Approved Document E: resistance to the passage of sound

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HM Government

The Building Regulations 2010 The Building (Approved Inspections etc) Regulations 2010

Resistance to the passage of sound

APPROVED DOCUMENT

E1Protection against sound from other parts of the building and adjoining buildings

E2Protection against sound within a dwelling-house etc

E3Reverberation in the common internal parts of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes

E4Acoustic conditions in schools

Regulation 41 The Building Regulations 2010

Regulation 20(1) and (5) The Building (Approved Inspections etc) Regulations 2010

For use in England*

2003 edition incorporating 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 amendments

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This edition of Approved Document E, Resistance to the passage of sound, supersedes the original 2003 edition by incorporating the changes made by Amendments 2004 (issued in June 2004) to Approved Document E 2003. Minor corrections and clarifications have also been made, but there is no new information.

Part E in Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2000 (as amended) came into force on 1 July 2003. At the same time a new regulation 20A was introduced into the Building Regulations 2000, and a new regulation 12A was introduced into the Building (Approved Inspector etc) Regulations 2000. Regulations 20A and 12A introduced pre-completion testing for sound insulation as a means of demonstrating compliance. Pre-completion testing has applied to rooms for residential purposes, houses and flats formed by conversion of other buildings since 1 July 2003, and to new houses and flats from 1 July 2004. Also, from 1 July 2004, use of robust details in new houses and flats has been accepted as an alternative to pre-completion testing.

Robust details are high performance separating wall and floor constructions (with associated construction details) that are expected to be sufficiently reliable not to need the check provided by pre-completion testing.

The introduction of robust details has necessitated the amendment of regulations 20A and 12A. The amendments have been made by the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2004 and the Building (Approved Inspector etc) (Amendment) Regulations 2004. Regulations 20A and 12A were reproduced in Approved Document E, original 2003 Edition; and so amended versions have been included in this edition.

Section 0 of Approved Document E, original 2003 Edition, has been amended in this edition to explain the use of robust details and Annex E has been added for the same reason.

The original 2003 edition of Part E introduced a new class of dwelling known as a room for residential purposes, which covers hostel types of accommodation and hotel rooms. The expression ‘room for residential purposes’ is defined in Regulation 2 of the Building Regulations 2000 and the definition was reproduced in Approved Document E, 2003. However, the definition has been interpreted in different ways by building control bodies, particularly in respect of student halls of residence, and it has, therefore, been clarified, by means of the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2004, and the clarified version has been reproduced in this edition.

†On this page, references to the 2000 Regulations have not been updated to reflect changes in the 2010 Regulations.

MAIN CHANGES MADE BY THE 2010 AMENDMENTS

The main changes reflect the Building Regulations 2010 and Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010.

There were no changes to Part E of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010.

MAIN CHANGES MADE BY THE 2013 AMENDMENTS

The main changes, which apply only to England*, were to materials and workmanship.

There were no changes to Part E of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010.

CHANGE MADE BY THE 2015 AMENDMENT

The change, which applies only to England*, from 6 April 2015, is an update of the reference to standards for schools.

*This Approved Document gives guidance for compliance with the Building Regulations for building work carried out in England. It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions)(No 2) Order 2009.

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2.16Wall type 2.2 — 29

2.17Wall type 2.3 — 29

2.18Wall type 2.4 — 30

2.19Wall types 2.1 and 2.2 – external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf — 30

2.20Wall types 2.3 and 2.4 – external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf – stagger — 31

2.21Wall type 2 – tied junction – external cavity wall with internal masonry wall — 31

2.22Wall type 2 – external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf — 31

2.23Wall type 2 – internal timber floor — 32

2.24Wall type 2 – internal concrete floor and concrete ground floor — 32

2.25Wall type 2 – ceiling and roof junction — 32

2.26External cavity wall at eaves level — 33

2.27Wall type 3.1 with independent composite panels — 34

2.28Wall type 3.1 with independent plasterboard panels — 34

2.29Wall type 3.2 with independent composite panels — 35

2.30Wall type 3.3 with independent composite panels — 35

2.31Wall type 3 – external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf — 36

2.32Wall type 3 – external cavity wall with internal timber wall — 36

2.33Wall type 3 – internal timber floor — 37

2.34Wall types 3.1 and 3.2 – internal concrete floor — 37

2.35Wall types 3.1 and 3.2 – ceiling and roof junction — 38

2.36External cavity wall at eaves level — 38

2.37Wall type 4.1 — 40

2.38Wall type 4 – external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf — 40

3.1Types of separating floor — 42

3.2Ceiling treatments A, B and C — 44

3.3Floor type 1.1C – floor type 1.1 with ceiling treatment C — 45

3.4Floor type 1.2B – floor type 1.2 with ceiling treatment B — 45

3.5Floor type 1.2B – external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf — 46

3.6Floor type 1 – floor penetrations — 46

3.7Floor type 1.1C – wall type 1 — 47

3.8Floor type 1.2B – wall type 1 — 47

3.9Floor types 1.1C and 1.2B – wall type 2 — 47

3.10Floor type 1.1C – wall types 3.1 and 3.2 — 48

3.11Floating floors (a) and (b) — 49

3.12Floor type 2.1C(a) – floor type 2.1 with ceiling treatment C and floating floor (a) — 50

3.13Floor type 2.1C(b) – floor type 2.1 with ceiling treatment C and floating floor (b) — 50

3.14Floor type 2.2B(a) – floor type 2.2 with ceiling treatment B and floating floor (a) — 50

3.15Floor type 2.2B(b) – floor type 2.2 with ceiling treatment B and floating floor (b) — 50

3.16Floor type 2 – external cavity wall with masonry internal leaf — 51

3.17Floor type 2 – floor penetrations — 52

3.18Floor types 2.2B(a) and 2.2B(b) – wall type 1 — 52

3.19Floor type 2.1C – wall type 3.1 and 3.2 — 52

3.20Floor type 3.1A — 53

3.21Floor type 3 – floor penetrations — 55

3.22Floor type 3 – wall type 1 — 55

3.23Floor type 3 – wall type 2 — 56

4.1Treatments for material change of use — 58

4.2Wall treatment 1 — 59

4.3Floor treatment 1 — 60

4.4Floor treatment 1 – high window head detail — 60

4.5Floor treatment 1 – wall treatment 1 — 61

4.6Floor treatment 2 — 61

4.7Floor treatment 2 – wall treatment 1 — 62

4.8Stair treatment — 62

4.9Floor penetrations — 63

5.1Internal wall type A — 65

5.2Internal wall type B — 65

5.3Internal wall type C — 65

5.4Internal wall type D — 66

5.5Internal floor type A — 66

5.6Internal floor type B — 66

5.7Internal floor type C — 66

6.1Ceiling void and roof space (only applicable to rooms for residential purposes) — 68

A.1Block and mortar dimensions — 73

A.2Beam and block floor dimensions — 74

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0.1aDwelling-houses and flats – performance standards for separating walls, separating floors, and stairs that have a separating function — 12

0.1bRooms for residential purposes – performance standards for separating walls, separating floors, and stairs that have a separating function — 12

0.2Laboratory values for new internal walls and floors within dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes, whether purpose built or formed by material change of use — 13

2.1Separating wall junctions reference table — 21

3.1Separating floor junctions reference table — 43

7.1Absorption coefficient data for common materials in buildings — 70

7.2Example calculation for an entrance hall (Method B) — 71

A.1Blocks laid flat — 73

A.2Blocks laid on edge — 74

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The current edition of Part E in Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2000 (as amended) came into force on 1 July 2003. At the same time a new Regulation 20A was introduced into the Building Regulations 2000, and a new Regulation 12A was introduced into the Building (Approved Inspectors, etc.) Regulations 2000. Regulations 20A and 12A introduced pre-completion testing for sound insulation as a means of demonstrating compliance. Pre-completion testing has applied to rooms for residential purposes, houses and flats formed by conversion of other buildings since 1 July 2003, and it will apply to new houses and flats from 1 July 2004. Also, from 1 July 2004, use of robust details in new houses and flats will be accepted as an alternative to testing.

Robust details are high performance separating wall and floor constructions (with associated construction details) that are expected to be sufficiently reliable not to need the check provided by pre-completion testing.

The introduction of robust details has necessitated the amendment of Regulations 20A and 12A. The amendments have been made by the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2004 and the Building (Approved Inspectors, etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2004. Regulations 20A and 12A are reproduced in Approved Document E, 2003 Edition; and so amendments to that Approved Document are needed to pick up the changes.

Section 0 of Approved Document E, 2003 edition, has also been amended to explain the use of robust details.

The 2003 edition of Part E introduced a new class of dwelling known as a room for residential purposes, which covers hostel types of accommodation and hotel rooms. The expression ‘room for residential purposes’ is defined in Regulation 2 of the Building Regulations 2000 and the definition is reproduced in Approved Document E, 2003 Edition. However, the definition has been interpreted in different ways by building control bodies, particularly in respect of student halls of residence, and it has, therefore, been clarified, by means of the Building (Amendment) Regulations 2004.

A number of errors have been found in Approved Document E, 2003 Edition, and also some guidance that is unclear.

This Amendment document sets out the text of the amended regulations 20A and 12A, the clarified definition of room for residential purposes, and also amendments, corrections and clarifications to the text of Approved Document E, 2003 Edition. This document is approved by the Secretary of State from 1 July 2004.

