SOUND INSULATION TESTING SITE READINESS CHECKLIST

Transcription

1 04/07/2018 SOUND INSULATION TESTING SITE READINESS CHECKLIST 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. Section 1 Site Readiness Checklist Section 2 Further Information

2 SECTION 1 SITE READINESS CHECKLIST 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. Our technician will require full exclusive access to all areas of the site. For our testing to carry UKAS accreditation, the larger of two tested rooms must be used as the source room. The source room contains the loudspeaker which emits pink noise in excess of 100dB, so the site should be uninhabited throughout the testing. Where adjacent dwellings are under separate ownership, access should be arranged for the duration of the testing. In accordance with Part E guidelines, impact testing should be carried out before the final floor covering has been laid. If tested rooms are carpeted, this must be noted as a non-compliance on the report. It is then at the discretion of the building control officer whether to accept the report. All fixtures and fittings should be fitted, staggered and sealed to avoid flanking through party elements. Skirting boards should be fitted and sealed top and bottom. All doors and windows should be fitted with seals and be fully closable. 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. 2

3 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. 3

4 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. Downlighters / Spotlights Downlighters 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. 4

5 Peak Acoustics are a UKAS accredited testing laboratory. Our technicians work to our UKAS sound test procedure to offer 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 80% 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. 5