A quiet, peaceful environment is essential for a good quality of life. Acknowledging this as fundamental right, the UK government has made sound insulation a key part of building regulations to ensure homes and workplaces stay free from unwanted noise.

So, in 2003, Part E of the Building Regulations mandated specific standards for sound insulation in new residential buildings and constructions.

Acoustic Measurement Services in the UK is an umbrella term for a wide range of professional services that evaluate sound and vibration levels for regulatory compliance, residential and workplace comfort, and the safety of buildings and spaces in the UK.

Sound insulation testing is one of these wide-ranging acoustic measurement services that specifically measures how well the building elements (walls, floors, and ceilings) block sound between rooms or units (important for flats, hotels, schools, etc.).

Sound Insulation Testing in UK by Southern Assessors:

At Southern Assessors, our professional UKAS-accredited engineer handles all types of sound insulation testing services in Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, and Oxfordshire. Equipped with state-of-the-art acoustic testing equipment and guided by standard processes, we provide you with an in-depth report and advisory support from design to completion.

If sound insulation testing is what you have in mind but you are looking to understand more about the types of sound testing, what sound insulation testing in the UK entails, and how it is conducted, then read on.

What is sound insulation testing?

Sound insulation testing is designed to evaluate the construction’s ability to reduce or block sound transmission between different areas of the premises.

What are the different types of sound testing in UK? How are they performed?

Two types of testing evaluate the effectiveness of the sound originally travelling through two different mediums: air and surfaces.

• Airborne sound insulation testing evaluates how effectively suppresses the sound that travels through the air. This considers how well everyday noises like music, speech, and traffic are supported by building elements like floors, walls, and ceilings.
• Impact testing is the second type to evaluate a building’s ability to absorb and reduce noise generated by direct contact with its surfaces. This type of sound testing is designed to evaluate how well noise vibrations, such as footsteps, dropped objects, or moving furniture are suppressed.

Both sound tests are performed by generating noise on one side of the walls/floors and measuring how much of the sound is transmitted to the other side of the particular space. If the results indicate that the sound performance meets the requirement standards, it confirms compliance.

How sound insulation testing in UK is conducted?

Sound testing aims to ensure consistent results accurately reflecting the real-world sound insulation performance of the tested premises. In general, sound insulation testing in UK involves seven key steps:

1. Setting up calibrated equipment like Class 1 sound meters and tapping machines
2. Preparation of the testing environment by sealing gaps and closing openings.
3. Conducting airborne and impact tests to measure sound transfer & recording data across multiple locations.
4. Analysis of results against regulatory standards & troubleshooting any failures by identifying gaps or weak points.
5. Compiling a detailed report. If adjustments are made, sound retesting is performed to ensure practical improvements.

What happens after the sound insulation testing?

If your building or construction passes the sound insulation test, the developer receives a compliance certificate required for approval and occupancy. If it fails, the report will include recommendations for improvements, like sealing gaps or adding insulation. Once remedial work is completed, a sound retest confirms whether the changes bring the structure up to standard.

So it is essential to work with trusted and accredited engineers who provide standard procedures, high-quality calibrated acoustic testing equipment, follow standardised procedures, and offer advisory services for successful sound testing. We advise you to research local accredited professionals, review their previous work, and check references to ensure the job is done accurately and to the highest standards.

If you are looking for sound insulation testing services in Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire, or Oxfordshire, Southern Assessors is the leading provider and can help you meet your compliance requirements.