Sound Insulation Testing

Posted by LoggaanMicchael on September 30th, 2015

The required Site Conditions for Sound Testing
During the sound insulation testing, our equipment produces high levels of noise; between 100-100dB. However, to record accurate test measurements, relatively quiet conditions are required on site throughout the testing. Any site operatives working in the testing area will have to leave temporarily and any noisy works in the vicinity of the test areas including external site activity such as groundworks, drilling and banging will need to be halted. We also require full access to all the rooms being tested. We provide a full testing schedule within our quotation which will clearly identify suitable couplings of test rooms which may require access to adjoining neighbours dwellings to enable us to complete the testing. APT Sound Testing will try to schedule the sound testing with you at a time when noise can be controlled to achieve the best possible testing results.

How Long Will the Sound Testing Take?
The time taken to undertake sound testing varies from project to project as no site is exactly the same. Taking into account standard site conditions a set of tests on houses -two airborne walls will take one to two hours. A six pack of tests on flats - 2 airborne wall, two airborne floor and two impact tests will take between two to three hours. Throughout the sound testing we will require full free uninterrupted access to the units/rooms in all test areas.

Should I inform my Neighbours of the Sound Testing?
Your neighbours will need to be contacted if access is required to their properties to complete the sound testing. Also as the sound levels produced during the test are very high it would be ‘neighbourly’ to inform the residents as they are likely to hear the test. If your project is a new build and/or a change of use and its built onto an existing property then chances are you will be required to undertake an airborne wall test.  We recommend that you check this with your local building control officer prior to the testing so you can plan access to the neighbouring properties accordingly.

Can I Observe the Sound Testing?
APT Sound Testing will happily give you a brief demonstration and overview of the test, if so required; however, during the actual sound testing, we will need to follow stringent rules which restrict extra personnel within the test areas.

I want peace of mind that I'll pass the sound testing
Poor Sound test results can occur for many reasons. The most common factor influencing acoustic performance is poor workmanship. Detailing is critical to maximising on site acoustic performance, especially in floor and wall isolation and appropriate party wall and floor construction. If inadequate provision for the isolation of materials is not undertaken Noise flanking may occur which is another common reason for sound test failure. We offer an acoustic design service to review the construction detailing. We also offer a sample testing service along with site inspections which provides a ‘one stop acoustic solution’. We visit site during the build process to check for any workmanship issues that may cause problems during the final pre-completion testing.

If you would like APT Sound Testing to review your site construction or to comment on their suitability, then please speak to us about our acoustic design advice service. This is a relatively inexpensive option that may avoid sound testing failures which result in expensive remedial treatment and delay your project handover.

For information in regards to sound testing or acoustic design, please follow our blog at: http://soundtestinguk.blogspot.co.uk/, or contact us on 0777 5623464 or visit our website at: www.aptsoundtesting.co.uk  

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LoggaanMicchael

About the Author

LoggaanMicchael
Joined: September 30th, 2015
Articles Posted: 1