Buildings Division Office of the Deputy Prime Minister June 2004

*On this page, references to the 2000 Regulations have not been updated to reflect changes in the 2010 Regulations.

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THE APPROVED DOCUMENTS

This document is one of a series that has been approved and issued by the Secretary of State for the purpose of providing practical guidance with respect to the requirements of Schedule 1 to, and Regulation 7 of, the Building Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/2214) for England and Wales.

At the back of this document is a list of all the documents that have been approved and issued by the Secretary of State for this purpose.

Approved Documents are intended to provide guidance for some of the more common building situations. However, there may well be alternative ways of achieving compliance with the requirements. Thus there is no obligation to adopt any particular solution contained in an Approved Document if you prefer to meet the relevant requirement in some other way.

Other requirements

The guidance contained in an Approved Document relates only to the particular requirements of the Regulations which the document addresses. The building work will also have to comply with the requirements of any other relevant paragraphs in Schedule 1 to the Regulations.

There are Approved Documents which give guidance on each of the parts of Schedule 1 and on Regulation 7.

LIMITATION ON REQUIREMENTS

In accordance with Regulation 8, the requirements in Parts A to D, F to K and N (except for paragraphs H2 and J7) of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations do not require anything to be done except for the purposes of securing reasonable standards of health and safety for persons in or about buildings (and any others who may be affected by buildings or matters connected with buildings). This is one of the categories of purpose for which building regulations may be made.

Paragraphs H2 and J7 are excluded from Regulation 8 because they deal directly with prevention of the contamination of water. Parts E and M (which deal, respectively, with resistance to the passage of sound, and access and facilities for disabled people) are excluded from Regulation 8 because they address the welfare and convenience of building users. Part L is excluded from Regulation 8 because it addresses the conservation of fuel and power. All these matters are amongst the purposes, other than health and safety, that may be addressed by Building Regulations.

MATERIALS AND WORKMANSHIP

Materials and workmanship

Any building work which is subject to the requirements imposed by Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations shall be carried out in accordance with regulation 7. Guidance on meeting these requirements on materials and workmanship is contained in Approved Document 7.

Building Regulations are made for specific purposes, primarily the health and safety, welfare and convenience of people and for energy conservation. Standards and other technical specifications may provide relevant guidance to the extent that they relate to these considerations. However, they may also address other aspects of performance or matters which, although they relate to health and safety etc., are not covered by the Building Regulations.

When an Approved Document makes reference to a named standard, the relevant version of the standard to which it refers is the one listed at the end of the publication. However, if this version has been revised or updated by the issuing standards body, the new version may be used as a source of guidance provided it continues to address the relevant requirements of the Regulations.

THE WORKPLACE (HEALTH, SAFETY AND WELFARE) REGULATIONS 1992

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 contain some requirements which affect building design. The main requirements are now covered by the Building Regulations, but for further information see – Workplace health, safety and welfare. L24 Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance, 1998. ISBN 0 71760 413 6.

The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 apply to the common parts of flats and similar buildings if people such as cleaners and caretakers are employed to work in these common parts. Where the requirements of the Building Regulations that are covered by this Part do not apply to dwellings, the provisions may still be required in the situations described above in order to satisfy the Workplace Regulations.

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This Approved Document, which took effect on 1 July 2003, deals with the Requirements of Part E of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010.

[4]1996 c.56. Section 4 was amended by Schedule 22 to the Education Act 1997 (c. 44).

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Interpretation (Regulation 2)

‘room for residential purposes’ means a room, or a suite of rooms, which is not a dwelling-house or a flat and which is used by one or more persons to live and sleep and includes a room in a hostel, an hotel, a boarding house, a hall of residence or a residential home, but does not include a room in a hospital, or other similar establishment, used for patient accommodation.

Meaning of material change of use (Regulation 5)

For the purposes of paragraph 8 (1)(e) of Schedule 1 to the Act and for the purposes of these Regulations, there is a material change of use where there is a change in the purposes for which or the circumstances in which a building is used, so that after the change:

a.the building is used as a dwelling, where previously it was not;

b.the building contains a flat, where previously it did not;

c.the building is used as an hotel or boarding house, where previously it was not;

d.the building is used as an institution, where previously it was not;

e.the building is used as a public building, where previously it was not;

f.the building is not a building described in Classes 1 to 6 in Schedule 2, where previously it was;

g.the building, which contains at least one dwelling, contains a greater or lesser number of dwellings than it did previously;

h.the building contains a room for residential purposes, where previously it did not; or

i.the building, which contains at least one room for residential purposes, contains a greater or lesser number of such rooms than it did previously.

j.the building is used as a shop, where previously it was not.

Requirements relating to material change of use (Regulation 6)

1.Where there is a material change of use of the whole of a building, such work, if any, shall be carried out as is necessary to ensure that the building complies with the applicable requirements of the following paragraphs of Schedule 1:

a.in all cases, B1 (means of warning and escape) B2 (internal fire spread – linings) B3 (internal fire spread – structure) B4(2) (external fire spread – roofs)

b.in the case of a material change of use described in Regulations 5(c),(d), (e) or (f), A1 to A3 (structure);

c.in the case of a building exceeding fifteen metres in height, B4(1) (external fire spread – walls);

d.in the case of a material change of use described in Regulation 5(a), (b), (c), (d), (g), (h), (i) or, where the material change of use provides new residential accommodation, (f), C1 (2) (resistance to contaminants);

e.in the case of material change of use described in Regulation 5(a), C2 (resistance to moisture);

f.in the case of a material change of use described in Regulation 5(a), (b), (c), (g), (h) or (i) E1 to E3;

g.in the case of a material change of use described in Regulation 5(e), where the public building consists of or contains a school, E4 (acoustic conditions in schools);

h.in the case of a material change of use described in regulation 5(a) or (b), G2 (water efficiency) and G3(4) (hot water supply and systems: hot water supply to fixed baths);

i.in the case of a material change of use described in regulation 5(c), (d), (e) or (j), M1 (access and use).

2.Where there is a material change of use of part only of a building, such work, if any, shall be carried out as is necessary to ensure that:

a.that part complies in all cases with any applicable requirement referred to in paragraph (1)(a);

b.in a case to which sub-paragraphs (b), (e), (f) or (g) of paragraph (1) apply, that part complies with the requirements referred to in the relevant sub-paragraphs;

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c.in the case to which sub-paragraph (c) of paragraph (1) applies, the whole building complies with the requirement referred to in that sub-paragraph; and

d.in a case to which sub-paragraph (i) of paragraph (1) applies –

i.that part and any sanitary conveniences provided in or in connection with that part comply with the requirements referred to in that sub-paragraph; and

ii.the building complies with requirement M1(a) of Schedule 1 to the extent that reasonable provision is made to provide either suitable independent access to that part or suitable access through the building to that part.

Sound insulation testing (Regulation 41)

1.Subject to paragraph (4) below, this regulation applies to:

a.building work in relation to which paragraph E1 of Schedule 1 imposes a requirement; and

b.work which is required to be carried out to a building to ensure that it complies with paragraph E1 of Schedule 1 by virtue of Regulation 6(1)(f) or 6(2)(b).

2.Where this Regulation applies, the person carrying out the work shall, for the purpose of ensuring compliance with paragraph E1 of Schedule 1:

a.ensure that appropriate sound insulation testing is carried out in accordance with a procedure approved by the Secretary of State; and

b.give a copy of the results of the testing referred to in sub-paragraph (a) to the local authority.

3.The results of testing referred to in paragraph (2)(a) shall be:

a.recorded in a manner approved by the Secretary of State; and

b.given to the local authority in accordance with paragraph (2)(b) not later than the date on which the notice required by regulation 16(4) is given.

4.Where building work consists of the erection of a dwelling-house or a building containing flats, this regulation does not apply to any part of the building in relation to which the person carrying out the building work notifies the local authority, not later than the date on which he gives notice of commencement of the work under Regulation 16(1), that for the purpose of achieving compliance of the work with paragraph E1 of Schedule 1 he is using one or more design details approved by Robust Details Limited(a), provided that:

a.the notification specifies:

i.the part or parts of the building in respect of which he is using the design detail;

ii.the design detail concerned; and

iii.the unique number issued by Robust Details Limited in respect of the specified use of that design detail; and

b.the building work carried out in respect of the part or parts of the building identified in the notification is in accordance with the design detail specified in the notification.

Attention is drawn to the following extract from the Building (Approved Inspectors etc.) Regulations 2010 (SI 2010/2215)

Sound insulation testing (Regulation 20(1) and (5))

Application of regulations 20, 27, 29, 37, 41, 42, 43 and 44 of the Principal Regulations

20.—(1)Regulations 20 (provisions applicable to self-certification schemes), 27 (CO₂ emission rate calculations), 29 (energy performance calculations), 37 (wholesome water consumption calculation), 41 (sound insulation testing), 42 (mechanical ventilation air flow rate testing), 43 (pressure testing) and 44 (commissioning) of the Principal Regulations apply in relation to building work which is the subject of an initial notice as if references to the local authority were references to the approved inspector.

(5)Regulation 41 of the Principal Regulations applies in relation to building work which is the subject of an initial notice as if –

a.for paragraph (3)(b) there were substituted – “(b) given to the approved inspector in accordance with paragraph (2)(b) not later than five days after completion of the work to which the initial notice relates.”;

b.for the words in paragraph (4) “not later than the date on which notice of commencement of the work is given under regulation 16(1)” there were substituted the words “prior to the commencement of the building work on site”.

