We are one of the few companies that can offer sound testing, air testing and extract fan testing in one seamless package. We have offices in central London and throughout the rest of the UK, which means we can respond quickly and efficiently for all our clients.
Our Big 3 Package helps to lower costs and reduces potential ‘onsite’ coordination issues. For more information on our ‘Big 3 Package’ please see below:
Sound Insulation Testing
Pre completion sound testing under Part E of Building Regulations has been a mandatory requirement since July 2003. 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 or floors.
Sound insulation testing is required to make sure that a residential development can demonstrate acceptable levels of noise attenuation performance. Building Regulations Part E requires you undertake two different types of sound testing including airborne noise e.g. noise transmitted through the air, such as televisions and conversations between people; and impact noise e.g. noise resulting from an impact on the floor surface, such as footsteps on the floor. By undertaking the two types of sound testing ensures the dwelling provides a reasonable resistance to the passage of sound.
If you would like more information in regards on how to prepare for sound testing on your project, please have a look at our sound test checklist which has lots of useful information.
Air Tightness Testing
Air testing to achieve satisfactory levels of air tightness became a legal requirement in 2006 in England and Wales, under Building Regulations Part L and is becoming increasingly important to help produce greener buildings, via the reduction of carbon emissions as energy is not being needlessly lost from residences via large air leakage paths etc.
Building Regulation Part L defines ‘air leakage’ as the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric of a building. The general public recognise it as draughts. When you lose energy through the building fabric this is known as the building emission rate. New projects and developments must meet specific requirements for air testing and emission rates, the usual target for a standard dwelling is 5.0m3/hr/m2; however for commercial buildings the target rate is often much lower – around 3.0m3/hr/m2.
If you would like more information in regards on how to prepare for Air Testing on your project, please have a look at our air test checklist which has lots of useful information.
Extractor Fan Testing
Extractor Fan Testing under Part F of Building Regulations has been a mandatory requirement since 2014. All new extract ventilation that uses intermittent extractor fans such as bathrooms, WC and kitchens in new buildings need to have their air flow rates measured on site and the results submitted to the building control body prior to completion and handover.
As buildings become more insulated and air tightness is improved, it is essential that any installed ventilation systems are fit for purpose, balanced and commissioned correctly to ensure optimum levels of operation for the well-being of the occupants and prevent on going damage to the properties via mould etc.
We can undertake the extractor fan testing at the same time as the air and sound testing which helps to reduce coordination issues as well as offering a substantial cost saving. You can also be safe the knowledge that the works are being carried out by a UKAS accredited company.
If you would like more information in regards on how to prepare for extract vent testing on your project, please have a look at our Knowledge Base page which has lots of useful information.
If you need air, sound or vent testing on your project please contact us on 07775 623464 or e-mail us at: info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk. We have the knowledge and experience to ensure your building passes first time.