Failed Sound Testing in London?
When a building fails the Part E Sound Test in London it may be down to a problem with the acoustic construction, this may be down to issues such as noise flanking etc.
Ongoing problems with airborne and structure borne sound are often associated with direct noise flanking transmission through floors and supporting walls and other associated structures such as the external envelope. One common cause of noise flanking and failed sound testing is often associated with the inclusion of lightweight blocks within the construction of the building envelope and/or blocked cavities. It all cases it is essential to establish if your problem is due to direct transmission, flanking transmission or a combination of both so that the most cost effective remedial treatment can be chosen.
Unwanted noise travelling along flanking paths will make the building structure vibrate which causes the sound to radiate into your room. One simple cost effective solution is to build another wall or ceiling in front of the original, but not connected to it (often called an independent wall or ceiling) so it provides isolation between materials.
One way to reduce the chance of flanking transmission is through careful consideration to the design at the start of the project. Unfortunately, by simply specifying high performance wall and floor partitions it is no guarantee to adequate sound isolation and successful sound insulation testing. APT Sound Testing offer both preconstruction and post construction design solutions to achieve a successful sound testing in-line with Part E of Building Regulations. We also offer onsite inspection services to ensure that the sound insulation elements are being installed as per manufactures guild-lines. Even if both types of sound are emitting through the ceiling/floor then there are some easy installations that should reduce the sound levels and improve your sound test results. By advising on a simple cost effective wall and/or floor upgrade, we are able to forward simple to follow acoustic design reviews, utilising our extensive knowledge of different materials and construction methods
If you have failed a sound test and need acoustic advice on how to overcome the problem then please contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call me direct on 07775623464.