UKs Leading Soundproofing Supplier for
Part E Soundproofing Solutions
Ensure your new build or conversion project meets current Part E Building Regulations using these soundproof systems
View All ProductsPart E Building Regulation Solutions
Tried and tested Part E solutions. Ensure your new build and conversion projects meet current Building Regulation Part E requirements with one of these soundproofing systems.
Noisestop Systems can assist architects and contractors by providing expert advice on soundproofing buildings, ensuring that projects meet essential regulations such as Part E of the Building Regulations, which addresses sound insulation in buildings. Our comprehensive services, including acoustic modelling, allow for precise specifications of acoustic solutions tailored to the unique needs of each project. This modelling helps predict sound behaviour within a space, ensuring optimal soundproofing materials and techniques. By working with Noisestop Systems, architects and contractors can create acoustically comfortable environments that comply with legal standards and improve overall building performance.
Building Regulation Part E performance standards
| Dwelling-houses and flats – performance standards for separating walls, separating floors, and stairs that have a separating function | Airborne sound insulation DnT,w + Ctr dB (Minimum values) | Impact sound insulation L'nT,w dB (Maximum values) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose built dwellings house & flats | ||
| Walls | 45dB | - |
| Floors & stairs | 45dB | 62 |
| Dwelling-houses and flats formed by material change of use | ||
| Walls | 43dB | - |
| Floors & stairs | 43dB | 64 |
| Rooms for residential purposes – performance standards for separating walls, separating floors, and stairs that have a separating function | ||
| Purpose built rooms for residential purposes | ||
| Walls | 43dB | - |
| Floors & stairs | 45dB | 62 |
| Rooms for residential purposes formed by material change of use | ||
| Walls | 43dB | - |
| Floors & stairs | 43dB | 64 |
It is important to note that when comparing the values, your separating solution must have a noise reduction level higher than the minimum airborne figure and a lower figure for the impact value. The higher the airborne rating, the better; the lower the impact rating, the better the solution performs.
Part E FAQs
Approved Document Part E is the Building regulation in England for the resistance to the passage of sound and sound insulation for dwelling houses, flats, rooms for residential use and schools.
Part E (2003) of the Building Regulations Approved Document E stipulates that sound insulation tests should be conducted in all residential developments that involve party elements (walls and/or floors). This applies to all new-build or converted residential developments in the UK, where a minimum sample of 10% of properties require sound insulation testing.
Part E also requires sound testing for any material change of use development, i.e., a conversion that creates adjoining dwellings and rooms built for residential purposes, e.g., hotels or university halls of residence.
A Part E sound test would cover these two types of sounds.
- Airborne Sound Insulation Testing—An airborne noise test assesses the performance of separating wall and floor elements due to noise transmitted through the air, such as conversations between people or television noise.
- Impact Sound Insulation Testing – An impact noise test assesses the performance of separating floors due to noise transmitted through impact, such as footsteps on the floor above.
The Part E requirements govern the permitted sound level between separate dwellings.
The minimum airborne sound level permitted is between 43 and 45 dB. Therefore, your separating structure must achieve a value of at least 43-45 dB. When looking at airborne soundproofing solutions, the higher the stated figure, the better the performance. The solution must be higher than the stated values.
When looking at the impact sound values, they are given as a maximum sound value. Depending on the type of project, this is between 62 and 64 dB. When you are looking at impact sound solutions, the lower the figure, the better the performance. The solution must be lower than the maximum stated values.
You should instruct a qualified sound testing engineer to conduct your Part E sound test.
When planning your project, it’s best to speak with the sound testing company to confirm when the test will be carried out.
The sound test would typically be carried out after all construction work and the separating structures have been completed.
Floor finishes should not be laid before the sound testing as they may have to be removed when the floors are tested.
Popular soundproofing categories
Got a question?
Please send us your enquiry, and one of the team members will get back to you. Alternatively, call 01423 339163.