby minimising the remedial works and time on site.

4.            Final Air Test:

APT’s Air Test Technician carries out a final independent test for compliance.

Whether you need a full on-going air tightness design/consultancy service, or just a simple air test, Air Pressure Testing have the knowledge and experience to ensure your building passes first time.

If you are unsure of the air tightness services you require, please visit our website, or call us on 01525 303905 and one of our Air Tightness Consultants will guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the right level of advice at the right time.

Air Tightness Testing & Smoke Surveys to Fix Leaky Buildings

This article explains the use of combined air tightness testing and smoke surveys to evaluate and fix air leakage paths in houses and commercial buildings. On past projects where we have encountered very ‘leaky’ buildings, we have managed to lower air leakage rates from 40m3/hr/m2, down to a respectable 5m3/hr/m2. All this was accomplished using our combined air tightness and smoke testing survey service to identify the air leakage paths for our client’s air sealing teams.

Energy specialists have known for many years that that excess air leakage can accounts for between a third and half of a typical home’s heat loss. Yet it’s often quite difficult to pinpoint air leakage and heat loss in both new building and conversion projects.

The beauty of combined air tightness and smoke testing is it provides an accurate and visual approach to identifying and controlling air leakage in in buildings. Blower doors equipment can be set up quite quickly and the test and smoke survey can be carried out in a matter of minutes, meaning that you can quickly and ascertain the buildings air leakage rate as well as receiving a comprehensive air leakage survey report, highlighting the air leakage paths within the building, so targeting sealing works can be undertaken by the contractor/builder at a later date.

Also, its worth noting that different types of buildings require different levels of air tightness. Air-conditioned buildings should be tighter than naturally ventilated ones with air leakage targets less than 3m3/hr/m2. Cold storage, laboratories, isolation suites and archives facilities can be between 0.2 to 2.0m3/hr/m2, so are designed to be much more air-tight to ensure humidity, heat loss and the ingress of pollutants help to a minimum and within specification.

What is blower door smoke survey?

Our blower door fan mounts into a door-sized housing, that can be adjusted to suit the size of the door frame.

We then set up the blower door equipment as follows.

1. We’ll temporarily install a blower door fan system (depending on building size) in a suitably placed doorway.
2. We then take a series of environmental measurements such as internal and external temperatures as well as barometric pressures.
3. We then turn on the fan equipment and take measurements between 25-70Pa in 5Pa increments, recording the pressure differential at each step.
4. Finally, our technicians will 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.
5. Once the building air leakage rate has been established, we then 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.
6. We then turn on the smoke machine and walk around the house highlighting and recording all the air leakage paths through the building envelope.

We usually allow two to three hours to complete each air tightness smoke test; however, we can attend site all day if instructed. This allows your operatives to seal all the necessary air leakage paths on the day of the test. If you are planning on undertaking remedial sealing works on the day of the test, your operatives will need to have mastic, expanding foam, draught excluders, plasterboard, grip fill and suitable safe access to undertake the sealing works.

If some of the areas are difficult to reach such as very tall commercial buildings, we can also undertake a Thermography survey. This is performed using an infra-red camera to identify hot and cold spots on the surface of the building; this requires a temperature variation and is often done at night.

What is Equivalent Leakage Area (ELA) when trying to understand air leakage in buildings

Our equipment and software compare the air blown through the fan to the pressure drop across the blower door equipment. This gives then produces the relative tightness result for the house. Our computer software then converts the pressure drop to an equivalent leakage area (ELA), which is the overall size of a single hole in the building fabric that would equate to the same amount of air leakage.

The equivalent leakage area (ELA) is very useful for our engineers and clients to understand the cumulative effect of the many small leaks – such as leakage along a skirting board – that are present within a typical building as they may add up to the equivalent of an open door or window on the building.

What types of Smoke machine do you use?  

When it comes to smoke test surveys, we use 3 different types of smoke machines.  We have a smaller handheld smoke machine for standard houses. We then have our middle size smoke machine which uses pressurised smoke canisters, which is extremely useful for large houses and smaller commercial buildings and smoke shafts etc. we then have our large smoke machines that fill a large commercial building in minutes.

So, to recap, we use the different size smoke machines on the following buildings:

• Small smoke machine – houses, flats, and laboratories
• Mid-size smoke machine – small commercial buildings and smoke shafts
• Large smoke machine – large commercial buildings

In all instances, we always use our smoke machines with our blower door systems to accurately identify the air leakage paths in buildings. Without the inclusion of a blower door system to pressurise the entire building, you will only see small amounts of ‘wispy’ smoke drift, which makes it very difficult to identify and record the exact air leakage areas.  

