Serving Luton and surrounding areas
Building Regulations Part E
Sound Insulation Testing in Luton and Surrounding Areas
SITMA registered pre-completion acoustic testing to demonstrate Part E compliance. Professional airborne and impact sound insulation testing for residential developments.
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Luton & 50-mile area
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What Is Sound Insulation Testing?
Sound insulation testing, also known as pre-completion testing (PCT), is a procedure to measure the acoustic performance of separating walls and floors between adjoining dwellings. The tests assess how effectively the construction resists the transmission of airborne sound (such as speech and music) and impact sound (such as footsteps).
Testing is carried out in accordance with BS EN ISO 140 series standards and is a mandatory requirement under Building Regulations Approved Document Part E (Resistance to the Passage of Sound). The results are expressed as DnT,w (airborne) and L’nT,w (impact) values, which must meet minimum performance standards.
Part E applies to all new-build residential properties that share separating elements with another dwelling, including purpose-built flats, semi-detached houses, terraced houses, and rooms for residential purposes. Residential conversions also require testing unless Robust Details are used and have been properly registered.
Who Needs Sound Insulation Testing?
New-build flats with separating walls or floors
Semi-detached and terraced houses
Residential conversions (houses to flats)
Student accommodation and HMOs
Any development with party walls or floors between dwellings
Hotels and care homes (recommended)
How Does the Testing Process Work?
Our SITMA registered technicians follow a standardised testing procedure:
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1
Pre-Test Survey
We assess the separating elements to be tested and confirm the construction type matches the design specification. Any issues are flagged before testing begins.
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2
Airborne Sound Testing
A calibrated loudspeaker generates pink noise in the source room. Sound pressure levels are measured simultaneously in both the source and receiving rooms to calculate the difference in sound levels.
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3
Impact Sound Testing
A calibrated tapping machine is placed on the floor of the source room. Sound pressure levels are measured in the receiving room below to assess how much impact sound is transmitted through the floor.
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4
Background Noise Measurement
Background noise levels in the receiving room are measured to ensure they do not affect the accuracy of the results.
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5
Reporting
Results are calculated using standardised procedures and a detailed test report is produced. Pass/fail status is confirmed against the minimum standards in Approved Document E.
How Does the Air Tightness Test Process Work?
What is sound insulation testing?
Sound insulation testing (also called pre-completion testing or PCT) measures the ability of separating walls and floors between adjoining dwellings to resist the passage of airborne and impact sound. It is required under Building Regulations Part E.
Who needs sound insulation testing?
Part E testing is required for new-build residential properties with separating walls or floors between dwellings. This includes purpose-built flats, semi-detached houses, terraced houses, and residential conversions.
What types of sound tests are carried out?
Two main tests are performed: airborne sound insulation (measuring resistance to sound passing through a wall or floor) and impact sound insulation (measuring resistance to footfall noise through floors). The specific tests depend on the construction type.
When should sound testing be done?
Testing should be carried out when the building is substantially complete but before handover. Separating elements should have all layers applied (plaster, floor finishes) and rooms should be free of construction debris.
What happens if my building fails acoustic testing?
If results do not meet the minimum performance standards in Approved Document E, remedial work will be required. Common solutions include adding acoustic plasterboard layers, improving floor treatments, or sealing flanking paths.
How long does sound insulation testing take?
Testing a single wall or floor set typically takes 1-2 hours. Multiple sets can be tested in a single day. We work to minimise disruption to your construction programme.
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Free quote in under 1 working hour. Most tests booked within 5 days. Reports lodged direct with building control.