(a)A company incorporated under the Companies Acts with the registration number 04980223.

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For the purposes of Approved Document E the following definitions apply:

‘Adjoining’: Adjoining dwelling-houses, adjoining flats, adjoining rooms for residential purposes and adjoining buildings are those in direct physical contact with another dwelling-house, flat, room for residential purposes or building.

‘Historic buildings’: Historic buildings include:

a.listed buildings

b.buildings situated in conservation areas

c.buildings which are of architectural and historical interest and which are referred to as a material consideration in a local authority’s development plan

d.buildings of architectural and historical interest within national parks, areas of outstanding natural beauty, and world heritage sites

e.vernacular buildings of traditional form and construction.

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Performance standards

0.1In the Secretary of State’s view the normal way of satisfying Requirement E1 will be to build separating walls, separating floors, and stairs that have a separating function, together with the associated flanking construction, in such a way that they achieve the sound insulation values for dwelling-houses and flats set out in Table 1a, and the values for rooms for residential purposes (see definition in Regulation 2) set out in Table 1b. For walls that separate rooms for residential purposes from adjoining dwelling-houses and flats, the performance standards given in Table 1a should be achieved.

0.2Regulation 41 of the Building Regulations 2010 and Regulation 20(1) and (5) of the Building (Approved Inspectors, etc.) Regulations 2010 apply to building work to which Requirement E1 applies, and require appropriate sound insulation testing to be carried out. The exception is that, in the case of new-build houses and buildings containing flats, Regulations 41 and 20(1) and (5) do not apply to any relevant part of the building where the design embodies a design detail or details from the set approved and published by Robust Details Ltd; a valid notification is given to the building control body; and the actual work complies with the detail or details specified in the notification. Subject to this exception, which is further explained in Annex E: Design details approved by Robust Details Ltd, Regulation 44 applies where building control is being carried out by a local authority, and Regulation 20(1) and (5) applies where it is being carried out by an Approved Inspector. The normal way of satisfying Regulation 41 or 20(1) and (5) will be to implement a programme of sound insulation testing according to the guidance set out in Section 1: Pre-completion testing, of this Approved Document. It is possible for a builder to opt to use design details approved by Robust Details Ltd in some only of the relevant separating structures in a new house or building containing flats, with the other relevant separating structures remaining subject to testing under Regulation 41 or 20(1) and (5). However, it is recommended that expert advice is taken to ensure compatibility of the constructions.

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0.3The sound insulation testing should be carried out in accordance with the procedure described in Annex B of this Approved Document, which is the procedure formally approved by the Secretary of State for the purpose of paragraph (2)(a) of Regulation 41 and paragraph (2)(a) of Regulation 20(1) and (5). The results of the testing must be recorded in the manner described in paragraph 1.41 of Section 1 of this Approved Document, which is the manner approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a) of Regulation 41 and paragraph (3)(a) of Regulation 20(1) and (5). The test results must be given to the building control body in accordance with the time limits set down in Regulation 41 (for cases where building control is being done by the local authority) or Regulation 20(1) and (5) (in cases where it is being done by an Approved Inspector).

0.4The person carrying out the building work should arrange for sound insulation testing to be carried out by a test body with appropriate third party accreditation. Test bodies conducting testing should preferably have UKAS accreditation (or a European equivalent) for field measurements. The DCLG also regards members of the ANC Registration Scheme as suitably qualified to carry out pre-completion testing.

0.5Sections 2, 3, 4 and 6 of this Approved Document give examples of constructions which, if built correctly, should achieve the sound insulation values for dwelling-houses and flats set out in Table 1a, and the values for rooms for residential purposes set out in Table 1b. The guidance in these sections is not exhaustive and other designs, materials or products may be used to achieve the required performance.

0.6Buildings constructed from sub-assemblies that are delivered newly made or selected from stock are no different from any other new building and must comply with all requirements in Schedule 1 of the Building Regulations 2010. In some applications, such as buildings that are constructed to be temporary dwelling-houses, flats, rooms for residential purposes, or school buildings, the provision of reasonable resistance to the passage of sound may vary depending upon the circumstances in the particular case. For example, (a) a building created by dismantling, transporting and re-erecting the sub-assemblies on the same premises would normally be considered to meet the requirements, (b) a building constructed from sub-assemblies obtained from other premises or from stock manufactured before 1 July 2003 would normally be considered to meet the requirements if it satisfies the relevant requirements of Part E that were applicable in 1992 or, for school buildings, the relevant provisions relating to acoustics set out in the 1997 edition of Building Bulletin 87 (ISBN 0112710131).

0.7In the case of some historic buildings undergoing a material change of use, it may not be practical to improve the sound insulation to the standards set out in Tables 1a and 1b. The need to conserve the special characteristics of such historic buildings needs to be recognised¹, and in such work, the aim should be to improve sound insulation to the extent that it is practically possible, always provided that the work does not prejudice the character of the historic building, or increase the risk of long-term deterioration to the building fabric or fittings. In arriving at an appropriate balance between historic building conservation and improving sound insulation it would be appropriate to take into account the advice of the local planning authority’s conservation officer. In such cases it will be reasonable to improve the sound insulation as much as is practical, and to affix a notice showing the sound insulation value(s) obtained by testing in accordance with Regulation 41 or 20(1) and (5), in a conspicuous place inside the building.

0.8The performance standards set out in Tables 1a and 1b are appropriate for walls, floors and stairs that separate spaces used for normal domestic purposes. A higher standard of sound insulation may be required between spaces used for normal domestic purposes and communal or non-domestic purposes. In these situations the appropriate level of sound insulation will depend on the noise generated in the communal or non-domestic space. Specialist advice may be needed to establish if a higher standard of sound insulation is required and, if so, to determine the appropriate level.

¹BS 7913 The principles of the conservation of historic buildings, 1998 provides guidance on the principles that should be applied when proposing work on historic buildings.

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0.9In the Secretary of State’s view the normal way of satisfying Requirement E2 will be to use constructions for new walls and floors within a dwelling-house, flat or room for residential purposes (including extensions), that provide the laboratory sound insulation values set out in Table 2. Test bodies conducting testing should preferably have UKAS accreditation (or a European equivalent) for laboratory measurements. It is not intended that performance should be verified by testing on site.

0.10Section 5 gives examples of constructions that should achieve the laboratory values set out in Table 2. The guidance in these sections is not exhaustive and other designs, materials or products may be used to achieve the required performance.

0.11In the Secretary of State’s view the normal way of satisfying Requirement E3 will be to apply the sound absorption measures described in Section 7 of this Approved Document, or other measures of similar effectiveness.

0.12In the Secretary of State’s view the normal way of satisfying Requirement E4 will be to meet the values for sound insulation, reverberation time and indoor ambient noise which are given in Building Bulletin 93 Acoustic design of schools: performance standards, published by the Department for Education and available on the internet at www.gov.uk.

0.13Diagrams 0.1 to 0.3 illustrate the relevant parts of the building that should be protected from airborne and impact sound in order to satisfy Requirements E1 and E2.

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Introduction

1.1This section provides guidance on an appropriate programme of sound insulation testing for a sample of properties, under Regulation 41 of the Building Regulations and Regulation 20(1) and (5) of the Approved Inspectors Regulations.

1.2Sound insulation testing to demonstrate compliance with Requirement E1 should be carried out on site as part of the construction process, and in this Approved Document it is referred to as pre-completion testing. Under Regulation 41 and Regulation 20(1) and (5), the duty of ensuring that appropriate sound insulation testing is carried out falls on the person carrying out the building work, who is also responsible for the cost of the testing. Therefore, the guidance in this section is addressed in the first place to persons carrying out the work (and to testing bodies employed by them). However, it is also addressed to building control bodies, as the Secretary of State expects building control bodies to determine, for each relevant development, the properties selected for testing.

1.3Testing should be carried out for:

a.purpose built dwelling-houses and flats;

b.dwelling-houses and flats formed by material change of use;

c.purpose built rooms for residential purposes;

d.rooms for residential purposes formed by material change of use.

1.4The normal programme of testing is described in paragraphs 1.29 to 1.31.

1.5The testing procedure formally approved by the Secretary of State is described in Annex B: Procedures for sound insulation testing.

1.6The performance standards that should be demonstrated by pre-completion testing are set out in Section 0: Performance – Tables 1a and 1b. The sound insulation values in these tables have a built-in allowance for measurement uncertainty, so if any test shows one of these values not to have been achieved by any margin, the test has been failed.

1.7The person carrying out the building work should ensure that the guidance on construction given in this Approved Document, or in another suitable source, is followed properly to minimise the chances of a failed test. Where additional guidance is required, specialist advice on the building design should be sought at an early stage.

1.8Testing should not be carried out between living spaces and: corridors, stairwells or hallways.

1.9Tests should be carried out between rooms or spaces that share a common area of separating wall or separating floor.

1.10Tests should be carried out once dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes either side of a separating element are essentially complete, except for decoration. Impact sound insulation tests should be carried out without a soft covering (e.g. carpet, foam backed vinyl) on the floor. For exceptions and further information on floor coverings and testing see Annex B: paragraphs B2.13 and B2.14.

Grouping

1.11The results of tests only apply to the particular constructions tested but are indicative of the performance of others of the same type in the same development. Therefore, in order for meaningful inferences to be made from tests, it is essential that developments are considered as a number of notional groups, with the same construction type within each group.

