UKAS-Accredited Services Across the UK

At APT Sound Testing, we specialise in delivering UKAS-accredited sound and air testing across London and the UK. Whether you’re working on a single dwelling, a block of flats, or a large mixed-use development, our expert engineers ensure your project complies with Approved Document E (Sound Testing) and Approved Document L (Air Tightness Testing) of the Building Regulations.

With one point of contact for both services, we streamline the process, reduce costs, and help you avoid unnecessary delays – giving you a complete compliance solution from start to finish.

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Why Sound Insulation Testing Is Required

Sound insulation testing is a legal requirement for all new residential buildings and conversions. Its purpose is to confirm that separating walls and floors provide sufficient protection against unwanted airborne and impact noise – helping to create comfortable, high-quality living spaces.

The Two Types of Sound Testing

Under Approved Document E, two tests are required:

• Airborne Sound Testing – measures sound transmission through walls and floors (e.g. voices, music, TV).
• Impact Sound Testing – measures noise generated by footsteps, moving furniture, or other physical impacts on floors.

Together, these tests demonstrate whether your construction meets the minimum acoustic performance standards.

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How Many Tests Will You Need?

The number of tests depends on:

• The size of the development
• The number of dwellings
• The types of separating walls and floors used

As a guide:

• Small to medium developments (up to 10 similar units): usually require one “6-pack” of tests (2 airborne wall, 2 airborne floor, 2 impact floor).
• Semi-detached houses: may only need 2 wall tests.

Testing is typically carried out in the main habitable rooms (living room and bedroom) on each side of the separating element. Our engineers will provide a custom test schedule tailored to your site.

Required Performance Levels

To pass, developments must achieve:

New Builds

• Airborne (walls/floors): ≥ 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr
• Impact (floors): ≤ 62 dB LnT,w

Conversions

• Airborne (walls/floors): ≥ 43 dB DnT,w + Ctr
• Impact (floors): ≤ 64 dB LnT,w

If you’re unsure whether your design will pass, we can provide pre-completion acoustic design advice to help you get it right the first time.

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Air Tightness Testing – What You Need to Know

Air tightness (or air leakage) testing measures how much air escapes through unintended gaps or cracks in the building envelope. It’s crucial for energy efficiency, reducing CO₂ emissions, and meeting Building Regulation Part L requirements.

Why It Matters

Buildings with poor air tightness can lose up to 50% of their heat, even if they’re well insulated. This leads to:

• Higher energy bills
• Strain on heating and ventilation systems
• Difficulty achieving compliance
• Risk of project delays

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Legal Requirements

Yes – air tightness testing is mandatory:

• Part L1A: New domestic dwellings
• Part L2A: New non-domestic/commercial buildings

Your building must meet the air permeability target set out in your SAP or SBEM report (measured in m³/hr/m² at 50 Pascals).

How Many Tests Are Needed?

The number is defined by the ATTMA Technical Standards:

• Residential (TS1): 3 of each dwelling type or 50%, whichever is fewer.
• Commercial (TS2): Sample-based, depending on size and type.

If you don’t test enough units, a 2 m³/hr/m² penalty may be applied to all untested plots – making compliance much harder. Many clients therefore choose to test all units for certainty and cost-effectiveness.

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Why UKAS Accreditation Matters

UKAS ensures testing bodies meet internationally recognised standards. By choosing APT Sound Testing, you benefit from:

• Accurate, reliable results
• Reports accepted by Building Control
• Confidence your project stays on schedule

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Who We Work With

Our services cover a wide range of sectors, including:

• Residential new builds and conversions
• Apartments and mixed-use developments
• Commercial offices and retail
• Schools and educational facilities
• Hotels, care homes, and student accommodation

From single plots to large estates, we scale our services to fit your needs.

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Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

✅ UKAS-accredited for both sound and air testing
✅ Nationwide coverage across London and the UK
✅ Fast turnaround – same-day certificates available
✅ Expert acoustic advice to help you pass first time
✅ One contractor for both tests – saving time and money
✅ Experienced, friendly engineers ready to help

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Get in Touch

Planning your next development or nearing completion? Let’s make sure your project passes first time – smoothly, efficiently, and without delay.

📞 Call us on 01525 303905
📧 Or use our contact form to speak with one of our friendly and experienced ‘Sound & Air Testing’ consultants

APT Sound Testing~ UKAS Accredited Services

At APT Sound Testing, we specialise in delivering UKAS-accredited sound and air testing services across London and the UK. Whether you’re constructing a single dwelling, a block of flats, or a mixed-use commercial property, our team of expert engineers is here to help ensure your development complies with Approved Document E (Sound Testing) and Approved Document L (Air Tightness Testing) of the Building Regulations.

