SOUND INSULATION TEST
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The sooner you can discuss your sound testing with one of our trained team members the more likelihood there is of you achieving the results you require to pass building regulations.
One of our sound insulation testers will be able to issue you with all the relevant guidance you will need to smoothly pass your test, ensuring you do not have any complications further down the line.
We recommend getting in touch with us as soon as possible to discuss the details of your sound insulation test. This will ensure you achieve the score you are looking for in a timely matter.One of our trained staff members can talk you through all that is required prior to our visit.
What is Sound Insulation Testing
A sound insulation test or airborne sound testing is a method of detecting whether houses and flats are retaining noise within the confinements of the dwelling. The test calculates how much noise is escaping through the walls, floor and ceiling of the building.
Different sound insulation tests are conducted dependant on the type of house or flat being tested. An airborne sound insulation test occurs on the dividing walls between two flats or houses, whereas the airborne and impact sound insulation test is conducted on the floor of the flat or house.
Sound Insulation Testing must be completed in order to pass document E of building regulations. Without this approved document it is illegal to rent or sell your property.
How do you test Sound Insulation?
There are different degrees of sound testing, though the most common is fairly quick and inexpensive. Having said that, each property is different and has its own timescale for the work. The two main types of sound testing are Airborne and Impact tests.
Both kinds of tests are completed on ‘habitable’ rooms, which are rooms you’d typically find in any house, living room, kitchen, bedroom, and general living spaces.
Airborne Tests
These sound tests are carried out to measure levels of sound passing through air on floors and ceilings between dwellings. A loudspeaker produces white noise on one side of the partition and a decibel meter measures the level of sound lost through the partition transmitted through the air.
Impact Tests
Similarly, these tests are used to measure sound passing through separating floor and ceiling divides between dwellings. Using a tapping machine, we are able to measure the levels of noise from impact transmitted through a separating construction. The amount of sound passing through the partition is recorded using a decibel meter.
Getting Ready for Sound Insulation Testing
Sound testing needs to be completed when you’re building it at a stage before completion.
The list below indicates what is needed in the building for an accurate sound insulation test to take place:
- All windows and doors must be fully installed
- Gaps and holes must be sealed
- 110v or 240v power needs to be available in the building
- All soil pipes should be filled with water
- Access to all rooms in the building is required
- Any electrical sockets need to be installed
How Purple Energy can help
Purple Energy have a dedicated team of highly skilled technicians working throughout the country to provide accurate Sound Insulation Tests and free remedial advice, ensuring you achieve the sound insulation test results you require to pass part L building regulations at unbeatable market rates.
We Offer Sound Testing in London and anywhere in the UK
We have built a reputation on unmatched expertise, which is backed by an honest and transparent service. We have always done business this way and take pride in maintaining the very best standards.
Sound insulation testing is important and should be handled by experts who know their trade. Here at Purple Energy, we are well placed to make sure your development runs smoothly.
If there is anything you feel unclear about or you simply want to speak to one of our team members, don’t hesitate to give our office a call.
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If there is anything you feel unclear about or you simply want to speak to one of our team members, don’t hesitate to give our office a call.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We are a well-renowned and trusted company, so we provide a quality of service based on two basic fees. These measurements are:
- Testing Fee – based on the cost of our experts coming to your property.
- Site Fee – based on the location, amount of equipment, and reporting.
The most common way to assess acoustic insulation is by measuring it using a decibel meter, then rating it using airborne sound insulation and impact sound insulation. Reverberation time (RT) is the main measurement.