1.12Grouping should be carried out according to the following criteria. Dwelling-houses (including bungalows), flats and rooms for residential purposes should be considered as three separate groups. In addition, if significant differences in construction type occur within any of these groups, sub-groups should be established accordingly.

1.13The following guidance should allow suitable sub-grouping in most circumstances.

Sub-grouping for new buildings

1.14For dwelling-houses (including bungalows), sub-grouping should be by type of separating wall. For flats, sub-grouping should be by type of separating floor and type of separating wall. Rooms for residential purposes should be grouped using similar principles.

1.15The construction of flanking elements (e.g. walls, floors, cavities) and their junctions are also important. Where there are significant differences between flanking details, further sub-grouping will be necessary.

1.16Sub-grouping may not be necessary for dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes that have the same separating wall and/or separating floor construction, with the same associated flanking construction(s), and where the room dimensions and layouts are broadly similar.

1.17Some dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes may be considered to have unfavourable features: an example could be flats with large areas of flanking wall without a window at the gable end. It would be inappropriate for these to be included as part of a group and these should form their own sub-group(s).

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1.18The same principles as for new buildings apply, but in practice significant differences are more likely to occur between separating wall and/or separating floor constructions as well as the associated flanking construction(s) in a development. More sub-groups may therefore be required, and group sizes may be smaller. Building control bodies should exercise judgement when setting up sub-groups.

Sets of tests in dwelling-houses (including bungalows)

1.19Normally, one set of tests should comprise two individual sound insulation tests (two airborne tests):

•A test of insulation against airborne sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.

•A test of insulation against airborne sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.

Sets of tests in flats with separating floors but without separating walls

1.20Normally, one set of tests should comprise four individual sound insulation tests (two airborne tests, two impact tests):

•Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.

•Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.

Sets of tests in flats with a separating floor and a separating wall

1.21Normally, one set of tests should comprise six individual sound insulation tests (four airborne tests, two impact tests):

•A test of insulation against airborne sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.

•A test of insulation against airborne sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.

•Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.

•Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.

1.22To conduct a full set of tests, access to at least three flats will be required.

Types of rooms for testing

1.23It is preferable that each set of tests contains individual tests in bedrooms and living rooms.

1.24Where pairs of rooms on either side of the separating element are different (e.g. a bedroom and a study, a living room and a bedroom), at least one of the rooms in one of the pairs should be a bedroom and at least one of the rooms in the other pair should be a living room.

1.25Where the layout has only one pair of rooms on opposite sides of the entire area of separating wall or floor between two dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes then the number of airborne and impact sound insulation tests set out in paragraphs 1.19 to 1.21 may be reduced accordingly.

1.26The approved procedure described in Annex B includes requirements relating to rooms.

Sets of tests in rooms for residential purposes

1.27To conduct a set of tests, the sound insulation between the main rooms should be measured according to the principles set out in this section for new buildings and material change of use, but adapting them to suit the circumstances.

Properties sold before fitting out

1.28Some properties, for example loft apartments, may be sold before being fitted out with internal walls and other fixtures and fittings. Measurements of sound insulation should be made between the available spaces, according to the principles set out in this section. Steps should be taken to ensure that fitting out will not adversely affect the sound insulation. Some guidance on internal wall and floor constructions is given in Section 5. Junction details between these internal walls and floors and separating walls and floors are described in Sections 2 and 3.

Normal programme of testing

1.29Building control bodies should consult with developers on likely completion times on site, and ask for one set of tests to be carried out between the first dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes scheduled for completion and/or sale in each group or sub-group. This applies regardless of the intended size of the group or sub-group. Therefore if a site comprises only one pair of dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes, they should be tested.

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1.30As further properties on a development become ready for testing, building control bodies should indicate at what point(s) they wish any further set(s) of tests to be conducted. Assuming no tests are failed, building control bodies should stipulate at least one set of tests for every ten dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes in a group or sub-group.

1.31Testing should be conducted more frequently at the beginning of a series of completions than towards the end, to allow any potential problems to be addressed at an early stage. However, on large developments testing should be carried out over a substantial part of the construction period.

Action following a failed set of tests

1.32A set of tests is failed if any of its individual tests of airborne or impact sound insulation do not show sound insulation values equal to or better than those set out in Section 0: Performance – Tables 1a and 1b.

1.33In the event of a failed set of tests, appropriate remedial treatment should be applied to the rooms that failed the test.

1.34A failed set of tests raises questions over the sound insulation between other rooms sharing the same separating element in the dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes in which the tests were conducted. The developer should demonstrate to the building control body’s satisfaction that these rooms meet the performance standards. Normally this would be done by (a) additional testing, and/or (b) applying the appropriate remedial treatment to the other rooms and/or (c) demonstrating that the cause of failure does not occur in other rooms.

1.35A failed set of tests raises questions over properties between which tests have not been carried out. The developer should demonstrate to the building control body’s satisfaction that such properties meet the performance standards. Once a dwelling-house, flat or room for residential purposes is occupied, any action affecting it should be a matter for local negotiation.

1.36After a failed set of tests, the rate of testing should be increased until the building control body is satisfied that the problem has been solved.

Remedial treatment

1.37Appropriate remedial treatment should be applied following a failed set of tests. It is essential that remedial work is appropriate to the cause of failure. Guidance is available in BRE Information Paper IP 14/02.

1.38Where the cause of failure is attributed to the construction of the separating and/or associated flanking elements, other rooms that have not been tested may also fail to meet the performance standards. Therefore, remedial treatment may be needed in rooms other than those in which the tests were conducted.

1.39Where remedial treatment has been applied, the building control body should be satisfied with its efficacy. Normally this will be assessed through additional sound insulation testing.

Material change of use

1.40As stated in Section 0, in the case of some historic buildings undergoing a material change of use, it may not always be practical to achieve the sound insulation values set out in Section 0: Performance – Tables 1a and 1b. However, in such cases building control bodies should be satisfied that everything reasonable has been done to improve the sound insulation. Tests should be carried out, and the results displayed as indicated in Section 0, paragraph 0.7.

Approved manner of recording pre-completion testing results

1.41In order to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (3)(a) of Regulation 41 or Regulation 20(1) and (5), the test report of a set of tests (where set of tests has the meaning given in paragraphs 1.19–1.21 and 1.27) must contain at least the following information, in the order below:

1.Address of building.

2.Type(s) of property. Use the definitions in Regulation 2: dwelling-house, flat, room for residential purposes. State if the building is a historic building (see definition in the section on Requirements of this Approved Document).

3.Date(s) of testing.

4.Organisation carrying out testing, including:

a.name and address;

b.third party accreditation number (e.g. UKAS or European equivalent);

c.name(s) of person(s) in charge of test;

d.name(s) of client(s).

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5.A statement (preferably in a table) giving the following information:

a.the rooms used for each test within the set of tests;

b.the measured single-number quantity (DₙT,w + Cᵢᵣ for airborne sound insulation and L′ₙT,w for impact sound insulation) for each test within the set of tests;

c.the sound insulation values that should be achieved according to the values set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a or 1b; and

d.an entry stating ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ for each test within the set of tests according to the sound insulation values set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a or 1b.

6.Brief details of test, including:

a.equipment;

b.a statement that the test procedures in Annex B have been followed. If the procedure could not be followed exactly then the exceptions should be described and reasons given;

c.source and receiver room volumes (including a statement on which rooms were used as source rooms);

d.results of tests shown in tabular and graphical form for third octave bands according to the relevant part of the BS EN ISO 140 series and BS EN ISO 717 series, including:

i.single-number quantities and the spectrum adaptation terms;

ii.DₙT and L′ₙT data from which the single-number quantities are calculated.

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Introduction

2.1This section gives examples of wall types which, if built correctly, should achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a.

2.2The guidance in this section is not exhaustive and other designs, materials or products may be used to achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a. Advice should be sought from the manufacturer or other appropriate source.

2.3The walls are grouped into four main types. See Diagram 2.1.

2.4Wall type 1: Solid masonry The resistance to airborne sound depends mainly on the mass per unit area of the wall.

2.5Wall type 2: Cavity masonry The resistance to airborne sound depends on the mass per unit area of the leaves and on the degree of isolation achieved. The isolation is affected by connections (such as wall ties and foundations) between the wall leaves and by the cavity width.

2.6Wall type 3: Masonry between independent panels The resistance to airborne sound depends partly on the type and mass per unit area of the core, and partly on the isolation and mass per unit area of the independent panels.

2.7Wall type 4: Framed walls with absorbent material The resistance to airborne sound depends on the mass per unit area of the leaves, the isolation of the frames, and the absorption in the cavity between the frames.

2.8Within each wall type the constructions are ranked, as far as possible, with constructions providing higher sound insulation given first.

Junctions between separating walls and other building elements

2.9In order for the construction to be fully effective, care should be taken to correctly detail the junctions between the separating wall and other elements, such as floors, roofs, external walls and internal walls. Recommendations are also given for the construction of these elements, where it is necessary to control flanking transmission. Notes and diagrams explain the junction details for each of the separating wall types.

2.10Table 2.1 indicates the inclusion of guidance in this document on the junctions that may occur between each of the four separating wall types and various attached building elements.

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Mass per unit area of walls

2.11The mass per unit area of a wall is expressed in kilograms per square metre (kg/m²). The method for calculating mass per unit area is shown in Annex A.

