Sound Insulation Testing – Background Noise

also known as acoustic testing, or pre-completion testing, testing must be carried out on new build properties as well as converted properties to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document E. A property will either require an Airborne test or an Airborne and Impact test. Airborne tests are carried out on separating walls and floors between habitable rooms of flats and houses which consists of placing a loudspeaker in one room for a steady source of noise. Several measurements are taken around the speaker. Measurements are then taken on the other side of the wall or floor. Impact tests are carried out on the separating floors between habitable rooms of flats and consist of a tapping machine is placed on the floor and measurements are taken in the room beneath. The tapping machine is placed on in 4 random location within the source room. Please ensure carpet is removed for this part of the test and access available to both sides of the floor.

Typically each test takes between ten to twenty minutes to complete. This all depends of the size of the building, the test locations, the ability to create stable sound field and unfortunately the uncontrollable influence of environmental noise.

– Background Noise:

The purpose of taking background noise measurements during a sound insulation test is to establish a consistent and controlled testing environment, differentiate transmitted sound from ambient noise, and ensure that the test results accurately reflect the performance of the building partition being evaluated.

A sound test for background noise measures the ambient or environmental noise levels in a given space. It is used to assess the presence and intensity of background noise that can affect the acoustic environment of a room, building, or outdoor area. The purpose of this test is to determine the baseline noise level, which can be important for various applications, including noise control, environmental monitoring, and sound quality assessments.

Key aspects of a sound test for background noise include:

1. Test Setup: The test is conducted in a specific location or area of interest, whether it’s indoors or outdoors. The choice of location depends on the objectives of the test, which may include assessing the impact of background noise on various activities.

2. Measurement: Sensitive sound measurement equipment, such as sound level meters or microphones, is used to capture and record the ambient noise levels in the selected area. Measurements are typically taken over a defined period of time to obtain an accurate representation of background noise conditions.

3. Analysis: The collected data is analyzed to determine the sound pressure levels and frequency characteristics of the background noise. This analysis helps in understanding the nature and intensity of noise in the environment.

Sound tests for background noise are relevant in various contexts:

• Environmental Monitoring: Environmental agencies use background noise measurements to monitor noise pollution and assess its impact on communities.

• Building Acoustics: In architectural and interior design, understanding background noise is essential for creating acoustically comfortable spaces. This includes considering noise from HVAC systems, traffic, and other sources.

• Workplace Safety: In industrial settings, background noise measurements may be used to ensure that noise levels do not exceed safe thresholds to protect workers’ hearing.

• Noise Impact Studies: Assessing the impact of background noise is important when planning new construction projects or evaluating the effects of infrastructure changes on local noise conditions.

Sound tests for background noise provide valuable data for designing quieter and more comfortable environments, addressing noise concerns in urban areas, and ensuring compliance with noise regulations and standards. They are part of a broader effort to create spaces that are conducive to well-being, safety, and efficient operations.

The Standards

During Sound Insulation Testing, we adhere to British Standards that define the testing and rating of sound insulation for both Airborne and Impact Sound Insulation. These standards include:

1. BS EN ISO 140-4 – This standard covers the measurement of airborne sound insulation between rooms, providing guidelines for field measurements.

2. BS EN ISO 140-7 – It addresses the field measurements of impact sound insulation of floors, ensuring comprehensive testing.

3. BS EN ISO 717-1 – This standard is all about rating airborne sound insulation, offering a framework for assessing and comparing sound insulation in building elements.

4. BS EN ISO 717-2 – Similarly, it focuses on rating sound insulation, but for impact sound, enabling a thorough evaluation.

Building Regulations Approved Document E encompasses four key areas:

• E1 – Protection against sound transmission from other parts of the building and adjoining structures.
• E2 – Protection against sound transmission within a dwelling-house and similar areas.
• E3 – Addressing reverberation in common internal parts of residential buildings, such as flats.
• E4 – Ensuring appropriate acoustic conditions in educational facilities.

Part E of the Building Regulations sets forth guidelines for achieving reasonable standards of sound insulation in residential buildings across England and Wales. It applies to a wide range of spaces, from homes to hotels, and covers new constructions as well as those undergoing refurbishment or conversion from a different use.

The objective of Approved Document Part E is to enhance occupant comfort and well-being by minimizing noise transmission, both airborne and impact, between neighboring homes and within internal spaces. Compliance with Part E necessitates the use of sound insulation systems that meet the required airborne and impact noise insulation levels, often accomplished using Robust Details.

For internal walls, a minimum airborne sound insulation level of Rw 40 dB (laboratory test results) is required. This applies to internal walls between bedrooms and other rooms, as well as between bathrooms and other rooms, excluding internal walls with doors. Internal floors must also meet a minimum airborne sound insulation level of Rw 40 dB.

Separating floors between new homes and purpose-built residential spaces must achieve a minimum airborne sound insulation level of 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr (or 56 dB DnT,w in Scotland), which is determined through on-site testing and differs from internal walls. For rooms resulting from a change of use or conversion, the minimum requirement is 43 dB DnT,w + Ctr (or 53 dB DnT,w in Scotland).

In terms of impact sound transmission, the maximum allowable level is LnTw 62 dB (or LnTw 56 dB in Scotland) for separating floors between new homes and purpose-built residential spaces. For rooms converted from a change of use, the maximum limit is LnTw 64 dB (or LnTw 58 dB in Scotland).

These standards and regulations ensure that sound insulation in residential buildings meets specified performance criteria, contributing to a more peaceful and comfortable living environment.

The Equipment

It’s no surprise that the equipment used for Sound Insulation Testing is exceptionally specialized and necessitates frequent, precise calibration for consistent accuracy. All of our measurement equipment adheres to the strict requirements of accuracy class 0 or 1 as outlined in IEC 60651 and IEC 60804. Before each measurement, the entire measurement system, including the microphone, undergoes adjustment using a sound calibrator. To uphold accuracy during field tests, all equipment employed by Building Compliance Testing is meticulously calibrated by a UKAS-approved laboratory. It’s important to note that Building Compliance Testing is a registered member of SITMA, ensuring our commitment to upholding industry standards and accuracy in sound insulation testing.

 Whether your requirements is for a domestic retrofit, residential or commercial development, Building Compliance Testing can support you from concept to completion by offering a one-stop-service service:

design reviews – site inspections – pretesting – intensity testing – site management training and education 

Other Services

We can also offer a variety of other specialist services through our Partners, including:

– Full Design Reviews and Specifications

– BB93 Acoustic Design of Schools

– BREEAM Internal Ambient Noise Limit (IANL) Measurements 

-Reverberation Time (RT60) Measurements

Summary

Sound Insulation Testing, also known as acoustic or pre-completion testing, is a crucial requirement for both new build and converted properties to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document E. These tests, either Airborne or a combination of Airborne and Impact, assess the sound insulation between habitable rooms. Airborne tests evaluate sound transmission through separating walls, while Impact tests focus on separating floors. Reverberation time (RT60) and background noise measurements, although essential in other contexts, are not factors affecting sound insulation test results. British Standards, such as BS EN ISO 140-4, BS EN ISO 140-7, BS EN ISO 717-1, and BS EN ISO 717-2, guide these tests, ensuring a controlled and standardized process to meet Building Regulations requirements. Building Compliance Testing employs specialized and precisely calibrated equipment to guarantee accuracy and compliance with industry standards throughout the testing process. Whether for domestic retrofit, residential, or commercial development, Building Compliance Testing provides comprehensive support from design reviews to site management, ensuring sound insulation standards are met from concept to completion.