Air Leakage Paths found During Previous Smoke Test Surveys

1. Poorly installed windows and doors which do not close tightly
2. Windows and doors with missing seals
3. The gap at the wall/skirting board junction.
4. Perimeter and internal wall/floor junctions.
5. Gaps around service penetrations (such as water and electrical) through floor and walls
6. Pathways through ceiling voids into masonry cavity walls
7. Pathways through eaves in cavities
8. Gaps around windowsills and door reveals
9. Gaps around bathroom and WC services
10. Gaps around kitchen and utility services.
11. Gaps between dry lining and ceilings
12. Unsealed chimneys
13. Gaps around electrical and IT fittings
14. Gaps around ceiling loft hatches
15. Ventilation penetrations through the walls, ceiling, and roof
16. Poorly installed extractor fans to kitchens, utility, and bathrooms

 

How We Can Help

At APT Sound Testing we have large amount of experience in understanding the requirements of Approved Document L, along with extensive experience of carrying out thousands of successful air tightness tests on a wide range of developments across London and the UK.

In order to achieve the required air tightness target (which is getting lower all the time) and to avoid the risk of a failed air tightness test, we strongly recommend that early consideration is given to the design of the air leakage line within your project.

By working with our customers throughout their design and construction stages, we can provide advice and guidance on the most feasible ways to avoid air leakage and attain compliance for the air tightness test. Please download our air tightness checklist to help you prepare for your test.

At APT Sound Testing, 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.

To find out more about our air tightness testing service or if you wish to discuss your project please contact us on 01525 303905 or email us at info@aptoundtesting.co.uk

Air tightness testing to achieve satisfactory levels of airtightness became a legal requirement in 2006 in England and Wales, under Building Regulations Part L and is becoming increasingly important to help produce greener buildings, via reducing carbon emissions due to the fact that energy is not being needlessly lost from residences via large air leakage paths etc. Building Regulation Part L defines ‘air leakage’ as the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. The general public recognise it as draughts.

APT Sound Testing provides air tightness testing throughout the United Kingdom. We undertake air testing on all types of projects from a single dwelling to the largest commercial buildings. We are one of the few companies that are UKAS accredited to undertake both Air & Sound testing in compliance to Building Regulations and Standards. This means we can undertake Air, Sound and Vent Testing Packages during the same visit which provides our clients with cost savings and improved on-site coordination. Unlike many companies, we do not subcontract our works.

When you lose energy through the building fabric this is known as the building emission rate. New projects/developments must meet specific requirements for air testing and emission rates. The usual target for a standard dwelling is 3.0-5.0m3/hr/m2; however, for commercial buildings, the target rate is often much lower – around 3.0m3/hr/m2 and below.

Wherever air leakage (air infiltration) occurs, there is usually exfiltration somewhere else in the building. During the summer, infiltration can bring humid, outdoor air into buildings. In winter, exfiltration can result in moist indoor air moving into cold wall cavities and may result in condensation and mould and/or rot which could result in serious damage to the property.

Our services include air tightness testing and desktop consultancy to help support our clients from the design stage (checking the building’s air leakage line) of the project through to the pre-completion air testing to achieve building control signoff. If you need to undertake your testing on Saturdays or Sundays, we offer an ‘out of hours testing’ service to help reduce the impact of testing during working hours.

We also offer substantial cost savings for combined air and sound testing packages. This is due to our multi skilled engineers being UKAS accredited to carry out the Air & Sound Testing, in fact most of our clients now use our ‘3 step’ precompletion package as it negates the need to employ multiple companies.

On site co-ordination is also improved, with both tests being undertaken on the same day in a planned methodical manner. We can also provide out of hours testing (if required) to help reduce the impact of testing during working hours.

Why do we need air tightness testing?

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.

Air tightness testing is carried to check the air leakage that occurs through a building’s envelope. The air test checks amount of conditioned air that escapes or gets wasted 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 tightness 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.

The main benefits of air Tightness Testing:

The main benefits of air tightness testing is to measure the total air lost through leaks in the building fabric. It can identify poor build quality within new developments. With the introduction of tougher regulations, building designs will often consider air tightness early in the construction process to their building complies, so they don’t end up with a leaky building.

If you have a leaky building, you can end up with the following issues:

1. unwanted heat loss through the building fabric
2. unwanted draughts resulting in discomfort for occupants
3. cold homes resulting in increased heating bills
4. greater CO² emissions, as a result of the additional heating required to heat the building

How long will my air tightness testing take?

Most air tests can be completed in 1-2 hours although some can take much longer, if low air leakage rates are required to comply with Passivehaus standards etc. Also other factors such as the size of the property, how many apertures need to be taped over; however even on very large dwellings the duration of the actual air test should take no longer than 2 hours if the building has been adequately prepared.

What is a smoke Test?

In the event of a test failure and/or a specific test to identify air leakage pathways, we also offer a smoke testing service to locate the air leakage paths within a building envelope. This can take a varying amount of time to undertake depending on the size of the building, as this may require multiple large smoke machines.  We have all types of smoke machines at our disposal, from small handheld smoke machines right up to large commercial smoke machines. We always allow clients time to seal and pass their building in the event of an air test failure.