2.12The density of the materials used (and on which the mass per unit area of the wall depends) is expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³). When calculating the mass per unit area for bricks and blocks use the density at the appropriate moisture content from Table 3.2, CIBSE Guide A (1999).

2.13The guidance describes constructions that use blocks without voids. For blocks with voids, seek advice from the manufacturer.

Plasterboard linings on separating and external masonry walls

2.14The guidance describes some constructions with only wet finishes. For dry finishes, seek advice from the manufacturer.

2.15Wherever plasterboard is recommended, or the finish is not specified, a drylining laminate of plasterboard with mineral wool may be used. For other drylining laminates, seek advice from the manufacturer.

2.16Plasterboard linings should be fixed according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Cavity widths in separating cavity masonry walls

2.17Recommended cavity widths are minimum values.

Walls ties in separating and external cavity masonry walls

2.18Suitable wall ties for use in masonry cavity walls are indicated in the guidance by reference to either tie type A or B.

2.19Tie type A Connect the leaves of a cavity masonry wall only where necessary by butterfly ties as described in BS 1243:1978 Metal ties for cavity wall construction, and spaced as required for structural purposes (BS 5628-3:2001 Code of practice for use of masonry. Materials and components, design and workmanship), which limits this tie type and spacing to cavity widths of 50mm to 75mm with a minimum masonry leaf thickness of 90mm. Alternatively, use wall ties with an appropriate measured dynamic stiffness for the cavity width. The specification for wall ties of dynamic stiffness, kₓₘₘ in MN/m with a cavity width of Xmm and n ties/m² is n.kₓₘₘ<4.8MN/m³.

2.20Tie type B (for use only in external masonry cavity walls where tie type A does not satisfy the requirements of Building Regulation Part A – Structure)

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Connect the leaves of a cavity masonry wall only where necessary by double-triangle ties as described in BS 1243:1978 Metal ties for cavity wall construction, and spaced as required for structural purposes (BS 5628-3:2001 Code of practice for use of masonry. Materials and components, design and workmanship), which limits this tie type and spacing to cavity widths of 50mm to 75mm with a minimum masonry leaf thickness of 90mm. Alternatively, use wall ties with an appropriate measured dynamic stiffness for the cavity width. The specification for wall ties of dynamic stiffness, kₓₘₘ in MN/m with a cavity width of Xmm and n ties/m² is n.kₓₘₘ<1.13MN/m³.

2.21Measurements of the wall tie dynamic stiffness, kₓₘₘ, should be carried out according to BRE Information Paper, IP 3/01.

2.22The number of ties per square metre, n, is calculated from the horizontal and vertical tie spacing distances, Sₓ and Sᵧ in metres using n = 1 / (Sₓ·Sᵧ). Example: for horizontal and vertical tie spacing distances of 0.9m and 0.45m, n is 2.5 ties/m².

2.23If kₓₘₘ is not available for the required cavity width, it is acceptable to use available kₓₘₘ data for Xmm values less than the required cavity width to calculate n.kₓₘₘ.

2.24All wall ties and spacings specified using the dynamic stiffness parameter should also satisfy the Requirements of Building Regulation Part A – Structure.

Corridor walls and doors

2.25The separating walls described in this section should be used between corridors and rooms in flats, in order to control flanking transmission and to provide the required sound insulation. However, it is likely that the sound insulation will be reduced by the presence of a door.

2.26Ensure that any door has good perimeter sealing (including the threshold where practical) and a minimum mass per unit area of 25kg/m² or a minimum sound reduction index of 29 dB Rw (measured according to BS EN ISO 140-3:1995 and rated according to BS EN ISO 717-1:1997). The door should also satisfy the Requirements of Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety.

2.27Noisy parts of the building should preferably have a lobby, double door or high performance doorset to contain the noise. Where this is not possible, nearby flats should have similar protection. However, there should be a sufficient number of flats that are suitable for disabled access, see Building Regulation Part M – Access and facilities for disabled people.

Refuse chutes

2.28A wall separating a habitable room or kitchen and a refuse chute should have a mass per unit area (including any finishes) of at least 1320kg/m². A wall separating a non-habitable room from a refuse chute should have a mass per unit area (including any finishes) of at least 220kg/m².

Wall type 1: solid masonry

2.29The resistance to airborne sound depends mainly on the mass per unit area of the wall.

Constructions

2.30Three wall type 1 constructions (types 1.1, 1.2, and 1.3) are described in this guidance.

2.31Details of how junctions should be made to limit flanking transmission are also described in this guidance.

2.32Points to watch

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2.33Wall type 1.1 Dense aggregate concrete block, plaster on both room faces (see Diagram 2.2)

•minimum mass per unit area including plaster 415kg/m²;

•13mm plaster on both room faces;

•use blocks that are laid flat to the full thickness of the wall.

2.34Wall type 1.2 Dense aggregate concrete cast in-situ, plaster on both room faces (see Diagram 2.3)

•minimum mass per unit area including plaster 415kg/m²;

•plaster on both room faces.

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2.35Wall type 1.3 Brick, plaster on both room faces (see Diagram 2.4)

•minimum mass per unit area including plaster 375kg/m²;

•13mm plaster on both room faces;

•bricks to be laid frog up, coursed with headers.

Junction requirements for wall type 1

Junctions with an external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf

2.36Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer (see Diagram 2.5) unless the cavity is fully filled with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene beads (seek manufacturer’s advice for other suitable materials).

2.37The separating wall should be joined to the inner leaf of the external cavity wall by one of the following methods:

a.Bonded. The separating wall should be bonded to the external wall in such a way that the separating wall contributes at least 50% of the bond at the junction. See Diagram 2.6.

b.Tied. The external wall should abut the separating wall and be tied to it. See Diagram 2.7. Also, see Building Regulation Part A – Structure.

2.38The masonry inner leaf should have a mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish. However, there is no minimum mass requirement where there are openings in the external wall (see Diagram 2.8) that are:

a.not less than 1 metre high; and

b.on both sides of the separating wall at every storey; and

c.not more than 700mm from the face of the separating wall on both sides.

2.39Where there is also a separating floor then the requirement for a minimum mass per unit area of 120kg/m² excluding finish should always apply, irrespective of the presence or absence of openings.

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Junctions with an external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf

2.40Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer. See Diagram 2.9.

2.41Where the inner leaf of an external cavity wall is of framed construction, the framed inner leaf should:

a.abut the separating wall; and

b.be tied to it with ties at no more than 300mm centres vertically.

The wall finish of the framed inner leaf of the external wall should be:

a.one layer of plasterboard; or

b.two layers of plasterboard where there is a separating floor;

c.each sheet of plasterboard to be of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²; and

d.all joints should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

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Junctions with an external solid masonry wall

2.42No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with internal framed walls

2.43There are no restrictions on internal framed walls meeting a type 1 separating wall.

Junctions with internal masonry walls

2.44Internal masonry walls that abut a type 1 separating wall should have a mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

Junctions with internal timber floors

2.45If the floor joists are to be supported on a type 1 separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in. See Diagram 2.10.

Junctions with internal concrete floors

2.46An internal concrete floor slab may only be carried through a type 1 separating wall if the floor base has a mass per unit area of at least 365kg/m². See Diagram 2.11.

2.47Internal hollow-core concrete plank floors and concrete beams with infilling block floors should not be continuous through a type 1 separating wall.

2.48For internal floors of concrete beams with infilling blocks, avoid beams built in to the separating wall unless the blocks in the floor fill the space between the beams where they penetrate the wall.

Junctions with timber ground floors

2.49If the floor joists are to be supported on a type 1 separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in.

2.50See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Junctions with concrete ground floors

2.51The ground floor may be a solid slab, laid on the ground, or a suspended concrete floor. A concrete slab floor on the ground may be continuous under a type 1 separating wall. See Diagram 2.12.

2.52A suspended concrete floor may only pass under a type 1 separating wall if the floor has a mass of at least 365kg/m².

2.53Hollow core concrete plank and concrete beams with infilling block floors should not be continuous under a type 1 separating wall.

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2.54See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Junctions with ceiling and roof

2.55Where a type 1 separating wall is used it should be continuous to the underside of the roof.

2.56The junction between the separating wall and the roof should be filled with a flexible closer which is also suitable as a fire stop. See Diagram 2.13.

2.57Where the roof or loft space is not a habitable room and there is a ceiling with a minimum mass per unit area of 10kg/m² with sealed joints, then the mass per unit area of the separating wall above the ceiling may be reduced to 150kg/m². See Diagram 2.13.

2.58If lightweight aggregate blocks of density less than 1200kg/m³ are used above ceiling level, then one side should be sealed with cement paint or plaster skim.

2.59Where there is an external cavity wall, the cavity should be closed at eaves level with a suitable flexible material (e.g. mineral wool). See Diagram 2.14.

Junctions with separating floors

2.60There are important details in Section 3 concerning junctions between wall type 1 and separating floors.

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Wall type 2: cavity masonry

2.61The resistance to airborne sound depends on the mass per unit area of the leaves and on the degree of isolation achieved. The isolation is affected by connections (such as wall ties and foundations) between the wall leaves and by the cavity width.

Constructions

2.62Four wall type 2 constructions (types 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 and 2.4) are described in this guidance.

2.63Two of these wall constructions (types 2.3 and 2.4) are only suitable when a step in elevation and/or a stagger in plan is incorporated at the separating wall.

2.64Details of how junctions should be made to limit flanking transmission are also described in this guidance.

