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Part E Building Regulations Soundproofing

How to pass Part E Building Regulations

What are Building Regulations Part E?

Building Regulations Part E refers to the segment within the UK building guidelines dedicated to outlining soundproofing performance for residential and commercial properties. Specifically, Volume 1 under this section focuses on dwellings, encompassing a wide range of residential structures like flats, detached and semi-detached houses, terraces, and accommodations such as student residences and hotels. These regulations apply to new build constructions, conversions, and extensions.

The two main areas we will look at in this article are E1 and E2.

  • E1 in Building Regulations Part E addresses mitigating noise from neighbouring buildings, ensuring soundproofing measures to minimize disturbances.
  • E2 focuses on controlling sound transmission within the home, aiming to reduce noise transfer between internal spaces for a more peaceful environment. 

Which parts of the dwelling will be tested?

  • Floors that separate dwellings
  • Walls that form a separating function between dwellings
  • Walls that form a separating function between communal areas and dwellings
  • Internal walls separating bathrooms

 

How will the test be carried out?

A pre-completion test will carried out by a certified sound testing company. They will test the dwellings to ensure they meet the required Part E Building Regulations standards.

The test is carried out in two parts:

  • Airborne sound – A sound test to establish whether the building meets the required level of airborne sound transmission.
  • Impact sound – A sound test to establish whether the building meets the required level of impact sound transmission.

The size of the building will determine how many areas are tested. Typically, the minimum testing requirement would be two walls tested for airborne sound and two floors tested for airborne sound and impact sound. Impact sound tests are not carried out on walls.

Once the test is complete, you will be provided with the sound test report, which will explain which areas were tested and how they performed.

What are the Part E soundproofing requirements?

Performance standards for separating walls and floors that have a separating function

Understanding the minimum and maximum noise level requirements for Part E

The requirement for the airborne value is the minimum noise level permitted, and the requirement for impact sound is the maximum permissible level. To meet the airborne values, your soundproofing solution must ensure the partition stops a minimum of 43dB or 45dB of sound. To meet the impact values, the soundproofing solution must ensure that impact sounds do not exceed the maximum value of 62db or 64dB.

The airborne sound test involves a sound source on one side of the separating structure and a receiver on the other. The noise level will be recorded and analysed to determine whether the structure has met the airborne values of 43dB or 45 dB. Impact sound is tested using a machine that taps on the floor, and the receiver in the room below will record and analyse the sound to determine if the level of impact sound does not exceed the maximum value of 62db or 64dB.

How to pass the Part E Building Regulations

Ensure your project meets the Part E Building Regulations with these tried and tested solutions for separating walls, floors and ceilings. Our soundproofing systems will meet Part E requirements and ensure a comfortable living environment for the occupants.

Soundproof separating floors and ceilings to pass Part E Regulations

The floor and ceiling are seen as the same separating structure, so you should assess them as one area.

Floors and ceilings are tested for impact and airborne sounds, which means your soundproof solution should combine mass/density, decoupling and sound absorption.

We usually advise you to look at the separating structure in three sections, what will you put down on the floor, how will you insulate the floor, and how will you soundproof the ceilings.

Separating timber joist floors to meet Part E

  1. What flooring treatment are you going tong to use? Floating floors will ensure your floors meet the required impact sound levels and can be installed on joists or over floorboards.
  2. What insulation do you use for timber joists? Use 100mm/60kg acoustic insulation between floor joists to increase the floor mass and reduce airborne sound.
  3. What ceiling system will you use? Isolate the ceilings from the joists using an acoustic hanger or isolation clip to decouple the ceilings.

Separating concrete floors to meet Part E

  1. What flooring treatment are you going tong to use? Floating floors or acoustic mats will reduce impact sound through concrete floors.
  2. What insulation do you use? concrete is typically high mass, so it does not require sound insulation slabs.
  3. What ceiling system will you use? A metal frame ceiling system with fire protection would normally be sufficient for concrete ceilings.

Separating floor solutions for timber joist floors to pass Part E Building Regs

Part E flooring systems are used directly to the joist or as an overlay system if the flooring is not removed.

Direct to joist system – Noisesdeck 36

Noisedeck 36mm is a direct to joist acoustic flooring solution for timber floors. The Noisedeck 36 floating floor interlocking system reduces sound transmission through timber floors. Combines a 14mm reconstituted acoustic foam bonded to a 22mm moisture-resistant chipboard. Install this acoustic flooring solution directly onto floor joists to reduce impact sounds. When installed as part of a separating floor construction, it enables a timber floor to meet the sound transmission regulations of Approved Document E 2003 and subsequent amendments in 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Direct to joist & overlay system – Noisedeck 28

Slim overlay and joist system floor solution Noisedeck 28 reduces sound transmission through timber floors. The Noisedeck 28 floating floor interlocking system, consisting of an 18mm interlocking chipboard bonded to a 10mm recycled PET mat, is suitable for reducing sound transmission through timber floors. Install directly over floor joists or as an overlay system in new build and conversion projects to meet current Part E Building Regulations. When installed as part of a separating floor construction, it enables a timber floor to meet the sound transmission regulations of Approved Document E 2003 and subsequent amendments in 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Overlay system – Noisesdeck 18T

Noisedeck 18T is a slim, high-performing Part E compliant overlay system for timber floor soundproofing. It really helps to reduce impact sound transmission. Consisting of a 12mm moisture-resistant chipboard bonded to a layer of 6mm isofiba. At only 18mm thick, this is one of the thinnest Part E compliant systems for timber floors. When installed as part of a separating floor construction, it enables a timber floor to meet the sound transmission regulations of Approved Document E 2003 and subsequent amendments in 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015.

