When is Acoustic Insulation Testing Required

Under Approved Document E of The Building Regulations you will require acoustic insulation testing if your development consists of the following:

• A building or buildings consisting of flats
• A building for use as a hotel or house of multiple occupancy (HMO)
• Building terraced or semi-detached dwelling-houses
• Conversion (material change of use) of a building into dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes

You will not be required to carry out acoustic insulation testing if building a detached dwelling or refurbishment works. Developments such as listed buildings and care homes typically require site-specific consideration given project constraints and need to be considered on an individual basis with relevant parties (i.e. Building Control Officer, Conservation Officer).

Sound insulation testing is required through separating (party) walls and floors. The number of tests required for a development is detailed within Section 1 of Approved Document E. Generally, one set of tests for every 10 houses or flats with the same separating wall or floor constructions is required.