Why Sound Testing Is Necessary In Properties

Knowing how much sound is. The process of testing sound

No-one likes noisy neighbours. If it’s a residence or hotel room or another type of residential property the noise level can cause a disturbance. Sound testing allows you to assess the degree of noise that is coming from adjacent structures.

Why is it necessary to conduct sound testing?

In any new building or project, reducing noise levels is a matter of installing soundproofing. The degree of effectiveness of soundproofing in reducing noise levels is determined by conducting sound insulation tests. This type of test is an essential part of the Building Regulations. It is applicable to residential developments, such as construction and conversions in which the properties are connected (flats for instance) instead of being separate. Also, it covers hostels and hotels. The testing process reveals how well the soundproofing process blocks from passing through walls or floors between two dwellings.

The Process

The sound testing process is easy. It is designed to ensure that the proposed development or transformation is in compliance with and/or exceeds Building Regulation’s Part E requirements. The test is conducted prior to instead of after conclusion. The process of testing involves conducting an airborne test of sound insulation on walls that are part of adjacent properties. For flats, this process comprises an airborne test for sound insulation on walls of the party and an impact test for sound transmission on floors. A report will detail both test results as well as any suggestions that are made. It’s element of the procedure used to verify the completion of a building.

The Tests

The kind and amount of testing that is conducted on new constructions and conversions varies to an degree on the progress of the project. The primary tests include:

Test of airborne insulation involves creating a controlled sound that covers a broad range of frequencies. It is accomplished by the use of an amplifier as well as a loudspeaker that is placed on the opposite side of a floor or wall for a party. It is then recorded at the residence on the opposite side with the sound meter. The readings of noise levels allow you to figure out the amount of sound traveling through the floor or wall in the neighboring house.

The test of impact sound transmission is a simulation of what happens when you have neighbors moving across the floor over you. The test is conducted using a device located in the building above it which taps the floor. It is akin to walking across floors. With a sound gauge in the floor below it’s possible to determine how much sound is moving across the flooring.

There are additional tests of sound that could be conducted in the course of the procedure. These include determining:

Reverberation times in common areas of buildings that have many residential dwellings.

Indoor ambient noise levels.

The amount of noise that is generated caused by the services within the building.

Where do we go from here?

If it’s a single-time project or a large construction, it’s crucial to follow the advice of a professional to ensure that you don’t violate construction regulations. Contact us with us right now…