How much does air tightness test cost?

It depends on the location and the number of tests that are required on each site; it can be as low as £75 plus VAT per unit if we are undertaking multiple tests, right up to large commercial tests costing thousands of pounds. Please contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk to obtain a no obligation quote along with some friendly advice for you project.

What is a good air leakage rating for my building?

The current building regulations usually require all new dwellings achieve a minimum air leakage target of 5m3/hm2 or less. That is the air leakage rate per hour, per square metre of envelope area. An air test results between 3 – 5m3/hm2 would usually be acceptable by building control and your SAP assessor as a good and 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 as the dwelling may be struggling to meet its emissions targets and a low air leakage may compensate for other areas, either arising from poor design, or factors beyond the developer’s control.

What is the designed ‘air permeability rate’ and where do I find it?

Before we can undertake an air tightness test, we need to know the designed air leakage rate of the building. This information can be found in the design stage SAP assessment, which should have been done at the beginning of the project.

The air leakage target will usually be expressed as a quantity of air leakage (m3 per hour) per square metre of building envelope (m3/h/m2). Its worth noting that the designed ‘air permeability rate’ for each dwelling can vary depending on the carbon

emission target for your building; however, its usually between 3-5 m3/h/m2.

If you are unsure of the air leakage target, please send across your design stage SAP and we will find it for you.

 

How do you undertake an air tightness test on my project?

The air tightness testing is undertaken in-line with Part L and the ATTMA standard. The pressure differential is measured 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. 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 many air tightness tests do I need on my development?

The old days undertaking a sample of air tightness tests is over. You used to be able to undertake a minimum test of three air tests to each building type and/or or 50% of each type, whichever was less. However, for sample testing to be permitted, the dwellings being tested needed to average at least 2m3/hr/m2 less the target of the dwelling not being tested, so if your air tightness target was 5m3/hr/m2, you needed to achieve a figure of 3m3/hr/m2 

This is now coming to an end, and under Part L Future Homes Standard Update: All new dwellings will require an air test; sample testing will no longer be an option. Also, it’s worth noting that dwellings without mechanical ventilation will received no benefit in SAP for scores below 3 m3/ (h.m2).

How do I prepare my dwelling for a residential air tightness test?

The more complete a development, the more likely it is to meet air testing requirements. When we send out our quotation, we also forward a specific air leakage checklist to help our client prepare for the testing.

Basically, if you meet the following criteria will generally have a much better chance of passing the testing at the first attempt. The main areas of concern are usually:

1. External Doors: Check the seal around all external door surrounds and check the window is closing properly
2. External Windows: Check the seal beneath the sills and around the frames and check the window is closing properly.
3. Chimneys: Open fireplaces must be sealed.
4. Electrical Meter Boxes: Check all external supplies are sealed appropriately.
5. Electrical Sockets: Check the seal around the sockets.
6. Light Fittings: Check the seal around all light fittings and switches.
7. Drainage traps: Check they are filled with water or sealed with tape.
8. Skirting boards high level Coving: Check above and below all skirting and coving, sealing where necessary.
9. Radiators: Check the seal around all pipes and wires.
10. Fans & Heaters: Check the seal around all fan/heater housings and wires.
11. Internal Boilers: Check the seal around the boiler supply and flue.
12. Extractor Fans: Check around the edge of the extracts, only the front of the grill can be sealed.
13. Cooker Hoods: Check the seals around all penetrations.
14. Soil pipes: Check the seal around all soil pipes and sink waste pipes especially those boxed in or behind kitchen cabinets.
15. Bath Panels: Check all pipes behind bath panels are sealed properly.
16. Hot water tank: Check the seal around all supply pipes.
17. MVHR Systems: Check seal around all MVHR terminals.
18. Air Bricks: Any air bricks should be sealed for the test.
19. Tumble drier extracts: Check the seal around the extract.

How do I prepare my building for a commercial air tightness test?

Similar to the residential air test, the complete your commercial building/development, the more likely it is to meet air testing requirements at the first attempt.  When we send out our quotation, we also forward a commercial or residential air leakage checklist depending on the development, to help our client prepare for the testing.

