Pre-completion testing forms the Part E requirement of the Building Regulations that are in place for new houses, new flats, flat conversions and change of use into flats. Therefore, Part E puts the responsibility on the owner of the property to demonstrate that the acoustic rating satisfies the desired requirements. As a result, it will ensure that the property complies with the current Building Regulations for noise control through separating floors and walls.
What is Pre-Completion Sound Testing?
All new properties, whether it is a new house, a conversion or a new flat will need to undergo pre-completion sound testing as if forms the Part E requirement that is part of the Building Regulations and so, it is a mandatory requirement.
As a result, it does not matter if it is the developer who owns the property or the owner, they will have to take on the responsibility of arranging the pre-completion sound test. This will enable them to identify that the acoustic rating is accurate and that it also complies with the current regulations when it comes to noise control.
When it comes to controlling noise between separating floors as well as walls between one or several dwellings, it is crucial that the correct solutions are put in place. In the same way as other building regulation tests, it is common for local building control departments to stipulate which dwelling should be tested. However, it is crucial that the property has reached the required milestone of the development in order to give it the best opportunity to pass the test, therefore, the dwelling needs to be tested when the property is as good as complete but is still not occupied. For further advice on soundproofing view this guide.
How Do You Sound Test a Building?
A building sound test will follow the agreed document Part E and this will provide an explanation as to how the test for sound insulation should be carried out sufficiently. The tests have to be arranged for a time when completion of the building work has occurred but there must not be any furnishings, carpets or flooring installed. The tests are then carried out under perfect circumstances, enabling them to deliver a recording that is unbiased of the acoustic performance of a dwelling.
The test has to be carried out on the first property type that will be completed while further tests will need to be carried out on one in ten properties whereby the properties are the same.
The tests take place in separate areas of the property as opposed to living spaces and corridors. Accredited test bodies which includes UKAS or ANC must carry out the test as this will enable the test results to meet all requirements before they are passed over to the local building control department in readiness for certification.
There are two forms of tests that can be used and these are known as Airborne Tests as well as Impact Tests.
Airborne tests will measure the sound that is passed through the air located in the void between walls and ceilings. In contrast to this, impact tests make an impact on the floors and ceilings using a tapping machine.
Depending on the property type, the tests may be implemented in varying ways.
Houses will require a group of tests where two separate airborne insulation tests will be undertaken. Should there be walls separating the bedrooms or the living rooms of the houses that are joined then these must also be tested.
In the case of flats, a single group of floor tests will take place which will include two impact and two airborne tests while a single group of tests will be undertaken for the walls which will include two airborne tests.