Acoustic insulation for timber joist floors to meet Part E

Soundproof timber joist floors with 100mm/60kg acoustic insulation slabs between floor joists to meet the Part E requirements.

Acoustic insulation for timber joist floors and ceilings

acoustic insulation Slabs

DFM acoustic insulation slabs are an essential soundproofing material to increase the airborne sound insulation performance of walls, floors and ceilings. Because of its mass, density and sound absorption properties, acoustic insulation is used in soundproof systems inside ceiling cavities, stud walls and floor joists. Available in various thicknesses and densities, we recommend using the 60kg slabs for their acoustic performance.

Part E ceiling soundproofing solution

Soundproof separating ceilings with acoustic hangers and two layers of soundproof plasterboards.

Acoustic hanger system – Soundbreraker Bars

acoustic hanger

Our acoustic hangers absorb sound as it passes through your walls and ceilings, restoring peace and privacy to your home. Soundbreaker bars are applied to stud walls and ceilings to decouple the structure and reduce vibrations. The bar’s design isolates plasterboard or soundproof panels, and this decoupling effect separates the stud frame or ceiling joist from the plasterboard. This separation efficiently reduces noise transference. Use soundbreaker bars on timber joist ceilings and stud walls to meet the requirements of Building Regs Part E to minimise the passage of sound.

Soundproof plasterboard

Reduce noise transmission in your home with this high-density 12.5mm Acoustic Plasterboard. This acoustic plasterboard makes a fantastic soundproofing alternative for your home or workspace with a greater density than standard plasterboard. Once installed, you’ll notice a reduction in noise transmission through your walls and ceilings, especially when combined with other soundproofing solutions. 12.5mm acoustic plasterboard is supplied with a tapered edge. Add mass and density with acoustic plasterboards to block airborne sounds. Two 12.5mm acoustic plasterboard layers are used for soundproofing ceilings to meet Part E Building Regulations.

Note: To meet Part E Regulations, the ceiling would be boarded with two layers of acoustic plasterboard.

Soundproof walls to meet Part E Building Regulations

Walls that separate habitable dwellings and communal areas will require soundproofing. The wall lining solution you use must achieve the minimum level of sound insulation laid out in the regulations between 43dB and 45dB, depending on the project type. The wall’s construction will often determine which soundproof system to use. Below are some examples of the most popular wall soundproofing systems for solid walls and timber stud walls for Part E soundproofing.

Soundproofing concrete block walls

Solutions to soundproof solid partition walls to meet Part E.

Noisestop Silent Panel 30mm

direct to wall sound insulation panel

Soundproof separating walls with the Noisestop Silent Panel to meet Part E Regulations

Apply the Silent Panel to separating walls to meet Building Regulation Part E requirements. When applied to one side of the wall and a 15mm soundproof plasterboard to the other, a 100mm concrete block wall will pass Part E building Regulations.

Wall construction:

  • 15mm Soundproof plasterboard applied to one side
  • 100mm Concrete block
  • Noisestop Silent Panel 30mm

Airborne performance:

  • RW 55dB
  • RW+Ctr 52dB

AcoustiClip Direct System

acousticlip direct cross section

AcoustiClip system applied directly to solid walls to meet Part E

Our most robust soundproofing solution for solid partition walls. The AcoustiClip Direct System will reduce high sound levels and ensure separating walls meet Part E Regulations.

Wall construction:

  • Acoustic plasterboard 12.5mm
  • 100mm Concrete block
  • Acoustic insulation 25mm
  • AcoustiClip
  • AcoustiChannel
  • Noisestop 1 Plus Panel
  • Acoustic plasterboard 15mm

Airborne performance:

  • RW 66dB
  • RW+Ctr 62dB

We can provide solutions for a range of solid wall types to meet Part E call 01423 339163 or send us your enquiry

Soundproof solutions for stud walls Building Regs Part E

Soundproof internal stud walls to meet Part E Regulations with these soundproofing solutions.

Acousticlip Stud Wall System

acousticlip stud wall cross section

AcoustiClip Stud Wall System to soundproof internal stud walls to meet Part E

Apply the AcoustiClip system to stud walls to meet Part E Building Regulations.

Wall construction:

  • Acoustic plasterboard 12.5mm
  • 100mm Stud Wall
  • Acoustic insulation 75mm
  • AcoustiClip
  • AcoustiChannel
  • Noisestop 1 Plus Panel
  • Acoustic plasterboard 15mm

Airborne performance:

  • RW 64dB
  • RW+Ctr 54dB

Noisestop Silent Panel

direct to wall sound insulation panel

Soundproof stud walls with noisestop Silent Panel to meet Part E

Apply the Silent Panel to one side of a 100mm stud frame with 75mm acoustic insulation inside the cavity and acoustic plasterboard on the other.

Wall construction:

  • Acoustic plasterboard 12.5mm
  • 100mm Stud Wall
  • Acoustic insulation 75mm
  • Noisestop Silent Panel 30mm

Airborne performance:

  • RW 63dB
  • RW+Ctr 51dB

Part E soundproofing conclusion

In conclusion, adherence to Part E Building Regulations regarding soundproofing is crucial for creating environments that promote comfort and privacy. You can significantly reduce the transmission of unwanted noise in a building by implementing effective soundproofing measures, such as using appropriate building materials, sealing gaps, and incorporating sound-absorbing elements. Compliance with these regulations ensures a higher quality of living or working conditions and contributes to the overall well-being and satisfaction of individuals within a building. As we strive to construct spaces prioritising acoustic comfort, meeting Part E Regulations is fundamental to achieving optimal sound control and enhancing the overall experience within any built environment.

 

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