If you ensure the items on the checklist below, have been actioned this will greatly increase your chances of passing at the first attempt:

1. All external doors and windows should be closed (but not temporarily sealed). This includes door thresholds. The exception to this will be apertures to which test equipment is connected.
2. External doors, windows & manual vents need to remain closed for the test. All internal doors need to be propped open.
3. Internal doors to riser cupboards may be closed but should not be temporarily sealed.
4. Lift doors should be closed (but not temporarily sealed). Any external lift shaft vent should remain open.
5. All drainage traps should be filled with water.
6. All incoming service penetrations (e.g. power, telecoms) should be permanently sealed.
7. Smoke vents should be closed but not temporarily sealed.
8. Background trickle ventilators, passive ventilation systems and permanently open uncontrolled natural ventilation openings should be permanently open.
9. Uncontrolled natural ventilation openings should be temporarily sealed.
10. Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems should be turned off. These systems should be temporarily sealed to prevent air leakage through the systems during the test.
11. We require a door frame of standard size to fit our square adjustable frame and/or 3 fan hard panel. If your door is smaller/larger than this you may need to modify the opening to suit our template. Minimum size opening 700 x 1300mm/ Maximum 1100 x 2400mm
12. Our test equipment is usually powered by 240v power supply. We must be informed in advance if this will not be available.

What Items can be temporally sealed for the air tightness testing?

We have been on projects where there has been lots of unauthorised temporarily sealing, this is usually the case when the buildings have not been sealed properly prior to our arrival on site. Please note only the controllable air flow pathways listed below can be temporarily sealed during the air tightness test, all the non-controllable leakage pathways must be permanently sealed. 

The following areas should temporarily sealed prior to our arrival on site:

1. Extractor Fans: should be temporarily sealed (Please ensure these are off before sealing). 
2. MVHR terminals: should be turned off and the vents sealed.
3. Trickle Vents: Should be closed and can be sealed.
4. Cooker Hoods: Should be sealed from the outside or inside.
5. Chimneys Flues: Should be temporarily sealed.
6. Air Bricks: Should be temporarily sealed.

Will I get an air tightness report if I pass the air tightness test?

Yes, if you pass the air tightness test, we will issue a UKAS and Building Regulations compliant test report. If you have a residential project, such as a house, this will need to be submitted to the SAP assessor who will then complete your ‘as built’ SAP assessment and produce the final EPC for Building Regulations compliance.

If you are working on a commercial building, the test result will be passed to the SBEM assessor who will then update the calculations, establish that a pass has been achieved, and issue final ‘as built’ SBEM report and an EPC.

Why Choose us to undertake your Air Tightness Testing

We provide air tightness testing throughout the United Kingdom. We undertake air testing on all types of projects from the largest building for companies such as Mace down to the single air tightness tests for self-builders.

We are one of the few companies in the UK that are UKAS accredited for both Air Tightness & Sound Insulation Testing. This means we can undertake Air, Sound and Vent Testing Packages during the same visit, reducing costs and coordination issues for our clients. Unlike many companies we do not subcontract our works.

For more information on our air tightness testing services, please contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or visit our website at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk. Alternatively, for more information please download our Air Test Checklist.

As thermal imaging surveyors we have undertaken hundreds of thermal imaging surveys in all types of buildings, usually for checking for continuity of insulation and possible heat loss, ensuring your home or workplace remains as energy efficient as possible through summer to winter.

Using thermal imaging surveys, we can check for:

In our experience, thermal imaging surveys is one of the best no destructive methods of finding the root cause of problems within buildings, not only can thermography do this quickly and accurately, but it can also be undertaken without any impact to the site works and everyone involved within the process.

Our Thermal Imaging Surveyors undertake Heat Loss Surveys

Thermal Imaging Surveys are one of the best methods of tracking down sources of heat loss in your home or commercial building, whether that be poorly installed or missing insulation, cold air infiltration into voids or direct draughts through the building envelope.  

Recent studies have shown over 60% of the UK’s residential and commercial properties suffer from some form of heat loss. Heat loss can be due to many factors; however, the main ones are:

Our thermal imaging surveyors, undertake heat loss surveys to identify draughts and insulation problems all types of buildings.  A heat loss survey will identify draughts and insulation problems in your home or commercial building, it will also reveal areas where ineffective insulation is causing heat loss through the building envelope via the following areas:

• Missing wall, floor, and ceiling Insulation – Possible causes include damage or inadequate installation and water ingress. 
• Thermal Bridging – The movement of heat through the building structure tvia material bridging
• Windows and Doors – poor draft excluders and poorly installed fixtures and fittings allowing heat escape through gaps.
• Structural Integrity – roofs and walls and floors

The benefits of thermal imaging for new building purchases

Thermal Surveys can be extremely useful when acquiring a new or existing building such as:

• Identifying defects in a new or existing building, prior to purchase allowing you to negotiate a better price with the seller, considering the costs for the remedial works.
• Check for upgrades to the building and structure.
• To check if the cost of maintenance outweighs the use and value of the building.

If you are purchasing a new or existing building, we can start to save you money by identifying heat loss quickly and with no fuss. A quick survey with our thermal cameras will identify areas of heat loss and you can then put actions into place to ensure your energy consumption goes down. The short-term costs of extra insulation will save you money in the long run. The survey may also identify building defects that may turn out to be costly in the long run. Taking all of this into account can you afford not to do a thermal imaging survey.

What equipment does our thermal imaging surveyors use?

