During the last decade we have undertaken thousands of sound tests in London, and as such we have built up considerable knowledge of typical sound flanking pathways, here are a few of the main noise flanking paths:
- Dividing Ceiling Partitions – Above and Through the Ceiling Space (where an adequate acoustic break has not been carried on through the ceiling void)
- Dividing Floor Partitions – Through Floor and Floor Joist Space (if insulation has not been installed or direct fixing to joists without a drop ceiling below the partition under test)
- Shared Structural Building Components – Floor Boards, Floor Joists, Continuous Drywall Partitions, Continuous Concrete Floors, and Cement Block Walls.
- Through Structural Steel (structural steel beams are often a major cause of noise transmission as plasterboard is often fixed directly to the steel without sound breaks)
- Plumbing Chases – Junctures Between the Walls & Floor Slab Above or at the Exterior Wall Juncture (this should be filed with mortar etc. to add mass to this weakened areas.
- Through Windows (if they are no double glazed or have secondary glazing as a minimum)
- Fixtures & Outlets – Light Switches, Telephone Outlets, and Recessed Lighting Fixtures (if penetrations have been cut back to back with the opposite dwelling under test)
- Structural Joints – Perimeter Joints at Wall & Floor, Through Wall & Ceiling Junctures (these should be filled with acoustic mastic.
- Around the End of the Partition Through the Adjacent Wall (acoustic mastic should be used to seal this junction)
APT Sound Testing offer a ‘one stop’ design package for all types of acoustic design and sound testing in London, whether it’s accomplished during initial construction or during a refurbishment/renovation project.
If you would like more information in regards to our sound testing packages, please contact us at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or give us a call on 07775623464.