Sound testing has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003, and all new build properties and conversions which were built after this date require 10% of each party wall/floor construction type to be tested.
Sound testing is to be carried out between pairs of rooms separated by party walls and/or floors. It is usual to test between living rooms and bedrooms as these are classed as the two main habitable rooms; however, other rooms can be used if this is not possible such as study’s, kitchens and dining rooms.
In our experience, if a building fails a sound test it may be down to a problem with the acoustic construction, this is often due to issues such as noise flanking. To help our clients overcome this problem, we also offer our acoustic design service which helps them to pass the sound testing upon completion of the acoustic upgrade.
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. We have had no clients fail their sound testing where our acoustic upgrades have been incorporated into the site construction.
It very interesting that the amount of noise complaints have doubled in the last 10 years. As a result we carry out a large amount of sound tests in council/housing association blocks and/or old buildings with onerous lease contracts, where the residents are experiencing excess noise between the dividing wall and floor partitions.
To help control noise issues APT Sound Testing can undertake UKAS accredited Part E sound testing in London and throughout the South East. Our sound test engineers carry the latest class 1 acoustic equipment.
If you would like advice on your acoustic design or sound testing in London, please contact us now at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call us on 01525 303905.