Our thermal imaging surveyors only use the best high-resolution cameras to ensure we always attain a high standard of reportage. Our most popular camera is the FLIR 640 Thermal Imaging cameras, as they have very good thermal imaging capabilities to meet most standards. The 640 x 480-pixel detector resolution provides APT’s thermal imaging surveyors with some of the highest thermal resolution and sensitivity on the market for high accuracy temperature measurements up to an impressive 2000°C.

This high resolution combined with 5-megapixel digital cameras allows us to produce very sharp visible light and thermal images required for the comprehensive documentation of a system’s thermal condition. Our thermal cameras also have FLIR MSX Technology, which makes it easier for our engineers to find an identify problems. Our cameras Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging extracts high-contrast highlights from the camera’s image and then uses FLIRs patented technology to superimpose the enhanced details over the infrared image. This offers incredible clarity on thermal images, providing sharper looking thermal images with more texture, which in turn allows for more accurate and professional looking thermography reports, which is essential for our clients.

Why Choose our thermal Imaging Surveyors

Our experienced and highly qualified thermal imaging surveyors produce higher quality and more technically consistent thermography inspections. Highly trained Level 3 thermal engineers can troubleshoot, calibrate equipment, interpret data, and create reports.

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

Each thermal imaging report is reviewed and approved by our experienced and certified PCN Level 3 thermographers to ensure the highest quality for analysis and recommendations

Contact our thermal surveyors for more information

If you are looking commission a thermal imaging survey and require estimation on cost or some friendly advice, please contact us on info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk for any questions and/or visit our website on www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk or if you need advice on how to prepare your building for a thermal inspection, please download our thermal imaging checklist

Different Types of Sound Testing
Sound Insulation Testing needs to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls or floors. In most cases, the rooms to be sound tested will be the two main habitable rooms – living rooms and bedrooms. The sound testing 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.

Sound Testing for Part E of Building Regulations has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003. All new build dwellings and conversions that were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested.

There are two mains types of sound tests that need to be carried out prior to the building handover, they are:

Airborne Sound Tests
Airborne sound tests are usually 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 new build projects, you are required to achieve 45dB for airborne sound testing through walls and floors and 62dB for Impact sound testing for floors. For refurbishment projects this changes to 43dB for airborne and 64dB for impact.

Impact Sound Tests
For vertically separated rooms, an Impact sound test may also be required. This sound test is undertaken using a “tapping machine”, (as above) 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 (L’nT,w) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E.

All APT’s test engineers carry the latest Norsonic sound testing equipment, which is class one rating. All of our sound testing is completed to a strict quality-controlled standard. We provide full ISO & UKAS compliant sound testing.

If you would like more information in regards to sound testing please contact us at 01525 303905 or visit the APT Sound Testing website today.

Sound Testing Services for New Build Dwellings
Sound Insulation Testing became mandatory in England & Wales in 2003, when Approved Document E was updated. Approved Document E requires new and converted to achieve a reasonable level of sound insulation between dwellings. The simplest way to comply with the requirements of Approved Document E; is to have on-site pre-completion sound insulation tests carried out on your project. We carry out full sound testing services in compliance with Approved Document E.

In our experience, there is usually a level of apprehension with our clients having to undertake pre-completion sound insulation tests.  This is often down to the fear of failure. It should be remembered; however, that if the acoustic design specification is closely followed, and a good standard of onsite workmanship is maintained there is very little chance of failure.

Sound Testing New Build
Approved Document E requires a minimum of one ‘set’ of tests for every ten units in each group and/or sub-group.  Is usually broken down to the following: two airborne walls, two airborne floor,s and two impact sound tests. For example, if you have a block of 100 flats, all of the same construction, you would usually conduct 10 ‘sets’ of tests. If you have a development of 25 houses, with five different sub-groups (5 units in each) then you would usually conduct 5 ‘sets’ of tests.  As previously stated a set of tests usually consists of two airborne tests of separating walls and two airborne tests and two impact tests on separating floors; however, if no separating floors are available, i.e. in semi-detached or terraced houses, one set of tests would consist of two airborne tests of separating walls only.

To test the airborne sound insulation properties of a floor or wall, a sound source that consists of an amplifier and loudspeaker is set up on one side of the wall or floor partition that is to be tested. We then turn the setting to turn on Pink noise. Pink noise sounds like the static that can be heard on a radio that is off station or the old TV test card noise.

This type of noise is used because it is made up of a wall of sound that has a wide spectrum of frequencies. This provides an indication of sound insulation performance for a wide range of sounds that may be experienced within a dwelling from speech to a kettle boiling. The pink noise is measured in the room which contains the speaker or sound source using a Class 1 Norsonic sound level meter; thereafter the noise is measured on the other side of the wall or floor partition that is being tested. In layman’s terms, the difference between these two levels is the amount of sound that is stopped by the sound insulating qualities if the wall or floor partition/s.

