The Different Types of Sound Insulation Testing
Sound Testing has been mandatory requirement since July 2003. All new build dwellings and conversions which were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested.
Sound Insulation Tests needs to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls or floors, i.e. in block of flats you would undertake airborne testing across the walls and floors; and impact tests across the floors.
You usually try to undertake testing between the two main habitable rooms, such as living rooms and bedrooms. The sound test procedure involves setting up a noise source in a room on one side of the party wall or floor and measuring the noise on both sides of the partition with a class 1 analyser.
Airborne Sound Insulation Tests
Airborne sound insulation tests may be required between horizontally and vertically separated pairs of rooms. The sound tests are undertaken by using a sound source, amplifier and loudspeaker to generate a high noise level in one room (the source room). Noise measurements are then taken in both the source and receiver rooms using a prescribed number of source and microphone positions.
The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the airborne sound insulation (DnT,w + Ctr) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E.
Impact Sound Insulation Tests
For vertically separated rooms Impact sound Insulation testing may also be required. This sound test is undertaken using a “tapping machine”, (as above) which drops a series of weights onto the floor of the upper room. The noise level in the lower (receiver) room is measured for a prescribed number of source and microphone locations. The background levels in the receiver room are measured and the reverberation time in the receiver room is also measured. From the results, the impact sound insulation (L’nT,w) is calculated and compared to the requirements of Approved Document E.
We use the latest Norsonic equipment, which is class one rating and UKAS calibrated. We are a UKAS and ISO accredited company, so you can be assured all our testing is carried out to the strictest quality controlled standards.
If you would like more information in regards to sound testing please follow our blog at: http://soundtestinguk.blogspot.co.uk/, or contact me (Darren) on 07775 623464 ot email us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk