Simple Design Solutions to Pass Part E Sound Testing
There are many simple solutions to reduce the noise levels and achieve compliance with Part E sound testing. We can provide easy to follow acoustic design reviews, utilising our extensive knowledge of different materials and construction methods.
Our clients often convert large houses into multiple flats, i.e. a flat on each of the ground, 1st and 2nd floors. They usually leave the floor boards in place and install a layer of plasterboard to the underside of the existing plasterboard/lathe and plaster. Unfortunately this simple type of upgrade usually achieves 30dB for airborne sound, which will result in sound testing failure. The sound test result needs to be 43db and above for airborne noise and 70dB for Impact sound.
One simple solution to overcome the above problem would be to add another ceiling element to the overall construction. This can be achieved by incorporating resilient metal bars which are connected to the underside of the joists and mounted perpendicular (90˚) to the joist direction. If plasterboard has already been tacked to the underside of the joists you can firstly add timber batten and then add the resilient bars, also mounted perpendicular (90˚ to the batten, thereafter 2 x 12.5mm layers of soundboard can be tacked to the underside of the resilient bar and an acoustic insulation added to the newly formed void. In between the joist void add 100mm acoustic insulation. Above the floor boards add an acoustic resilient membrane to lower the chance of impact noise transmitting down to dwelling below.
The aforementioned acoustic design solution will usually result in successful sound testing and compliance with Approved Document Part E.
If you require more information in regards to sound testing and/or acoustic design on your project please visit our site at www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk or contact us at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk, or call me direct on 07775623464.