The result is then corrected and adjusted depending on the echo or reverberation time within the receiving room, and any background noise such as builders’ work noise etc. to give the airborne sound insulation result (DnT,w). The results of these tests are then compared to the performance criteria of Approved Document E – 45dB new build & 62dB for conversions) and a pass or fail sound test certificate is produced

Testing Impact Sound Insulation Performance
To test the impact sound insulation performance of a floor, a Norsonic tapping machine which consists of five small hammers that are dropped onto the floor to simulate footfall, is placed on the floor. The resultant noise in the room below is measured with a Norsonic Class 1 sound level meter and the amount of noise that passes through the floor is the impact sound transmission level and is expressed as a single number. This result is then corrected and adjusted depending on the reverberation time of the rooms as well as any background noise to give the impact sound transmission result (LnT,w). The results of these tests are then compared to the performance criteria of Approved Document E – 62dB new build & 64dB conversions) and a pass or fail sound testing certificate is produced.

If pre-completion test results do not satisfy the performance criteria of Approved Document E, then our test engineer will attempt to determine the possible causes of failure. This may be to do with construction detailing around services or at junctions or simply, poor acoustic design. Once the results have been finalised along with the associated graphs, our acoustician (with the aid of the information from the sound test engineer, we should be able to determine the specific cause of failure. Once a specific reason for failure has been determined, we can then advise the client on remedial actions that can be undertaken.

Contact APT Sound Testing
If you have a project that needs acoustic design advice or needs pre-completion sound testing then please contact us by visiting the  APT Sound Testing website or call today on 01525 303 905 and we should be able to offer you an acoustic solution to help your project achieve practical completion.

Thermal Imaging Survey helps track down the sources of heat loss in your home or commercial building, whether that be poorly installed or missing insulation, cold air infiltration into voids or direct draughts through the building envelope.  

It’s worth noting that over 60% of the UK’s residential and commercial properties suffer from some form of heat loss. Heat loss can be due to many factors; however, the main ones are:

• Missing wall, floor, and ceiling Insulation – Possible causes include damage or inadequate installation and water ingress. 
• Thermal Bridging – The movement of heat through the building structure tvia material bridging
• Windows and Doors – poor draft excluders and poorly installed fixtures and fittings allowing heat escape through gaps.
• Structural Integrity – roofs and walls and floors

Excess heat loss can result in increased energy usage which means higher bills to the end user/occupiers as well unhappy occupants experiencing drafts and cold areas within the building. If there are unexplained cold areas in your building and/or you think your energy bills are too high, then you should consider a Thermal Imaging Heat Loss Survey.

The main issues are:

Insulation problems

Poor Insulation is one main reasons for heat loss, the other being poor airtightness. Unfortunately, poor insulation is not usually visible to the naked eye, being hidden within the fabric of the building.

Thermal imaging inspections can quickly reveal where issues have arisen during the construction process, such as poorly installed, missing, or damaged insulation

Draughts

Draughts are very uncomfortable for occupiers and are usually an indication of heat loss through the building envelope.  Like insulation problems identifying the source of draughts is not always obvious. In many cases air can be coming into the building via multiple gaps and cracks in walls, floorboards and doors, windows.

A thermal imaging survey can quickly identify cold traces that give away the air leakage paths, where the cold air is entering the property.

Heating and damp problems

A thermal imaging inspection can pick up on air trapped in the heating system and unbalanced heating systems – radiators etc. it can Also identify leaking underfloor heating and uninsulated pipework hidden in service voids.  

Thermal imaging can also pick up problems with damp, although it is recommended that this is supplemented with an inspection using specialist testing equipment, such as combined thermal imaging and moisture meters.

Common air leakage paths found during thermal surveys

There can literally be hundreds of air leakage paths through building envelopes, here are some of the most common areas we have previously identified during heat loss surveys: 

1. Via ductwork and service penetrations where services enter the building.
2. Around the bottom of the external cladding.
3. Faulty or unpowered roof lights not shutting properly.
4. Wall/floor junctions under kitchen and utility room cupboards.
5. Around SVP and waste pipe penetrations passing through external walls and ceilings.
6. Around services that pass behind all IPS panels in toilet/shower areas.
7. Service riser cupboards that are not re compartmentalised from the rest of the building.
8. Unsealed bath and shower tray panels.
9. Damaged or poorly installed Background trickle ventilators, passive ventilation systems and any permanently open uncontrolled natural ventilation openings.
10. Poorly installed ductwork to mechanical ventilation and/or air conditioning systems.  
11. External door/windows that are not shutting tightly against their own seals and the frames are not sealed against the surrounding walls.  
12. Internal doors that are not sealed at the floor junction.
13. Internal sliding doors with unsealed pocket boxing into walls.
14. Dot & dab plasterboard that has a unsealed gap In between the bottom of the plasterboard and the structural floor.
15. Unsealed perpendicular mortar joints
16. Unsealed cavities and roof voids as well as holes that bridge the cavity or roof void.
17. Unsealed block work that has not been painted
18. Poorly finished cladding at perimeter joints of individual sheets, areas where it meets at different angles.
19. Around areas within ceilings voids, to include steel penetrations, service penetrations and the perimeter/eaves junction.
20. Around uninstalled and/or unsealed sockets, and light fittings housed in plasterboard.

