How Many Sound Tests Do I Need On My Project

How Many Sound Tests Do I Need On My Project?
Our clients often ask ‘how many sound tests do I need on my project’. Part E stipulated that one set of sound tests needs to be undertaken for every ten flats or houses, provided the construction system is the same.

A set means that the test should include two locations where the party element (wall or floor) is tested. This is equivalent to two individual tests when assessing the performance of a wall this means 2 airborne wall, 2 airborne floor and 2 impact sound tests as a minimum wherever possible. All tests must be undertaken between habitable spaces (e.g. bedrooms, living rooms) and not to or from common spaces such as stairwells and corridors.

Acoustic Design Advice

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

Houses:

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

Flats:

On flats a 6 Pack would normally be required, this would usually comprise of two airborne sound insulation tests on separating walls; two airborne sound insulation tests of separating floors and two impact sound transmission tests of separating floors

Rooms for Residential Purposes:

On student accommodation, hotel rooms & care homes a set of tests would usually comprise of one airborne sound insulation test of a separating wall; one airborne sound insulation test on a separating floor and one impact sound transmission test of a separating floor.

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