UKAS-Accredited Sound & Air Testing
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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