With one point of contact for both sound and air tests, we streamline the process, reduce your costs, and help avoid project delays by offering a complete testing solution from start to finish.

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Sound Insulation Testing – Why It’s Required

Sound insulation testing is a legal requirement for all new residential buildings and conversions to demonstrate acceptable noise control between separating walls and floors. The goal is to protect occupants from unwanted airborne and impact noise and to ensure a high quality of living.

What Is Airborne & Impact Sound Testing?

Approved Document E requires two types of sound tests:

• Airborne Sound Testing – Measures the level of sound transmission through walls and floors (e.g. voices, music, TV).
• Impact Sound Testing – Measures noise generated by physical impacts on floors (e.g. footsteps, moving furniture).

By conducting both tests, we assess whether the construction provides a reasonable resistance to sound transfer and complies with the required acoustic performance standards.

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How Many Sound Tests Will My Project Require?

The number of sound insulation tests required depends on:

• The size of the development
• The number of dwellings
• The types of separating wall and floor constructions used

As a general guide:

• Small to medium developments (up to 10 similar units) typically require a single “6-pack” of tests, including:
  • 2 airborne wall tests
  • 2 airborne floor tests
  • 2 impact floor tests
• Semi-detached houses may only require 2 wall tests

Testing is usually carried out in the two main habitable rooms, typically the living room and bedroom, on each side of the separating element.

Our engineers will provide a custom test schedule for your site to ensure full compliance with Building Regulations.

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What Are the Required Sound Test Performance Levels?

To pass, your development must achieve the following minimum acoustic performance levels:

For New Builds:

• Airborne Sound Insulation (walls and floors): ≥ 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr
• Impact Sound Insulation (floors): ≤ 62 dB LnT,w

For Conversions:

• Airborne Sound Insulation (walls and floors): ≥ 43 dB DnT,w + Ctr
• Impact Sound Insulation (floors): ≤ 64 dB LnT,w

If you’re unsure whether your construction details will meet these targets, we also offer pre-completion acoustic design advice to help you pass on the first attempt.

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What Is Air Tightness Testing?

Air tightness testing (or air leakage testing) measures the amount of air escaping through unintended gaps or cracks in the building envelope. It’s a key part of ensuring energy efficiency, reducing heat loss, and lowering CO₂ emissions.

Why Air Tightness Matters

Buildings with poor air tightness can lose up to 50% of their heat, even if fitted with high-spec boilers or insulation. This means:

• Higher energy bills
• Overloaded heating and ventilation systems
• Difficulty meeting energy performance standards
• Potential delays in project sign-off

That’s why achieving a low air permeability rate is essential – not only for compliance but also for long-term building performance.

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Is Air Tightness Testing a Legal Requirement?

Yes. In the UK, air tightness testing is mandatory under Part L of the Building Regulations:

• Part L1A – New domestic dwellings
• Part L2A – New non-domestic/commercial buildings

You’ll need to demonstrate that your building meets the air permeability target specified in your SAP or SBEM report, usually measured in m³/hr/m² at 50 Pascals.

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How Many Air Tests Will I Need?

The number of tests required is determined by the ATTMA Technical Standards:

• For residential dwellings (TS1): Test 3 of each dwelling type or 50%, whichever is fewer
• For commercial buildings (TS2): Test representative samples based on size and type

However, if you don’t test enough units, a 2 m³/hr/m² penalty may be applied across all untested plots. For example, if your SAP design rate is 5 m³/hr/m², you’ll have to meet 3 m³/hr/m² on-site – which can be significantly more difficult.

To avoid penalties, many clients choose to test all units. We can help determine the most cost-effective strategy for your development.

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UKAS-Accredited Testing – Why It Matters

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) ensures that testing bodies meet internationally recognised standards of competence and consistency.

At APT Sound Testing, both our sound and air testing services are UKAS accredited, giving you complete confidence that:

• Our results are accurate and reliable
• Reports are accepted by Building Control without challenge
• Your project remains on schedule and within budget

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Sectors We Work In

We provide expert testing services for:

• Residential new builds and conversions
• Apartments and mixed-use developments
• Commercial offices and retail spaces
• Schools and educational facilities
• Care homes, hotels, and buildings with rooms for residential purposes

Whether you need testing for one plot or an entire estate, we can scale our services to match your project needs.