2.65Points to watch:

Wall ties in separating cavity masonry walls

2.66The wall ties used to connect the leaves of a cavity masonry wall should be tie type A.

Cavity widths in separating cavity masonry walls

2.67Recommended cavity widths are minimum values.

Blocks with voids

2.68The guidance describes constructions that use blocks without voids. For blocks with voids, seek advice from the manufacturer.

2.69Wall type 2.1 Two leaves of dense aggregate concrete block with 50mm cavity, plaster on both room faces (see Diagram 2.15)

•minimum mass per unit area including plaster 415kg/m²;

•minimum cavity width of 50mm;

•13mm plaster on both room faces.

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2.70Wall type 2.2 Two leaves of lightweight aggregate block with 75mm cavity, plaster on both room faces (see Diagram 2.16)

•minimum mass per unit area including plaster 300kg/m²;

•minimum cavity width of 75mm;

•13mm plaster on both room faces.

2.71Wall type 2.3 Two leaves of lightweight aggregate block with 75mm cavity and step/stagger, plasterboard on both room faces (see Diagram 2.17)

Additional construction: wall type 2.3 should only be used where there is a step and/or stagger of at least 300mm.

•minimum mass per unit area including plasterboard 290kg/m²;

•lightweight aggregate blocks should have a density in the range 1350 to 1600kg/m³;

•minimum cavity width of 75mm;

•plasterboard, each sheet of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m², on both room faces.

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Additional construction: Wall type 2.4 should only be used in constructions without separating floors and where there is a step and/or stagger of at least 300mm.

2.72Wall type 2.4 Two leaves of aircrete block with 75mm cavity and step/stagger, plasterboard or plaster on both room faces (see Diagram 2.18)

•minimum mass per unit area including finish 150kg/m²;

•minimum cavity width of 75mm;

•plasterboard, each sheet of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m², on both room faces; or

•13mm plaster on both room faces.

Junction requirements for wall type 2

Junctions with an external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf

2.73Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer (for wall types 2.1 and 2.2 see Diagram 2.19, for wall types 2.3 and 2.4 see Diagram 2.20) unless the cavity is fully filled with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene beads (seek manufacturer’s advice for other suitable materials).

2.74The separating wall should be joined to the inner leaf of the external cavity wall by one of the following methods:

a.Bonded. The separating wall should be bonded to the external wall in such a way that the separating wall contributes at least 50% of the bond at the junction.

b.Tied. The external wall should abut the separating wall and be tied to it. See Diagram 2.21. Also, see Building Regulation Part A – Structure.

2.75The masonry inner leaf should have a mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish. However, there is no minimum mass requirement where separating wall type 2.1, 2.3 or 2.4 is used.

2.76Where there is also a separating floor then the requirement for a minimum mass per unit area of 120kg/m² excluding finish should always apply, even when wall type 2.1, 2.3 or 2.4 is used.

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Junctions with an external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf

2.77Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer. See Diagram 2.22.

2.78Where the inner leaf of an external cavity wall is of framed construction, the framed inner leaf should:

a.abut the separating wall; and

b.be tied to it with ties at no more than 300mm centres vertically.

The wall finish of the inner leaf of the external wall should be:

a.one layer of plasterboard; or

b.two layers of plasterboard where there is a separating floor;

c.each sheet of plasterboard to be of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²; and

d.all joints should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with an external solid masonry wall

2.79No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with internal framed walls

2.80There are no restrictions on internal framed walls meeting a type 2 separating wall.

Junctions with internal masonry walls

2.81Internal masonry walls that abut a type 2 separating wall should have a mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

2.82Where there is a separating floor, internal masonry walls should have a mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

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2.83When there is no separating floor with separating wall type 2.3 or 2.4 there is no minimum mass per unit area for internal masonry walls.

Junctions with internal timber floors

2.84If the floor joists are to be supported on the separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in. See Diagram 2.23.

Junctions with internal concrete floors

2.85Internal concrete floors should generally be built into a type 2 separating wall and carried through to the cavity face of the leaf. The cavity should not be bridged. See Diagram 2.24.

Junctions with timber ground floors

2.86If the floor joists are to be supported on the separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in.

2.87See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Junctions with concrete ground floors

2.88The ground floor may be a solid slab, laid on the ground, or a suspended concrete floor. A concrete slab floor on the ground should not be continuous under a type 2 separating wall. See Diagram 2.24.

2.89A suspended concrete floor should not be continuous under a type 2 separating wall, and should be carried through to the cavity face of the leaf. The cavity should not be bridged. See Diagram 2.24.

2.90See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

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2.91Where a type 2 separating wall is used it should be continuous to the underside of the roof.

2.92The junction between the separating wall and the roof should be filled with a flexible closer which is also suitable as a fire stop. See Diagram 2.25.

2.93Where the roof or loft space is not a habitable room and there is a ceiling with a minimum mass per unit area of 10kg/m² with sealed joints, then the mass per unit area of the separating wall above the ceiling may be reduced to 150kg/m², but it should still be a cavity wall. See Diagram 2.25.

2.94If lightweight aggregate blocks of density less than 1200kg/m³ are used above ceiling level, then one side should be sealed with cement paint or plaster skim.

2.95Where there is an external cavity wall, the cavity should be closed at eaves level with a suitable flexible material (e.g. mineral wool). See Diagram 2.26.

Junctions with separating floors

2.96There are important details in Section 3 concerning junctions between wall type 2 and separating floors.

Wall type 3: masonry between independent panels

2.97The resistance to airborne sound depends partly on the type and mass per unit area of the core, and partly on the isolation and mass per unit area of the independent panels.

Construction

2.98Three wall type 3 constructions (types 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3) are described in this guidance.

2.99The construction consists of either a solid or cavity masonry core wall with independent panels on both sides. These panels and any frame should not be in contact with the core wall.

2.100Details of how junctions should be made to limit flanking transmission are also described in this guidance.

2.101Points to watch

Wall ties in cavity masonry cores

2.102The wall ties used to connect the leaves of a cavity masonry core should be tie type A.

Cavity widths in separating cavity masonry cores

2.103Recommended cavity widths are minimum values.

2.104Independent panels. These panels should meet the following specification:

•minimum mass per unit area of panel (excluding any supporting framework) 20kg/m²;

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•panels should consist of either

a.at least 2 layers of plasterboard with staggered joints, or

b.a composite panel consisting of 2 sheets of plasterboard separated by a cellular core;

•if the panels are not supported on a frame they should be at least 35mm from the masonry core;

•if the panels are supported on a frame there should be a gap of at least 10mm between the frame and the masonry core.

2.105Wall type 3.1 Solid masonry core (dense aggregate concrete block), independent panels on both room faces (see Diagrams 2.27 and 2.28)

•minimum mass per unit area of core 300kg/m²;

•minimum core width is determined by structural requirements (see Building Regulation Part A – Structure);

•independent panels on both room faces.

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•minimum mass per unit area of core 150kg/m²;

•minimum core width is determined by structural requirements (see Building Regulation Part A – Structure);

•independent panels on both room faces.

Example of wall type 3.2

The required mass per unit area would be achieved by using

•140mm lightweight block core

•block density 1400kg/m³

•225mm coursing

•independent panels, each panel of mass per unit area 20kg/m², to be two sheets of plasterboard joined by a cellular core

This is an example only. See Annex A for a simplified method of calculating mass per unit area. Alternatively use manufacturer’s actual figures where these are available.

2.107 Wall type 3.3 Cavity masonry core (brickwork or blockwork), 50mm cavity, independent panels on both room faces (see Diagram 2.30)

•the core can be of any mass per unit area;

•minimum cavity width of 50mm;

•minimum core width is determined by structural requirements (see Building Regulation Part A – Structure);

•independent panels on both room faces.

Example of wall type 3.3

•two leaves of concrete block

•each leaf at least 100mm thick

•minimum cavity width of 50mm

•independent panels, each panel of mass per unit area 20kg/m², to be two sheets of plasterboard joined by a cellular core

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Junctions with an external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf

2.108Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer (see Diagram 2.31) unless the cavity is fully filled with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene beads (seek manufacturer’s advice for other suitable materials).

2.109Where the inner leaf of an external cavity wall is masonry:

a.the inner leaf of the external wall should be bonded or tied to the masonry core;

b.the inner leaf of the external wall should be lined with independent panels in the same manner as the separating walls. See Diagram 2.31.

2.110Where there is a separating floor the masonry inner leaf of the external wall should have a minimum mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

2.111Where there is no separating floor and the masonry inner leaf of the external wall is lined with independent panels in the same manner as the separating walls, there is no minimum mass requirement on the masonry inner leaf.

2.112Where there is no separating floor with separating wall type 3.1 or 3.3, and the masonry inner leaf of the external wall has a mass of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish, then the inner leaf of the external wall may be finished with plaster or plasterboard of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m².

Junctions with an external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf

2.113No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with an external solid masonry wall

2.114No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with internal framed walls

2.115Load-bearing framed internal walls should be fixed to the masonry core through a continuous pad of mineral wool. See Diagram 2.32.

2.116Non-load-bearing internal walls should be butted to the independent panels.

2.117All joints between internal walls and panels should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with internal masonry walls

2.118Internal walls that abut a type 3 separating wall should not be of masonry construction.

Junctions with internal timber floors

2.119If the floor joists are to be supported on the separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in. See Diagram 2.33.

2.120Spaces between the floor joists should be sealed with full depth timber blocking.

