How Many Sound Tests Do I Need On My Project?
Our clients often ask ‘how many sound tests do I need on my project’. Part E stipulated that one set of sound tests needs to be undertaken for every ten flats or houses, provided the construction system is the same. A set means that the test should include two locations where the party element (wall or floor) is tested. This is equivalent to two individual tests when assessing the performance of a wall this means 2 airborne wall, 2 airborne floor and 2 impact sound tests as a minimum wherever possible. All tests must be undertaken between habitable spaces (e.g. bedrooms, living rooms) and not to or from common spaces such as stairwells and corridors.
Approved Document E 2003 also states that a minimum of 10% of all party walls and floors is sound tested for every type of construction or sub-group, this means where there a variations in the construction of the floors and/or walls may occur then further testing may be required. The amount of sound tests required for each type of development is:
Houses:
On houses two airborne sound insulation tests on a pair of separating walls would be required.
Flats:
On flats a 6 Pack would normally be required, this would usually comprise of two airborne sound insulation tests on separating walls; two airborne sound insulation tests of separating floors and two impact sound transmission tests of separating floors
Rooms for Residential Purposes:
On student accommodation, hotel rooms & care homes a set of tests would usually comprise of one airborne sound insulation test of a separating wall; one airborne sound insulation test on a separating floor and one impact sound transmission test of a separating floor.
If you are unsure of the amount of sound tests required on your development, please contact us now at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call me direct on 07775623464.