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Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

✅ UKAS-accredited for both air and sound testing
✅ Nationwide coverage across London and the UK
✅ Fast turnaround with same-day certificates available
✅ Expert acoustic advice to help you pass first time
✅ One contractor for both sound and air testing – saving time and money
✅ Friendly, experienced team of engineers ready to support your project

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Get in Touch Today

Whether you’re planning your next development or approaching completion, APT Sound Testing is here to help with reliable testing and clear guidance every step of the way.

📞 Call us today on 01525 303905
📧 Or use the contact form to speak with one of our acoustic and air testing consultants

Let’s ensure your project meets all sound and air compliance standards – smoothly, efficiently, and without delay.

UKAS Accredited Sound Testing Services

At APT Sound Testing, we offer comprehensive UKAS-accredited sound testing services across London and throughout the UK, fully compliant with the stringent standards outlined in Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. Our sound testing solutions cater to a variety of building types, including residential properties, commercial structures, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and mixed-use buildings designed for both residential and commercial purposes.

Our expert team of sound testing engineers is highly experienced in managing all aspects of acoustic compliance. We understand the critical importance of meeting the required acoustic standards to ensure successful building completion. As part of our services, we offer bespoke acoustic design advice to help clients address noise-related challenges proactively. Our goal is to ensure that all our clients meet the necessary standards for sound insulation and noise reduction, making the testing process smooth and efficient.

Expertise in Sound Testing

At APT Sound Testing, our team brings extensive knowledge and experience to every sound testing project we undertake. We specialize in testing for compliance with the Building Regulations Part E, and our engineers are experts at identifying and addressing potential acoustic issues early in the process. Our services are applicable across a wide range of projects, from new residential developments to complex commercial and mixed-use spaces, educational buildings, and healthcare facilities. We are committed to providing the highest standards of service to all our clients, regardless of project size or complexity.

Sound Testing for Residential Buildings

For residential projects, whether it is a new-build house, apartment complex, or housing development, our sound testing services are crucial in ensuring that the building meets the necessary acoustic performance criteria. We carry out a range of tests, including airborne sound insulation (measuring sound transfer between rooms) and impact sound insulation (measuring sound transfer between floors). Our expert team helps self-builders, developers, and contractors ensure their projects comply with acoustic standards outlined in Approved Document E.

Sound Testing for Commercial Buildings

In commercial spaces, noise control is equally important to ensure a comfortable and productive environment for employees, customers, or tenants. APT Sound Testing is equipped to perform comprehensive sound testing for office buildings, retail spaces, and other commercial environments, ensuring that these spaces meet required acoustic regulations. Whether you are constructing a multi-storey office block or a retail development, our team will work with you to ensure compliance with the relevant regulations.

Acoustic Testing for Educational Facilities

Schools and universities must maintain quiet, controlled environments to support effective learning. Our acoustic testing services help ensure that classrooms, lecture halls, libraries, and study areas provide the necessary acoustics for education. We assess the noise transfer between rooms, particularly in areas where speech intelligibility and concentration are critical.

Healthcare Facilities

For healthcare buildings, including hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities, our sound testing services are tailored to meet the needs of a sensitive environment. Quiet spaces, free from disruptive noise, are vital to patient care and well-being. Our testing ensures that all rooms, including patient wards, treatment areas, and waiting rooms, meet the required acoustic performance standards.

Mixed-Use Developments

Many urban developments now combine both residential and commercial spaces. For mixed-use developments, acoustic performance becomes a particularly important consideration to ensure that residential areas are not disturbed by the noise from commercial spaces. APT Sound Testing works closely with developers to ensure that these types of spaces meet both residential and commercial sound insulation standards.

Acoustic Consultancy and Design Advice

At APT Sound Testing, we don’t just perform testing, we offer comprehensive acoustic consultancy services designed to help clients navigate the challenges of noise control from the very start of the project. Our team works closely with architects, developers, and contractors during the planning and design stages to assess potential noise-related issues, offering tailored recommendations to ensure successful compliance.

Tailored Acoustic Solutions

Our approach to acoustic consultancy is highly personalized. Every project presents its own unique set of challenges, and our team works to create customized solutions for each client. Whether it’s advice on soundproofing, designing noise barriers, or assessing building materials for their acoustic performance, we provide expert recommendations that help prevent problems before they arise.