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Junctions with internal concrete floors

Wall types 3.1 and 3.2 (solid masonry core)

2.121An internal concrete floor slab may only be carried through a solid masonry core if the floor base has a mass per unit area of at least 365kg/m². See Diagram 2.34.

Wall type 3.3 (cavity masonry core)

2.122Internal concrete floors should generally be built into a cavity masonry core and carried through to the cavity face of the leaf. The cavity should not be bridged.

Junctions with timber ground floors

2.123If the floor joists are to be supported on the separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in.

2.124Spaces between the floor joists should be sealed with full depth timber blocking.

2.125See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Junctions with concrete ground floors

2.126The ground floor may be a solid slab, laid on the ground, or a suspended concrete floor.

Wall type 3.1 and 3.2 (solid masonry core)

2.127A concrete slab floor on the ground may be continuous under the solid masonry core of a type 3.1 or 3.2 separating wall.

2.128A suspended concrete floor may only pass under the solid masonry core of a type 3.1 or 3.2 separating wall if the floor has a mass per unit area of at least 365kg/m².

2.129Hollow core concrete plank and concrete beams with infilling block floors should not be continuous under the solid masonry core of a type 3.1 or 3.2 separating wall.

Wall type 3.3 (cavity masonry core)

2.130A concrete slab floor on the ground should not be continuous under the cavity masonry core of a type 3.3 separating wall.

2.131A suspended concrete floor should not be continuous under the cavity masonry core of a type 3.3 separating wall and should be carried through to the cavity face of the leaf. The cavity should not be bridged.

2.132See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

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Junctions with ceiling and roof space

2.133The masonry core should be continuous to the underside of the roof.

2.134The junction between the separating wall and the roof should be filled with a flexible closer which is also suitable as a fire stop. See Diagram 2.35.

2.135The junction between the ceiling and independent panels should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

2.136Where there is an external cavity wall, the cavity should be closed at eaves level with a suitable flexible material (e.g. mineral wool). See Diagram 2.36.

Wall types 3.1 and 3.2 (solid masonry core)

2.137Where the roof or loft space is not a habitable room and there is a ceiling with a minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m² and with sealed joints, the independent panels may be omitted in the roof space and the mass per unit area of the separating wall above the ceiling may be a minimum of 150kg/m². See Diagram 2.35.

2.138If lightweight aggregate blocks of density less than 1200kg/m³ are used above ceiling level, then one side should be sealed with cement paint or plaster skim.

Wall type 3.3 (cavity masonry core)

2.139Where the roof or loft space is not a habitable room and there is a ceiling with a minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m² and with sealed joints, the independent panels may be omitted in the roof space but the cavity masonry core should be maintained to the underside of the roof.

Junctions with separating floors

2.140There are important details in Section 3 concerning junctions between wall type 3 and separating floors.

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2.141In this guidance only a timber framed wall is described. For steel framed walls, seek advice from the manufacturer.

2.142The resistance to airborne sound depends on the mass per unit area of the leaves, the isolation of the frames, and the absorption in the cavity between the frames.

Construction

2.143The construction consists of timber frames, with plasterboard linings on room surfaces and with absorbent material between the frames.

2.144One wall type 4 construction (type 4.1) is described in this guidance.

2.145Details of how junctions should be made to limit flanking transmission are also described in this guidance.

2.146Points to watch

2.147 Wall type 4.1 Double leaf frames with absorbent material (see Diagram 2.37)

•minimum distance between inside lining faces of 200mm;

•plywood sheathing may be used in the cavity as necessary for structural reasons;

•each lining to be two or more layers of plasterboard, each sheet of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m², with staggered joints;

•absorbent material to be unfaced mineral wool batts or quilt (which may be wire reinforced), minimum density 10kg/m³;

•minimum thickness of absorbent material:

a.25mm if suspended in the cavity between frames,

b.50mm if fixed to one frame,

c.25mm per batt (or quilt) if one is fixed to each frame.

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Junction requirements for wall type 4

Junctions with an external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf

2.148No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with an external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf

2.149Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped between the ends of the separating wall and the outer leaf with a flexible closer. See Diagram 2.38.

2.150The wall finish of the inner leaf of the external wall should be:

a.one layer of plasterboard; or

b.two layers of plasterboard where there is a separating floor;

c.each sheet of plasterboard of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²; and

d.all joints should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

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2.151No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with internal framed walls

2.152There are no restrictions on internal framed walls meeting a type 4 separating wall.

Junctions with internal masonry walls

2.153There are no restrictions on internal masonry walls meeting a type 4 separating wall.

Junctions with internal timber floors

2.154Block the air paths through the wall into the cavity by using solid timber blockings or continuous ring beam or joists.

Junctions with internal concrete floors

2.155No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with timber ground floors

2.156Block the air paths through the wall into the cavity by using solid timber blockings or a continuous ring beam or joists.

2.157See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Junctions with concrete ground floors

2.158The ground floor may be a solid slab, laid on the ground, or a suspended concrete floor. A concrete slab floor on the ground may be continuous under a type 4 separating wall. A suspended concrete floor may only pass under a wall type 4 if the floor has a mass per unit area of at least 365kg/m².

2.159See Building Regulation Part C – Site preparation and resistance to moisture, and Building Regulation Part L – Conservation of fuel and power.

Junctions with ceiling and roof space

2.160The wall should preferably be continuous to the underside of the roof.

2.161The junction between the separating wall and the roof should be filled with a flexible closer.

2.162The junction between the ceiling and the wall linings should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Where the roof or loft space is not a habitable room and there is a ceiling with a minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m² and with sealed joints, either:

a.the linings on each frame may be reduced to two layers of plasterboard, each sheet of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²; or

b.the cavity may be closed at ceiling level without connecting the two frames rigidly together and then one frame may be used in the roof space provided there is a lining of two layers of plasterboard, each sheet of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m², on both sides of the frame.

2.163Where there is an external wall cavity, the cavity should be closed at eaves level with a suitable material.

Junctions with separating floors

2.164There are important details in Section 3 concerning junctions between wall type 4 and separating floors.

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Introduction

3.1This Section gives examples of floor types which, if built correctly, should achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a.

3.2The guidance in this section is not exhaustive and other designs, materials or products may be used to achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a. Advice should be sought from the manufacturer or other appropriate source.

3.3The floors are grouped into three main types. See Diagram 3.1.

3.4Floor type 1: Concrete base with ceiling and soft floor covering The resistance to airborne sound depends mainly on the mass per unit area of the concrete base and partly on the mass per unit area of the ceiling. The soft floor covering reduces impact sound at source.

3.5Floor type 2: Concrete base with ceiling and floating floor The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the mass per unit area of the concrete base, as well as the mass per unit area and isolation of the floating layer and the ceiling. The floating floor reduces impact sound at source.

3.6Floor type 2: Floating floor Floor type 2 requires one of the floating floors described in this section. The description of floor type 2 contains a suffix (a), (b) or (c) which refers to the floating floor used.

3.7Floor type 3: Timber frame base with ceiling and platform floor The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the structural floor base and the isolation of the platform floor and the ceiling. The platform floor reduces impact sound at source.

3.8Ceiling treatment Each floor type requires one of the ceiling treatments described in this section. The description of each floor type contains a suffix A, B or C that refers to the ceiling treatment used.

3.9Within each floor type the constructions are ranked, as far as possible, with constructions providing better sound insulation given first.

Junctions between separating floors and other building elements

3.10In order for the floor construction to be fully effective, care should be taken to correctly detail the junctions between the separating floor and other elements such as external walls, separating walls and floor penetrations. Recommendations are also given for the construction of these other elements where it is necessary to control flanking transmission. Notes and diagrams explain the junction details for each of the separating floor types.

3.11Table 3.1 indicates the inclusion of guidance in this document on the junctions that may occur between each of the separating floor types and various attached building elements.

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Beam and block floors

3.12For beam and block separating floors, seek advice from the manufacturer.

Mass per unit area of floors

3.13The mass per unit area of a floor is expressed in kilograms per square metre (kg/m²). The mass per unit area of floors should be obtained from the manufacturer’s data or calculated using the method shown in Annex A.

3.14The density of the materials used (and on which the mass per unit area of the floor depends) is expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³).

3.15Where appropriate, the mass per unit area of a bonded screed may be included in the calculation of the mass per unit area of the floor.

3.16The mass per unit area of a floating screed should not be included in the calculation of the mass per unit area of the floor.

Ceiling treatments

3.17Each floor type should use one of the following three ceiling treatments (A, B or C). See Diagram 3.2.

3.18The ceiling treatments are ranked, in order of sound insulation performance from A to C, with constructions providing higher sound insulation given first.

3.19 Ceiling treatment A, independent ceiling with absorbent material

Ceiling treatment A should meet the following specification:

•at least 2 layers of plasterboard with staggered joints;

•minimum total mass per unit area of plasterboard 20kg/m²;

•an absorbent layer of mineral wool (minimum thickness 100mm, minimum density 10kg/m³) laid in the cavity formed above the ceiling.

The ceiling should be supported by one of the following methods:

•Floor types 1, 2 and 3. Use independent joists fixed only to the surrounding walls. A clearance of at least 100mm should be left between the top of the plasterboard forming the ceiling and the underside of the base floor.

•Floor type 3. Use independent joists fixed to the surrounding walls with additional support provided by resilient hangers attached directly to the floor. A clearance of at least 100mm should be left between the top of the ceiling joists and the underside of the base floor.

