Sound insulation testing is a legal requirement for all new residential buildings that include party walls or floors, as well as for property conversions. Speak with the team at Gradwell Group today for a free, no-obligation quote and to schedule a visit from one of our certified testers.
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If you're working on a new residential or commercial build, Part E of the Building Regulations requires that your development is tested for sound insulation. This ensures your building achieves the correct level of noise control.
At Gradwell Group, our experts are here to make sure your project meets those standards efficiently and effectively. Our experienced team delivers excellent customer service—fast, friendly, and transparent. Whether you're a first-time builder or an experienced developer, we’re ready to guide you through the process.
Avoid costly reworks or non-compliance penalties by planning early. Involving Gradwell Group at the design stage means we can review your layout, advise on soundproofing strategies, and help you plan for compliance before any issues arise.
We’ll then carry out the required airborne and impact sound tests to determine how many tests are necessary for your building.
Speak to us today and we can provide a quotation within a couple of hours.
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Airborne sound testing is designed to measure how sound travels through separating walls, floors, and ceilings between different rooms or dwellings. During the test, a white noise signal is emitted from a speaker placed in one room. A sound level meter is then used to record how much of that noise passes into the adjoining space.
The results are measured in decibels (dB), with lower readings indicating better sound insulation. To ensure comprehensive results, testing is conducted across a wide range of frequencies. For most residential properties, the building must achieve a minimum sound insulation level of 40–45 dB to pass. If a property fails to meet the required threshold, we can advise on improvements such as additional insulation or alternative building materials to help achieve compliance.
Impact sound testing evaluates how noise from physical impact—like footsteps, dropped items, or furniture movement—transfers between floors in a building. The process involves using a calibrated tapping machine that simulates the sound of foot traffic on an upper floor, while a sound level meter measures the resulting noise in the room directly below.
As with airborne testing, results are measured in decibels (dB), and lower numbers reflect better performance. The test spans a full frequency range to ensure effectiveness across various sound types. For residential buildings, the acceptable range typically falls between 40 and 62 dB. If the test results exceed the permitted levels, corrective measures must be implemented before the building can be retested and approved.
If you're looking for a professional team to carry out your sound insulation testing, Gradwell Group is the name you can trust. We perform our tests swiftly and with minimal disruption to your construction timeline. Whether your site is large or small, urban or remote, our experienced team will identify exactly what tests are needed and carry them out efficiently. With nationwide coverage, we can assist you no matter your project’s location.
At Gradwell Group, we understand that navigating building regulations and compliance requirements can be confusing. Our FAQ section is here to provide clarity on Sound Insulation Testing — what it is, why it’s needed, and how we can help. If your question isn’t answered here, feel free to contact our expert team for personalized guidance.
Airborne sound testing checks how well sound is blocked by walls, floors, and ceilings between different rooms or dwellings. It ensures that conversations, music, and general noise don’t travel through shared structures.
Impact sound testing measures how well a floor reduces noise caused by footsteps, dropped items, or moving furniture.
A noise assessment is typically required when employees are exposed to average noise levels of 85 dB(A) or more over an eight-hour shift. In some industries or jurisdictions, assessments are mandatory when new machinery is introduced or if workers report symptoms of hearing damage. It's also a best practice to reassess regularly—especially when work conditions change.
The time required depends on the size and complexity of your site, but most standard assessments can be completed within one working day. We aim to minimize disruption and can schedule the assessment during your normal operating hours to capture realistic noise levels.