• Have you lived in a house with noisy neighbours?
• Have you stayed in a hotel with a noisy room next door?
• Have you lived in a block of flats and heard the washing machine from the flat above?

These are only a few examples of how adjoining properties can cause major disruption to sleep, social life, working patterns and well-being of those living in neighbouring properties.

Sound testing makes it possible to test the level of noise coming from adjoining properties to ensure there is a reduce chance of noise pollution.

What is a Sound Test?

Carrying out sound testing is a precise process which uses set standards to measure the sound between two properties. The process has been developed to ensure that the new build property or converted property meets the Building Standard: Approved Document E. Pre-Completion Testing is the normal route to show the level of soundproofing for a building. Sound Insulation Tests apply to each type of separating wall and floor in the building.

How long does a Sound Test Take?

A sound test is made up of several individual elements. Before a sound test can take place measurements of room volume and partition areas need to be taken for each pair of rooms. There are two types of test: Impact and Airborne. Impact Testing takes less time than Airborne Tests. For a set of 6 tests including 2 impact, 2 airborne walls, and 2 airborne floors will generally take between 2-3 hours. If the complexity of the project is high, the time taken could be 3-4 hours.

What happens if the test fails?

Firstly, do not panic sound tests do fail for several reasons. Some sound tests fail due to very simple issues for example slight holes in the partition being tested whereas some fail due to major structural borne sound issues. The way to reduce the potential of a fail is to engage the services of an acoustic consultant specialising in building acoustics to review the project at the design stage. If the design stage has been missed and you receive a fail following a sound test, your situation can again be reviewed by an acoustic consultant.

How do I arrange a Sound Test?

Whether you require a one-off project or multiple projects, Compliance 4 Buildings can help you reduce the possibility of issues relating to failed Sound Tests. Our team are available by phone on 0203 556 2407 or via email info@compliance4buildings.co.uk