A building acoustic compliance test is designed to measure sound travel between adjacent buildings. It is a legal requirement for all new developments to meet with specified levels of sound insulation under Document E of the Building Regulations.
There are some exceptions where noise pollution is less of an issue, such as between two commercial units, but in the majority of cases, an acoustic compliance test is mandatory. This is the case for new domestic buildings and schools, hospitals, and hotels, and existing premises which are being converted into dwellings.
This is to ensure that the occupants of residential buildings can enjoy a good quality of life, and not be excessively disturbed by neighbours, nor have to place unreasonable restrictions on their own sound output. In educational settings, good sound insulation is important to aid effective teaching and learning, and in hospitals it helps to ensure patient privacy.
The transmission of sound between walls, ceilings, windows, and floors within different areas of a building will be measured, and also between any adjacent buildings. Usually, a predetermined number of the rooms in a building are tested, rather than the whole building. A minimum of 25% of the usable space should be included in the test.
A suitably qualified sound engineer will carry out an Airborne Party wall test and an Airborne Party floor test. To meet the required standard, the results should indicate that no more than 45 decibels of airborne noise can travel through the floor or wall. Additionally, no more than 64 decibels of impact noise should travel through a party floor.
The tests should be carried out when the development is nearly complete, and all the doors, windows, and vents are in place. It is good practice to take advice in the planning stages about how to ensure the building will pass the sound insulation test, rather than have to take costly remedial action should the building fail to meet the required standards.
If you are looking for sound testing in Birmingham, please talk to us today.
Comments