Domestic noise caused within a building can cause issues. Whether the noise is caused by you or your neighbour, Building Regulations Part E 2003 is there to control the noise and ensure the right soundproofing is in place to meet current standards.
Continue reading this article as we learn what impact sound is and how important it is for new build and converted flats and apartments.
An Introduction to Impact Sound
Impact sound is the noise that happens when an object hits another object or surface. This creates vibrations that radiate sound in the connected spaces through a building.
A good example of impact sound on separating floors would be moving furniture, footsteps on the floor or dropped items. Impacts can be from materials that are hard or soft, heavy or light, while the floor they are impacting on can have different surfaces such as carpet, laminate or tiles, along with a timber or concrete floor construction below. The varying scenarios for impacts create differing frequency responses depending upon the situation.
How Does Sound Relate to Building Regulations?
The Building Regulations Part E 2003 is the approved government document that offers performance standards for the following:
- E1 – Protection against sound from other parts of the building and adjoining buildings
- E2 – Protection against sound within a dwelling-house etc.
- E3 – Reverberation in the common internal parts of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes
- E4 – Acoustic conditions in schools
Impact Sound Requirements
The impact sound requirements are standards and guidelines designed to control the level of impact noise in buildings. Part E of the Buildings Regulations document states that for purpose-built homes the impact soundproofing requirement for separating floors is 62dB L’ntw or less. The airborne sound insulation requirement for new build floors and walls is 45dB D,ntw + Ctr or greater.
The requirements are set out for the acoustic comfort of occupants. Sound Insulation Testing is used to check the elements of a building for their sound insulation performance in accordance with Building Regulations Part E.
| Dwelling Houses and Flats – Performance Standards for Separating Walls and Floors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Separating Floors and Walls | Airborne DnTw + Ctr | Impact LnTw |
| Purpose Built Dwelling Houses and Flats | 45dB or above | 62dB or lower |
| Houses and Flats Formed by Material Change of Use | 43dB or above | 64dB or lower |
| Rooms for Residential Purposes – Performance Standards for Separating Walls and Floors | ||
| Separating Floors and Walls | Airborne DnTw + Ctr | Impact LnTw |
| Purpose Built Rooms for Residential Purposes | 43dB or above (walls) 45dB or above (floors) | 62dB or lower |
| Rooms for Residential Purposes Formed by Material Change of Use | 43dB or above | 64dB or lower |
Impact sound measurement is done with a tapping machine which is used to generate the noise by creating impact directly onto the separating floor.
The measurements for the sound are taken in the receiver room, with the result reported as an L’nT,w – Weighted Standardised Impact Sound Pressure Level, which rates the impact sound performance on a floor. The result demonstrates the impact noise performance of a floor and ceiling between two enclosed spaces in relation to building regulations.
This test with the tapping machine will measure how much impact noise is transmitted to the receiving room below through the floor.
How to Pass Part E1 of the Building Regulations
To pass the soundproofing requirements of Building Regulations found in Document E, expert guidance is required by an acoustics consultant. The design will typically satisfy airborne and impact sound requirements, taking into consideration flanking sound. Flanking sound is sound that can bypass the separating structure you are testing via other routes.
To pass the impact sound test, soundproofing is required. There are many different solutions to pass Part E of the Building Regulations depending on the type of construction and building you are working with.
Here’s a helpful video showing you how a sound test is carried out:
How Can You Reduce Impact Sound?
Impact sound can be reduced by a variety of methods, from the introduction of independent ceilings to the installation of floating floor panels and acoustic mats. The methods used all depend on the base construction of the separating elements.
The right advice in the early stages of your project is essential, and our team of acoustic consultants can provide this advice.
Talk to Peninsular Acoustics for All Your Sound Testing and Acoustic Regulation Needs
You need to speak to a professional acoustic consultant to ensure compliance with all of the necessary standards, including Part E of the Building Regulations.
Failure to meet the Part E standards among others can be an expensive mistake. Do not let this happen and get professional help from us.
With our latest technologies and acoustic expertise of over 20 years, we are able to help you minimise the effects of environmental and impact sound.
Contact us today to see how we can support you further. We can be reached on 0151 933 9733, by email at [email protected], or by filling out a contact form on our website.