Tips on How to Pass Your Sound Testing

We thought we would offer some good tips on how to pass your sound testing at the first attempt. The first stage is to ensure that you design the building correctly using the correct acoustic details and materials.

It is also essential that acoustic materials are installed in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines. There are many potential poor acoustic scenarios that can increase the chance of sound test failure, they are:

1. Ensure no noisy building work is taking place during the sound testing as excess background noise levels can have adverse effect on the results.
2. You must fit doors and windows before the test is carried out, to stop noise transference.
3. Ensure that all doors and windows are shutting properly and rubber seals are properly installed.
4. Do not directly fix screw plaster board into joists, when using Resilient Bars; ensure that they are fitted in strict accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
5. Do not directly nail or screw through an Acoustic Floor always follow manufactures guidelines and use the correct fixing method.
6. Ensure you use acoustic insulation with the minimum required density and it fills at least 100mm of the joist void.
7. Ensure all penetrations such as heating pipes are sealed where they terminate through the floors.
8. Ensure that acoustic insulation is also packed around service pipe work.
9. If installing floating screed ensure all isolation layer joints are overlapped and taped.
10. Ensure that the Acoustic floor is fitted with staggered joints.
11. Ensure all the Acoustic floor is sealed watertight even around heating pipes.
12. Ensure that the plasterboard on any walls is complete right down to sub-floor, seal all gaps.
13. Ensure you use the isolation tape around the wall of each room.
14. Ensure plasterboard is fitted with staggered layers and all joints sealed.
15. Ensure all Fireplaces are blocked up with brick or plasterboard.
16. Ensure that any RSJ’s or supporting steel work is fully insulated and isolated from the main structure.
17. Ensure all waste pipe service runs are boxed in with insulation and plasterboard.
18. Do not fit carpets or laminated flooring before you have passed the test.

APT Sound Testing undertake sound testing on all types of residential buildings and commercial buildings. We also undertake sound testing on schools and buildings containing rooms for residential purposes.

Our team of experienced sound test engineers are dedicated to giving our customers the best quality of service and offer acoustic design advice where possible, to help our clients achieve the required acoustic results to pass the sound testing and attain building completion. We can also undertake ‘in house’ UKAS accredited air tightness testing in one seamless package, lowering costs and negating coordination issues.

If you need help with the sound testing process then call us today on 01525 303 905 or contact us via the online form.