Part E Acoustic Testing

If you’re thinking of installing or altering hard or wooden flooring in your leased residential dwelling, it’s important to check that your lease allows you to do so first. It’s quite common for leases to contain clauses restricting alterations to floor finishes – this usually applies to carpeted floors, but can also include hard or wooden flooring. The wording of these clauses can vary considerably, so it’s crucial that you review the clause carefully to make sure you understand the requirements. In most cases, the clause will state that the new floors must provide the same level of sound insulation as the existing floor. Sound testing is typically required before work can begin, in order to determine the existing sound levels.

Sound is transmitted through most walls and floors by setting the entire structure into vibration. This vibration generates new sound waves of reduced intensity on the other side.

The passage of sound into one room of a building from a source located in another room or outside the building is termed ‘sound transmission’.

Transmission loss or Sound Reduction Index, R dB, is a measure of the effectiveness of a wall, floor, door or other barrier in restricting the passage of sound. The transmission loss varies with frequency and the loss is usually greater at higher frequencies. The unit of measure of sound transmission loss is the decibel (dB). The higher the transmission loss of a wall, the better it functions as a barrier to the passage of unwanted noise.

Airborne and impact sound insulation are two key measures of a building’s acoustic performance. Airborne sound insulation prevents sound from passing through walls, ceilings and floors, while impact sound insulation protects against noise generated by footsteps or other impacts. Both are important for ensuring a peaceful and comfortable environment.

Airborne sound insulation is the ability of a material to reduce the transmission of sound through the air. It is an important consideration in the construction of buildings, as it can help to reduce noise pollution both inside and outside the building. There are many different types of materials that can be used for airborne sound insulation, and the most effective type will depend on the specific needs of the project.

Impact sound insulation is a measure of how well a material can absorb sound. It is important for reducing noise pollution in both residential and commercial settings. There are many different types of materials that can be used for impact sound insulation, including foam, fiberglass, and rubber. The best material for a particular application will depend on the type of noise that needs to be reduced, the desired level of sound reduction, and the budget.

Weighted Sound Reduction Index Rw is a measure of how much sound is reduced by a material when compared to standard construction materials. It takes into account the frequency of the sound, which means that it can be used to compare different materials. The higher the Rw value, the better the sound reduction.

Flanking transmission is the name given to noise that passes around or through building elements such as partitions, doors and windows. It can be a significant source of noise in buildings, particularly in flats and apartments. Flanking noise is often caused by poor construction, inadequate sound insulation or poorly fitting doors and windows. It can also be caused by objects vibrating against each other, such as furniture or household appliances.

If you’re considering changing or installing hardwood or wooden flooring in your leased residential dwelling, it’s important to make sure that your lease permits it. Many leases restrict such alterations; this applies even when replacing carpeted floors with their hardwood equivalents. The clause can range from simple to complex, so we suggest consulting an acoustic expert for a complete understanding of the required steps.

At Focus 360 Energy, we specialise in assisting clients with navigating these types of clauses and have done so successfully for hundreds of customers already. Our process involves:

• Reviewing the lease to understand what is needed to meet compliance requirements
• Carrying out baseline sound testing – this includes measuring the existing level of resistance against sound and requires access into your neighbour’s flat below for roughly 2.5 hours
• Evaluating all data gathered including construction details and room acoustics – using our expertise, we can provide guidance on how best to proceed

It depends on the specific requirements of the Part E Building Regulations and the source of the noise being considered. Simply soundproofing a wall, floor, or ceiling may not be enough to meet the standards set out by the regulations if the noise is particularly loud or if it is coming from sources such as outside traffic or neighbouring properties. The Part E Building Regulations require that building elements such as walls, floors, and ceilings meet certain acoustic performance levels to ensure that the indoor environment is suitable for its intended use. To comply with the regulations, it is important to carry out a thorough acoustic assessment of the building and install appropriate sound insulation materials and systems to achieve the required acoustic performance levels. 

To accurately assess the soundproofing of a wall or partition, we generate white noise in the source room at roughly 100 decibels. Then, by using a microphone that moves around the element being tested, we measure the average sound pressure level on the other side.

Our experts recommend that you use 100mm sound insulation slabs between your floor joists for domestic floors that require soundproofing. This meets the standards set by Building Regulations, ensuring you have the best protection from noise.

If you need a solution to reduce sound from leaving your room, mineral wool insulation can be a great choice! It not only helps to absorb airborne noise, but also effectively dampens the impact of sound.