Acoustic Solutions

Since the recent change of Government Legislation Part E of the Building Regulations we are increasingly asked to provide compliant acoustic specifications and installations. The new Legislation came into force on the 1st July 2003 to encompass improvements to the resistance to the passage of sound.

The overall aim of the amendments is to improve sound insulation, through better specification and workmanship within residential dwellings. The scope has been extended to cover reverberation in common parts of blocks of flats and acoustic conditions in schools.

Whether compliance is established by on-site Pre Completion Testing, or by using Robust Standard Detail, you can be assured of peace of mind when choosing Retail Flooring Solutions Ltd to carry out your acoustic installation.

Good design and installation are paramount factors when considering your acoustic installation. Our experienced teams of applicators have all attended training courses in the correct methods of installation.

Robust Details

A construction type that has been pre-approved and found to comply with Part E regulations. Compliance with Robust Standard Detail will negate the requirement for pre-completion testing.

Pre-completion testing

The greatest impact of the new regulations takes the form of pre-completion testing to demonstrate compliance with Requirement E1 only.

Testing should be carried out for:

Purpose built dwelling houses and flats
Dwelling houses and flats formed by a material change of use
Purpose built rooms for residential purposes
Rooms for residential purposes formed by a material change of use

For each relevant development, Building Control bodies determine the properties selected for testing.

Performance standards and compliance

To comply with E1, separating elements within a building or between buildings must meet sound insulation values as set out in Tables 1a and 1b, below. Compliance is established by on-site pre-completion testing, or by using Robust details for new houses and flats

Table 1a – Dwelling houses and flats – performance standards for separating walls, floors and stairs that have a separating function.
Table 1

Table 1b – Rooms for residential purposes – performance standards for separating walls, floors and stairs that have separating function.
Table 1