If you’re undertaking a new development, then you are legally obliged to ensure that the sound insulation design is adequate.
Building regulations mean that there are many aspects of a building that need to be compliant that landlords and developers need to be aware of. The building also needs to be a certain standard of acoustic insulation, as defined by Part E (England & Wales) of The Building Regulations.
However, there are different targets that you’ll need to meet and some exceptions. We have a look at the different sound testing requirements are below.
Residential Buildings
The sound testing requirement for residential buildings will vary depending on whether the development is a new build or a conversion and include:
• Party walls and floors must be sound insulated so that no more than 45 decibels of airborne noise can penetrate the fabric
• Party floors must also not allow more than 64 decibels of impact noise to travel through, including if the development is a conversion and the party floor has undergone a change of use.
A full acoustic consultation service will help while planning a new residential development, and advise you on how to design party walls, ceilings, and floors to maximise acoustic insulation.
Commercial Buildings
If you are developing a commercial unit, there are some cases where you won’t need to carry out sound tests. For example, if your development is next to another commercial unit, you won’t need to carry out sound tests.
However, if your commercial building is near or adjoining residential properties, the sound testing requirements will be very strict.
If you’re looking to ensure your building meets regulations, then our sound control acoustic engineers can help with commercial and industrial noise surveys and entertainment and nightclub noise surveys.
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