Early-stage Collaboration

We work with clients from the outset of a project, providing insights during the initial design phase. By identifying potential acoustic challenges early, we help clients incorporate noise mitigation measures into their designs, making it easier to meet the necessary standards later. This proactive approach ensures that clients avoid costly design changes and delays in the later stages of construction.

UKAS Accreditation

One of the most significant benefits of working with APT Sound Testing is our UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accreditation. This accreditation guarantees that our sound testing services meet the highest standards of quality, precision, and reliability. UKAS accreditation means that our testing processes and equipment undergo regular, rigorous checks, ensuring that we provide accurate, trustworthy results every time.

We adhere to the ISO/IEC 17025 standard, which governs the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. This ensures that all our sound testing services are carried out with the utmost professionalism and that our results are recognized by all relevant authorities. As part of our commitment to quality, we use the latest testing equipment, all of which is UKAS calibrated, ensuring the highest level of accuracy in every test.

Integrated Testing Solutions

In addition to our sound testing services, we offer air tightness testing as part of our comprehensive service package. For many clients, combining both sound and air tightness testing helps streamline the process and reduce overall project costs. By offering both services as part of an integrated package, we simplify the testing process and help clients avoid complications that can arise from coordinating multiple testing providers.

Air Tightness Testing

Air tightness testing is an essential part of ensuring that buildings are energy-efficient and comply with Part L of the Building Regulations. The combination of sound and air tightness testing makes it easier for clients to achieve compliance with multiple regulations at once, saving time and money.

Why Choose APT Sound Testing?

Commitment to Quality and Excellence

We are dedicated to providing the highest quality service to our clients. Our team is made up of highly trained professionals who are not only technically skilled but also committed to delivering outstanding customer service. From the moment you contact us, you’ll experience a seamless, professional service designed to meet the specific needs of your project. Our in-house team ensures that every part of the testing process is handled with care and precision.

Client-Centric Approach

At APT Sound Testing, we understand that every project is unique. That’s why we offer a personalized service tailored to your needs. Our team is responsive, reliable, and always available to provide guidance, answer questions, and ensure that you receive the best possible service. Clear communication is at the heart of our client-focused approach, ensuring that you are always informed and confident throughout the testing process.

Proven Track Record

With years of experience in the industry, APT Sound Testing has built a solid reputation for delivering accurate, reliable testing services. Our client base includes a diverse range of sectors, from residential developers and commercial contractors to public sector organizations, including healthcare providers and educational institutions. Our reputation for quality service is reflected in the high rate of return clients we have, many of whom continue to trust us with their projects due to the excellent service we provide.

Our Service Areas

Based in central London, APT Sound Testing offers nationwide coverage, serving clients throughout the UK. Whether you are located in London, the South East, the Midlands, or beyond, we are ready to assist with your sound testing needs. Our flexible service ensures that we can accommodate last-minute requests and weekend work, particularly for high-priority sectors like banking and finance.

Contact APT Sound Testing

APT Sound Testing is your trusted partner for UKAS-accredited sound testing and acoustic consultancy services across London and the UK. Our expertise, commitment to quality, and comprehensive approach to sound and air tightness testing make us the ideal choice for anyone seeking reliable and precise acoustic testing solutions. Whether you are working on a residential development, a commercial project, or a specialized healthcare facility, we have the knowledge and experience to help you meet your acoustic requirements.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call us at 01525 303 905 or contact us through our website. We look forward to working with you on your next project and helping you achieve the acoustic performance you need for successful building completion.

# About the Author

Darren Helliwell is a building performance specialist with over 25 years of hands-on experience leveraging thermal imaging, blower door testing, and smoke analysis to optimise air tightness in both new-build and refurbishment projects such as Battersea Power Station, Imperial War Museum and Harrods.

Using advanced infrared thermal imaging cameras alongside state-of-the-art blower door and smoke-testing equipment, Darren’s team delivers detailed thermographic surveys across residential and commercial buildings. These thermal imaging surveys pinpoint invisible air leaks, identify insulation defects, and reveal thermal bridging—empowering architects, contractors, and property owners to make targeted, energy-saving improvements.

Darren’s ongoing mission is to help design teams and contractors harness the power of thermal imaging to achieve truly airtight, energy-efficient building envelopes. By reducing heat loss and driving down energy bills, his thermography expertise supports sustainable, cost-effective construction and refurbishment outcomes.

Connect with Darren Helliwell: 

[Thermal Imaging Surveys] Thermal Imaging Surveys | APT Building Thermography Reports 

[APT Email] info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk  

[LinkedIn] https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-helliwell-78789b26