The current edition of Building Regulations Part E came into force in 2003 and introduced pre-completion testing (PCT) as a means of demonstrating acoustic insulation compliance for all residential developments. LABC NHW is able to provide fully UKAS accredited acoustic testing and acoustic consultancy.

Only 10% of each construction type needs to be tested and credits for the Code for Sustainable Homes assessment are awarded for achieving higher standards of sound insulation than those required by Building Regulations. Please call for more information.

Acoustic testing through walls requires an airborne test only. Testing through floors requires both an airborne and an impact test. This means that houses require an airborne test only and a flat requires both.

Airborne testing uses a loudspeaker in the Source Room emitting a loud noise, over a range of frequencies with microphone in the Receiving Room measuring the sound pressure level. The higher the value, the better the acoustic performance.

Impact testing uses a tapping machine impacting repeatedly directly onto the floor structure and the sound pressure level is measured. The lower this figure is, the better the acoustic performance.

If you would like more information, please go to our downloads section.