Sound Testing Consultants

APT Sound Testing Services

Part E of the Building Regulations requires that new homes are designed and constructed to provide reasonable resistance to the passage of sound and are reasonably air tight to lower the buildings on-going emissions.

Our technical team have carried out thousands of sound insulation and air tightness tests. APT Sound Testing has the experience to help you on any scheme. We pride ourselves on offering the following proactive service:

» Fast response - we can usually get to your project within one working week

» Quick results - testing is arranged around your build schedule and you will receive an immediate indication of test performance on site

» Electronic reports sent electronically so you can send it straight to to building control - no snail mail with us

» Expert remedial advice - if your development fails any of the tests, helping you achieve compliance as quickly as possible

» A complete compliance UKAS accredited solution for both sound and air tightness testing to lower costs and negate coordination issues

Here is a quick breakdown of our services:

Sound Insulation Testing
Pre completion sound testing under part E has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003. All new build properties and conversions which were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested. Sound Testing is to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls or floors. Part E of Building Regulations require that pre-completion sound insulation tests are undertaken on new dwellings and conversions.

BB93 Sound Testing of Schools
Several studies have noted a link between noise and academic standards/achievement, BB93 tackles this when used in conjunction with Part E of Building Regulations. It is in the best interests of the school to make classroom acoustics a high priority for the education of all children as well as for the health and well-being of their staff. A recent addition to Approved Document E has been the inclusion of a requirement stipulating that acoustics shall be incorporated into the design of schools.

Acoustic Consultancy Services
APT Sound Testing undertakes acoustic design on many different types of projects, from the initial scheme stage to completion. We offer a no nonsense professional proactive approach to acoustic design that ensures you company receives professional advice every step of the way, with a continual consideration of cost. We have considerable experience in all matters related to architectural acoustic design and detailing. We use the latest acoustic prediction and modelling software systems. We also use the latest Norsonic equipment analysers and sound sources for conventional and binaural acoustic measurements.

Planning Noise Surveys (PPG24)
Have the local authority requested you undertake a PPG24 noise assessment for planning. APT Sound Testing have a huge amount of experience in dealing with PPG24 noise assessments for the planning applications for all types of developments. More often than not, noise assessments are requested in relation to the planning conditions on new build apartments, houses, or hotels. The assessment is required at the planning stage because the local authority want to ascertain what extra noise may be generated noise, by the proposed development.

Industrial Noise Surveys to BS4142
APT Sound Testing recognise that noise from industrial sites is playing an ever-growing role with planning authorities. The Central Government's push to promote re-development of brown field sites is increasingly pushing together industrial and residential developments, where industrial noise levels and operating hours may pose a serious harm to amenity and quality of life. BS4142 provides the method of assessing industrial noise in areas where there is existing housing. The existing background noise is measured (at different times of the day if necessary) using the measure LA90. This is the level exceeded for 90% of the time. Our consultants are extremely familiar with the methods and requirements of BS4142.

Air Conditioning Noise Survey
On numerous occasions APT Sound Testing has been commissioned to assess whether the noise level from air conditioning units at the rear and/or top of commercial buildings show any increment in the existing background at the façade/s of the nearest sensitive property. Our report therefore described a noise impact assessment of the site, the subsequent analysis to determine the noise environment of the proposed air-conditioning unit and compared the results with national and local standards and specific criteria.

Air Tightness Testing
APT Sound Testing can provide air tightness testing for every type of project, from small single dwellings to the largest commercial developments. APT Sound Testing is UKAS accredited for both Air & Sound testing in compliance to Building Regulations and Standards. APT Sound Testing provides a nationwide airtightness testing, with offices in London, Luton and Cardiff. We also have the capacity to undertake consultancy, design reviews and support services on both dwellings and commercial buildings. We have regionally based engineers in England and Wales to provide a cost-effective, local service.

Fire Enclosure Testing
Enclosures protected by gaseous fire suppression system -such as server rooms, should be tested for air-tightness upon commissioning of the system and annually thereafter. This is critical to ensure that the system will work effectively when activated; too much air-leakage will result in the concentration of the fire suppressant agent falling too quickly. Air Pressure Testing provides the necessary Room Integrity Testing to the required NFPA 2001 or ISO 14520 methodologies, we have undertaken thousands tests around the UK and Europe.

Infrared Thermal Imaging Surveys
Infrared surveys are becoming one of the fastest growing predictive maintenance technologies available today and is one of the easiest and most accurate methods for fault diagnostics within the within all aspects of the building, electrical, mechanical and the petrol and gas industries. Not only is it used to monitor live equipment conditions but also to help identify design, repair, and construction oversights. Using the latest infrared technology our level 2 trained engineers are able to locate any potential problems. As we use the highest resolution cameras with the latest image processing, our infrared survey images are clear and concise. Using the latest software we can facilitate fast and easy analysis and documentation of survey results.

Air Sealing & Fire Stopping Services
APT Sound Testing has undertaken Air and Fire Sealing on all types of buildings from Hospitals to large schools since 2003 to help achieve improved customer comfort and ensure protected enclosures are adequately sealed to facilitate the correct retention times. Since the new Part L Building Regulations were introduced in 2002. APT Sound Testing have become heavily involved with a comprehensive service from initial air barrier design reviews and on-going construction site surveys to the final air testing, this provides you a one stop solution for all of your air leakage and fire integrity sealing and testing requirements.

SBEM & SAP Assessments
APT Sound Testing has undertaken hundreds of SAP & SBEM assessments throughout the country. SAP & SBEM assessments are calculations of the annual CO2 emission for new & existing domestic and commercial buildings. Each assessment take into account the information of the building fabric, insulation, lighting, heating & ventilation equipment and solar gains in buildings, to achieve acceptable carbon emissions set by the government. APT Sound Testing is able to provide accredited SAP and SBEM calculations for Part L submissions to Building Control or as part of environmental assessments and feasibility studies. We offer a one stop solution for all your energy assessment requirements.

Contact Us Now
We provide full ISO compliant UKAS accredited Air & Sound Testing and Noise Surveys. We use the latest 'state of the art' Norsonic sound testing equipment which is UKAS calibrated class 1 rated.

If you are unsure of your projects acoustic requirements please call us now on: 01525 303905 or email us at: info@airpressuretesting.net

APT Sound Testing Services
Head Office: Sayells Farm, 7 Harlington Road, Upper Sundon, Bedfordshire, LU3 3PE