Building Regulations - Approved Document E
This document deals primarily with the sound insulation properties of residential developments.
Dwelling houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes are required to be designed in such a way that they provide reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the same building and from adjoining buildings.
The requirements apply to new build residential properties and also to conversions.
As a builder or developer you need to demonstrate that separating walls and floors meet these requirements e.g. by pre-completion testing.
Do you have to have sound insulation or pre-completion testing?
The answer is, well, you don't. Compliance with Approved Document E (ADE 2003) can also be achieved through "Robust Details" Ltd. (RD). Registration with this scheme and correct use of RD constructions is an alternative to pre-completion testing. However, if construction details vary, even slightly, from the RD specification, the building control body may still require pre-completion testing to be carried out.
What is Pre-completion Testing?
Simply speaking, pre-completion testing is measuring the sound insulation properties of a separating wall or floor by simulating sound on one side and then measuring the levels of noise on both sides (for airborne noise) and on the receiving side for impact noise.
Who can Carry Out The Testing?
Guidance in ADE suggests that organisations carrying out pre-completion testing should are either ANC registered or UKAS accredited.
If you require further advice or information regarding sound tests call 0845 388 1974 or email enquiries@sbmsafetysolutions.co.uk
Links
www.sbmsafetysolutions.co.uk
www.sound-survey.co.uk
www.healthandsafetyhelp.co.uk
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