Use a thermal imaging company with experience of heat loss surveys.

At APT Sound testing, we have 20 years’ experience identify heat loss using thermal imaging surveys. Our engineers hold a Level 3 certification which is some of the highest in the industry. We use the latest high resolutions cameras costing over twenty thousand pounds.

Our thermal specification includes:

1. Level 3 thermographic certification
2. Level 3 qualified thermographers
3. Large format FLIR cameras with 45-degree lenses

All of our thermal surveys are followed up with an extensive report, identifying problems and suggesting resolutions. We can also supply drones that are equipped with thermal cameras, perfect for identifying heat loss in roofs and elevated areas of a building were safe access is difficult and expensive. We can undertake Thermal Imaging to identify heat loss in all types of buildings from large commercial buildings to office spaces, schools, and historic houses.

Do I need an internal or external thermal survey?

Clients often ask do they need an internal or external thermal survey to best identify heat loss in their building? There is an easy answer to this question – Both!

Wherever possible its always best to gather the most gather information possible at the time of the survey, so to allow for this a thermal scan of both the inside and outside of the building needs to take place, to ascertain what’s happening both the internal and external building envelope. by undertaking an external and internal survey, we can gather different and complimentary data for both sides of a wall or roof. In many cases an internal survey will pick up different issues to an external survey and visa-versa.

Sometimes, it may not be possible to undertake both types of surveys, such as surveying a flat on the 20^th floor of a high-rise block; however, wherever possible we will always strive to inspect both sides of every wall and roof we survey.

Is combined thermography and air leakage testing worthwhile?

Is combined air tightness and thermography worthwhile? A resounding YES! It’s a very powerful combination.

As air leakage testing becomes more important for compliance with Part L requirements and reduce energy loss there is a natural partnership between thermal imaging and air tightness testing; so, why is this?

Thermal imaging and air tightness testing are not interchangeable – they are important in their own right – but they provide a similar goal, to locate sources of heat loss in buildings.  In many cases, thermal inspections can help locate the air leakage paths that the blower door test has highlighted by pressuring the building. Combining the best parts of air tightness testing and thermography allows for clearer and more defined results to be generated to better highlight and target air leakage points around dwellings and commercial buildings.  

APT Sound Testing is UKAS accredited to undertake air tightness testing and we hold Level 3 thermal imaging certification. This allows us to provide a combined service to clients for combined thermal imaging and air tightness testing for compliance with BREEAM or other requirements.

Thermal Surveys to Save Money & Energy

Using our well trained and equipped thermography engineers can quickly and accurately locate faults and provide the information you need to target the correct repair first time, saving you huge sums of money over traditional destructive investigations! Our Thermal Imaging Surveys highlight where your home or office building is losing massive amounts of heat and recommend where you can make improvements to conserve energy and keep occupiers happy!

Thermal Surveys can be extremely useful when acquiring a new or existing building such as:

• Identifying defects in a new or existing building, prior to purchase allowing you to negotiate a better price with the seller, considering the costs for the remedial works.
• Check for upgrades to the building and structure.
• To check if the cost of maintenance outweighs the use and value of the building.

It doesn’t matter if you are halfway through a build or taking over a hundred-year-old block of flats, we can start to save you money by identifying heat loss quickly and with no fuss. A quick survey with our thermal cameras will identify areas of heat loss and you can then put actions into place to ensure your energy consumption goes down. The short-term costs of extra insulation will save you money in the long run.

Our thermal imaging heat loss surveys roadmap.

1. APT will book in a convenient time to visit your project, allowing for optimal weather conditions – if it’s cold enough. In the event that the weather forecast is unsuitable then we will contact you to rearrange the thermal survey visit.
2. When we arrive at site, we will undertake a site walk and discuss the problems you (or your building occupiers) are encountering with heat loss and draughts.
3. Using the collected information, we will carry out a thorough thermal imaging survey of your building both inside and out – you should allow 1-3 hours for the survey depending on the size of your building.
4. The detailed thermal imaging reports are typically supplied in 24 to 48 hours. You will receive your thermal imaging report in PDF format – this includes the images we have captured, along with our interpretation of the problems indicated.

What information do we need to undertake the thermal survey?

