How Dwelling Layouts and Functions Can Cause Sound Testing Failure

The location and lay out of dwellings play an important role in relation to the levels of subsequent ambient or background noise that surrounds the occupants. Loud noise sources such as Roads with high traffic volumes, railway lines or airports or entertainment venues can provide a high level of ambient background noise, which may help to ‘mask’ the perceived noise that is being transmitted between dwellings.

Dwelling Room layouts and functions

Planning a good acoustically favourable dwelling layout can help to reduce the number of noise problems that will occur and help you pass Part E Sound Testing

Main ‘habitable’ rooms such as Kitchens or living rooms, which back onto bedrooms of the adjacent dwelling, are more likely to lead to noise complaints. Kitchen cupboards doors may transmit impact noise through to the bedroom next door through the dividing partition; this can lead to annoyance and frustration for the neighbour.

If neighbours have varied working patterns the layout and the use of rooms are particularly important. Complaints about noise may more often result when the living room of one dwelling is over a bedroom of another dwelling. Wherever possible hallways/corridors should be placed alongside the adjacent property to reduce the chance of noise transference and reduce the risk of sound testing failure.

If you would like more information in regards to sound testing please contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call us on 01525 303905.