TESTING

SOUND INSULATION SITE READINESS

CHECKLIST

Section 1: Site Readiness Checklist

Section 2: Further Information

Section 3: Useful tips

Email: sales@acousticsurveys.co.uk | Office: 0330 043 1764 | Web: www.acousticsurveys.co.uk Peak Acoustics Ltd. Fernbank House, Springwood Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2XA

S 1

SITE READINESS CHECKLIST

o We require 240V mains power in all dwellings to be tested. We are able to provide a 110V to 240V step up transformer but require prior notification.

o Our technician will require full exclusive access to all areas of the site. For our testing to be UKAS accreditation compliant the larger of the two rooms to be tested is generally the source room. The source room contains the loudspeaker which emits pink noise in excess of 100dB, so therefore we require the site to be uninhabited throughout the testing process.

o Where adjacent dwellings are under separate ownership, unrestricted access should be arranged for the duration of the testing procedure.

o In accordance with Part E guidelines, impact sound tests should be carried conducted on a floor without a soft floor covering (e.g. carpet, foam backed vinyl, etc.). If a soft floor covering is present, this must be noted as a noncompliance on the report. It is then at the discretion of the building control officer whether to accept the report. An exception is made in the case of concrete structural floor base which has a soft floor covering as an integral part of the floor.

o Room should not be furnished. If rooms are furnished, this must be noted as a noncompliance on the report. It is then at the discretion of the building control officer whether to accept the report.

o All fixtures and fittings should be fitted, staggered and sealed to avoid flanking through party elements.

o Skirting boards should be fitted and sealed top and bottom.

o All doors and windows should be fitted with seals and be able to close.

o Parking should be available close to site due to the large quantity and weight of the testing equipment. Specific parking arrangements can be noted in our booking confirmation form which will then passed on to our technician. Please note that parking charges and fines due to inadequate parking arrangements will be chargeable.

o PLEASE NOTE: Where a consultant is unable to carry out all or part of servicesagreed during an arranged site visit due to site unreadiness, such as unarranged or restricted access or lack of power, the client shall be liable to pay 100% of the agreedprice of the services. Rooms are tested 'as found' and non-conformances marked onreports, please ensure the site is prepared for testing in advance

Email: sales@acousticsurveys.co.uk | Office: 0330 043 1764 | Web: www.acousticsurveys.co.uk Peak Acoustics Ltd. Fernbank House, Springwood Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2XA

S 2

FURTHER INFORMATION

Peak Acoustics are a UKAS accredited testing laboratory. Our technicians work to an approved sound test procedure providing impartial testing.

This document should be used a reference to check that your project is ready for sound testing to be carried out. On-site cancellation where the technician is unable to carry out testing due to a lack of access or readiness will be charged at 100% of the price.

Fulfilling the site checklist does not necessarily guarantee the testing will comply with Part E requirements. For advice, design reviews and design specifications for separating walls and floors, please contact our Building Compliance department for more information on our sound insulation consultancy services.

In the event that your test fails, we are able to talk you through the results over the phone as they will highlight the reason for the failure. However, additional consultancy or re-testing will be chargeable at our standard rates.

Email: sales@acousticsurveys.co.uk | Office: 0330 043 1764 | Web: www.acousticsurveys.co.uk

Peak Acoustics Ltd. Fernbank House, Springwood Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2XA

What is a Sound Test? Sound insulation testing is the

method of quantifying the level of sound insulation provided by party

elements between adjoining dwellings. To quantify airborne

sound insulation, a noise source is measured in excess of 100dB in

the source room before measuring the resultant sound

transmitted to the receiving room.

From these measurements, a level of sound reduction can be

calculated. In order to measure impact transmission, a tapping machine is placed on the floor

surface and the resultant transmission is measured in the room below. Sound insulation

testing is a legal requirement for both purpose built and dwellings

formed by change of use in accordance with Approved

Document Part E.

S 3

USEFUL DESIGN TIPS

External Doors and Windows All doors and windows should be fitted and sealed. Poorly sealed windows and doors can provide flanking paths for sound to travel around the partition.

Electrical Sockets Sockets should be staggered where they are fitted either side of a stud partition. They should be staggered to the maximum possible distance, at least one stud width apart. Putty pads can be used in socket boxes to reduce flanking through the party element.

Boarding Boards should be tightly butted and sealed with acoustic mastic at all joints and junctions. Where two layers of board are used, the two layers should be staggered to prevent seams from aligning.

Resilient Rails Resilient rails are a useful tool in reducing transmission of sound while minimising the loss of space. However, correct fitting of resilient rails is essential for them to work effectively. Resilient rails should be installed running perpendicular to the studwork/joists and the correct size of screw should be used to prevent bridging the rail.

Floating Floors Where batten and cradle or resilient floating floor systems are used, the floor should be isolated from perimeter walls and skirting boards using and ‘L’ shaped flanking strip. This prevents structural transmission and ensures optimum performance of the floating floor.

Party Wall Junctions All party walls should be continuous through to external walls and continue up to the full height of any ceilings and roofs rather than just up to the suspended ceiling. Junctions should be carefully considered to prevent flanking through party elements.

Downlights / Spotlights Downlights should be avoided where possible. Where necessary, acoustic fittings should be used and they should be boxed at the rear in the ceiling void.

Services Soil and service pipes should be avoided through separating walls and floors. All pipes and services should be sealed, insulated, lagged and boxed to prevent flanking transmission.

Email: sales@acousticsurveys.co.uk | Office: 0330 043 1764 | Web: www.acousticsurveys.co.uk Peak Acoustics Ltd. Fernbank House, Springwood Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2XA