Acoustics, Sound Insulation Test Guidelines

As a professional organisation, wherever possible we try to work with our Clients to ensure that their buildings pass the Sound Intensity Test first time. To assist you we would like to draw your attention to the following guidelines, which if followed will create the correct conditions to ensure the building does pass first time.

Before the sound insulation test can be carried out, the building should be essentially complete, with doors, windows, fixtures and fittings in place (no soft floor coverings, furniture or furnishings). This will ensure that the sound insulation test is only measuring the construction of the building.

The test is carried out between two rooms that are separated by a party wall or floor and will involve creating a noise in one room and taking measurements in both this room and the one separated by the wall or floor. This process is repeated in at least one more sets of rooms.

To ensure the test is conducted successfully, it is imperative we have quiet conditions during the test programme.

The noise that is created by our equipment is substantial and therefore all staff should vacate the building during the test.

To help ensure your building passes the Sound Insulation Test, the following should be observed:

• All surfaces (walls, floors, ceilings) should be complete with no voids or gaps
• Windows & doors are installed, complete and closed
• Window trickle vents are closed
• Cornice & skirting boards are all in place
• All light fittings, power/telephone/aerial sockets & switches are fitted
• Where floors are being tested, no coverings should be laid other than integral finishes forming part of the floor construction
• Rooms under test must be clear of any materials, furniture and furnishings
• Detectors i.e. smoke alarms, should be disarmed to ensure they do not beep
• All personnel are aware that the test is taking place so they can vacate the area & ensure no noise is created
• Power supply of 240v sockets should be available in all rooms

IMPORTANT: The higher the quality of workmanship the less likely your building will fail.

You will be asked to provide the name and contact number of the person who will be responsible for ensuring that the above conditions are met.

If anything is unclear, or you wish to discuss your specific requirements please contact our office on 01366 387354

We hope that you have found the above useful

Thank you