The usual information we require prior to being able to undertake a thermal imaging survey is:

1. The type and size of building.
2. Floor plans and elevation drawings for the building.
3. Any site-specific items to actions, i.e. attending site inductions and/or bringing specific ID such as passports, driving licence etc.
4. The amount of time required to safely undertake the survey.
5. The type of equipment required to undertake the inspection.
6. The project location and subsequent travel time.
7. The project deliverables – what needs to be included within the thermal survey report.

Please contact us for more information

Our team of thermographers are highly experienced in carrying out thermal imaging surveys and have many years’ experience in all aspects of engineering, construction, maintenance, management, and professional survey work.

Our thermal imaging equipment is the best and most accurate on the market, ensuring we pick up faults that other equipment may miss. Our reports are professionally presented and are clear, concise, and easy to follow. We endeavour to give our clients a first-class service every time.

If you would like to contact us for more information on our thermal imaging services, please contact us on 01525 303905 or email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk. Alternatively if you would like more information on how to prepare for your thermal imaging survey, please visit our website here or download our thermal imaging checklist

Improving Ceiling Soundproofing to Reduce Noise from Above
In most cases, the traditional upper floor structure, consisting of timber joists covered by chipboard boarding/or floorboard and a thin layer of plasterboard ceiling, offers little sound insulation and resistance. By itself, it won’t achieve the minimum standard requirement of the Building Regulations Part E of 45dB for new build or 43dB for conversion dwellings.

To improve the soundproofing in your ceiling partition, there are many things to consider such as: Improving the mass, isolation, absorption, resilience, and stiffness.

To try and reduce the ceiling noise in your flat below, you can add insulation a good-quality acoustic insulation between the joists – 100mm of mineral wool of at least 45kg/m3 density, then add resilient bars and 2 layers of 15mm plasterboard.

Unlike walls, floors can transmit impact sound as well as airborne sound and, in our experience, having helped with hundreds of clients suffering noise issues, impact sound is often more annoying than airborne noise transmission.

One of the easiest ways to deal with impact sound is by installing an acoustic resilient membrane. For instance, a resilient layer can be installed on the subbase flooring (chipboard) prior to the installation of the final floor finishes. The membrane is very simple to lay and comes with its own glue to bond it to the sub-base flooring. The final flooring – such as engineered wood, simply floats on top of the membrane with the tongued joints glued on each board – no other fixing such as screws etc. are required. In fact, screwing or nailing down the final floor finish would actually create a sound path through the floor construction.

Acoustic resilient membranes are usually between 4-6mm; however, you can get a more expensive option that also deals with airborne sound which are 10-15mm depending on the material and specification. In most cases the acoustic membrane is rubber-based; however, the higher specification can be a composite material which is foam, rubber, and even cement board. When installing the membrane its often supplied with a propriety noise flanking strip which is installed between the skirting boards and the floor boarding, this helps to avoid direct contact between the skirting board and the floor boarding.

You can also help to improve the soundproofing, by installing a high-mass mineral wool batt. The depth of the wool should be 100mm and at least 45kg/m3. This is quite easy to install, and the batt should be cut tight against the joists with no gaps.

It is also worth checking that there isn’t too much movement or deflection in the floor joists – if you hear a loud booming sound, as well as the tapping of footfall fall noise, it maybe your joists are moving above. In this case, it would be best to install extra noggins between the joist to add stiffness to the construction.

To help improve the airborne sound, install resilient bars below the joists running the opposite way to the joists and below the bars install 2 x 15mm layers of sound board. All boards must be properly lapped, and the perimeter joints filled with acoustic mastic. The plasterboard should be taped and jointed and receive a skim finish.

If you can afford the extra headroom, a secondary suspended ceiling formed beneath the floor joists is ideal, as this will be a totally independent construction. The ceiling can be supported by new timber joists that span from wall to wall, completely separate to the floor above. A minimum gap of 25mm is advisable between the bottom of the joists and the top of the new timber joists. Two layers of 15mm sound-quality plasterboard can be installed to the bottom of the new joists and a 50mm acoustic batt (min density 45kg/m3) fitted above the plasterboard.

It is worth noting that two layers of plasterboard can be 26kg/m2, so you should always check the joists’ size and spans with an engineer prior to the installation. To finish the boards always use acoustic sealant around the perimeter edges.

Approved Document E states that the minimum sound insulation values for New Building Properties is an airborne resistance of 45dB or more and impact 62dB or less. For conversion properties, it’s an airborne resistance of 43dB or more and impact 64dB or less. If you don’t want to suffer from noise issues, you should be achieving these targets as a minimum. Please note when trying to improve upon dB ratings for both types of noise, the higher the Airborne noise figure the better and the lower the impact noise the better).

We can help with acoustic design for your ceiling

It can be very time-consuming trying to identify the cause of excess noise through ceilings. To reduce the risk of acoustic issues its always best to hire an experienced acoustic consultant. We are 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. We also undertake sound testing for lease condition compliance, if you are changing the floor finish in your apartment and you need help with the acoustics please let us know.

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