Peninsular Acoustics was appointed to provide acoustic advice in relation to a proposed change in floor covering within a residential flat at Trinity Church Square, London.
The Challenge
The leaseholder agreement required floors to be finished with carpet and underlay, or an alternative professionally installed sound-deadening solution approved by the Lessor. The client wished to replace the existing carpet with a hard floor finish and therefore the proposed change from soft to hard flooring required confirmation that noise transmission to neighbouring properties would remain acceptable.
Our Approach
On-site airborne and impact sound insulation testing was undertaken to assess the performance of the existing timber separating floor and determine whether additional acoustic treatment would be required.
The results showed that the existing floor did not meet the performance standards set out in Approved Document E, and that improvements would be required as part of any change in flooring.
Acoustic Design Solution
Following the assessment, a revised floor construction was developed using sound insulation prediction software, INSUL, to improve both airborne and impact sound insulation while remaining practical to install within the existing building.
The proposed solution included:
- Proprietary acoustic matting to provide impact isolation
- Additional mass in the form of plasterboard plank to improve airborne performance
- Mineral wool insulation within the joist void
- A floating floor build-up with perimeter isolation to reduce flanking transmission
This approach was designed to significantly improve the acoustic performance of the separating floor targeting compliance with both Building Regulations and leaseholder requirements.
Installation guidance was also provided to assist builders during the construction stage.
Outcome
The recommended hard floor construction was predicted to provide a significant improvement in both airborne and impact sound insulation compared to the existing structural floor (without carpets installed).
The design was considered capable of achieving performance closer to, or meeting, the requirements of Approved Document E, while also satisfying the leaseholder agreement for sound insulation.
Post-completion testing was recommended to verify performance once the works had been installed.