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3.20Points to watch:

3.21Ceiling treatment B, plasterboard on proprietary resilient bars with absorbent material

Ceiling treatment B should meet the following specification:

•single layer of plasterboard, minimum mass per unit area of plasterboard 10kg/m²;

•fixed using proprietary resilient metal bars. On concrete floors, these resilient metal bars should be fixed to timber battens. For fixing details, seek advice from the manufacturer;

•an absorbent layer of mineral wool (minimum density 10kg/m³) that fills the ceiling void.

3.22Ceiling treatment C, plasterboard on timber battens or proprietary resilient channels with absorbent material

Ceiling treatment C should meet the following specification:

•single layer of plasterboard, minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²;

•fixed using timber battens or proprietary resilient channels;

•if resilient channels are used, incorporate an absorbent layer of mineral wool minimum density 10kg/m³) that fills the ceiling void.

Floor type 1: concrete base with ceiling and soft floor covering

3.23The resistance to airborne sound depends mainly on the mass per unit area of the concrete base and partly on the mass per unit area of the ceiling. The soft floor covering reduces impact sound at source.

Constructions

3.24The construction consists of a concrete floor base with a soft floor covering and a ceiling.

3.25Two floor type 1 constructions (types 1.1C and 1.2B) are described in this guidance which should be combined with the appropriate ceiling and soft floor covering.

3.26Details of how junctions should be made to limit flanking transmission are also described in this guidance.

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3.27Points to watch

3.28Soft floor covering

The soft floor covering should meet the following specification:

•any resilient material, or material with a resilient base, with an overall uncompressed thickness of at least 4.5mm; or

•any floor covering with a weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level (ΔLw) of not less than 17dB when measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 and calculated in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-2:1997.

3.29Floor type 1.1C Solid concrete slab (cast in situ, with or without permanent shuttering), soft floor covering, ceiling treatment C (see Diagram 3.3)

•minimum mass per unit area of 365kg/m² (including shuttering only if it is solid concrete or metal) and including any bonded screed;

•soft floor covering essential;

•ceiling treatment C (or better) essential.

3.30Floor Type 1.2B Concrete planks (solid or hollow), soft floor covering, ceiling treatment B (see Diagram 3.4)

•minimum mass per unit area of planks and any bonded screed of 365kg/m²;

•use a regulating floor screed;

•all floor joints fully grouted to ensure air tightness;

•soft floor covering essential;

•ceiling treatment B (or better) essential.

Junction requirements for floor type 1

Junctions with an external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf

3.31Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer (see Diagram 3.5) ensuring adequate drainage, unless the cavity is fully filled with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene beads (seek manufacturer’s advice for other suitable materials).

3.32The masonry inner leaf of an external cavity wall should have a mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

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3.33The floor base (excluding any screed) should be built into a cavity masonry external wall and carried through to the cavity face of the inner leaf. The cavity should not be bridged.

Floor type 1.2B

3.34Where floor type 1.2B is used and the planks are parallel to the external wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the cavity face of the inner leaf. See Diagram 3.5.

3.35See details in Section 2 concerning the use of wall ties in external masonry cavity walls.

Junctions with an external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf

3.36Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer;

c.the wall finish of the inner leaf of the external wall should be two layers of plasterboard, each sheet of plasterboard to be of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m², and all joints should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with an external solid masonry wall

3.37No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with internal framed walls

3.38There are no restrictions on internal framed walls meeting a type 1 separating floor.

Junctions with internal masonry walls

3.39The floor base should be continuous through, or above, an internal masonry wall.

3.40The mass per unit area of any load-bearing internal wall or any internal wall rigidly connected to a separating floor should be at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

Junctions with floor penetrations (excluding gas pipes)

3.41Pipes and ducts that penetrate a floor separating habitable rooms in different flats should be enclosed for their full height in each flat. See Diagram 3-6.

3.42The enclosure should be constructed of material having a mass per unit area of at least 15kg/m². Either line the enclosure or wrap the duct or pipe within the enclosure with 25mm unfaced mineral fibre.

3.43Penetrations through a separating floor by ducts and pipes should have fire protection to satisfy Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety. Fire stopping should be flexible and prevent rigid contact between the pipe and floor.

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For flats where there are separating walls the following may also apply:

Junctions with separating wall type 1 – solid masonry

Floor type 1.1C

3.44A separating floor type 1.1C base (excluding any screed) should pass through a separating wall type 1. See Diagram 3.7.

Floor type 1.2B

3.45A separating floor type 1.2B base (excluding any screed) should not be continuous through a separating wall type 1. See Diagram 3.8.

Junctions with separating wall type 2 – cavity masonry

3.46The mass per unit area of any leaf that is supporting or adjoining the floor should be at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

3.47The floor base (excluding any screed) should be carried through to the cavity face of the leaf. The wall cavity should not be bridged. See Diagram 3.9.

Floor type 1.2B

3.48Where floor type 1.2B is used and the planks are parallel to the separating wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the inner face of the adjacent cavity leaf. See Diagram 3.9.

Junctions with separating wall type 3 – masonry between independent panels

Junctions with separating wall type 3.1 and 3.2 (solid masonry core)

Floor type 1.1C

3.49A separating floor type 1.1C base (excluding any screed) should pass through separating wall types 3.1 and 3.2. See Diagram 3.10.

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Floor type 1.2B

3.50A separating floor type 1.2B base (excluding any screed) should not be continuous through a separating wall type 3.

3.51Where separating wall type 3.2 is used with floor type 1.2B and the planks are parallel to the separating wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the centreline of the masonry core.

Junctions with separating wall type 3.3 (cavity masonry core)

3.52The mass per unit area of any leaf that is supporting or adjoining the floor should be at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

3.53The floor base (excluding any screed) should be carried through to the cavity face of the leaf of the core. The cavity should not be bridged.

Floor type 1.2B

3.54Where floor type 1.2B is used and the planks are parallel to the separating wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the inner face of the adjacent cavity leaf of the masonry core.

Junctions with separating wall type 4 – timber frames with absorbent material

3.55No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Floor type 2: concrete base with ceiling and floating floor

3.56The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the mass per unit area of the concrete base, as well as the mass per unit area and isolation of the floating layer and the ceiling. The floating floor reduces impact sound at source.

Constructions

3.57The construction consists of a concrete floor base with a floating floor and a ceiling. The floating floor consists of a floating layer and a resilient layer.

3.58Two floor type 2 constructions (types 2.1C and 2.2B) are described in this guidance, which should be combined with the appropriate ceiling and any one of the three floating floor options (a), (b) or (c).

3.59Details of how junctions should be made to limit flanking transmission are also described in this guidance.

Limitations

3.60Where resistance to airborne sound only is required the full construction should still be used.

3.61Points to watch

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Floating floors (floating layers and resilient layers)

3.62The floating floor consists of a floating layer and resilient layer. See Diagram 3.11.

3.63Points to watch

3.64Floating floor (a) Timber raft floating layer with resilient layer Floating floor (a) should meet the following specification:

•timber raft of board material (with bonded edges, e.g. tongued and grooved) of minimum mass per unit area 12kg/m², fixed to 45mm x 45mm battens;

•timber raft to be laid loose on the resilient layer, battens should not be laid along any joints in the resilient layer;

•resilient layer of mineral wool with density 36kg/m³ and minimum thickness 25mm. The resilient layer may be paper faced on the underside.

3.65Floating floor (b) Sand cement screed floating layer with resilient layer Floating floor (b) should meet the following specification:

•floating layer of 65mm sand cement screed or a suitable proprietary creed product with a mass per unit area of at least 80kg/m². Ensure that the resilient layer is protected while the screed is being laid. A 20–50mm wire mesh may be used for this purpose;

•resilient layer consisting of either:

a.a layer of mineral wool of minimum thickness 25mm with density 36kg/m³, paper faced on the upper side to prevent the screed entering the resilient layer, or

b.an alternative type of resilient layer which meets the following two requirements:

(i)maximum dynamic stiffness (measured according to BS EN 29052-1:1992) of 15MN/m³, and

(ii)minimum thickness of 5mm under the load specified in the measurement procedure of BS EN 29052-1:1992, 1.8kPa to 2.1kPa.

3.66Floating floor (c) Performance based approach Floating floor (c) should meet the following specification:

•rigid boarding above a resilient and/or damping layer(s); with

•weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level (ΔLw) of not less than 29dB when measured according to BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 and rated according to BS EN ISO 717-2:1997. (See Annex B: Supplementary guidance on acoustic measurement standards.) The performance value ΔLw should be achieved when the floating floor is both loaded and unloaded as described in BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 for category II systems.

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3.67Floor type 2.1C Solid concrete slab (cast in-situ, with or without permanent shuttering), floating floor, ceiling treatment C (see Diagrams 3.12 and 3.13)

•minimum mass per unit area of 300kg/m² (including shuttering only if it is solid concrete or metal), and including any bonded screed;

•regulating floor screed optional;

•floating floor (a), (b) or (c) essential;

•ceiling treatment C (or better) essential.

3.68Floor type 2.2B Concrete planks (solid or hollow), floating floor, ceiling treatment B (see Diagrams 3.14 and 3.15)

•minimum mass per unit area of planks and any bonded screed of 300g/m²;

•use a regulating floor screed;

•all floor joints fully grouted to ensure air tightness;

•floating floor (a), (b) or (c) essential;

•ceiling treatment B (or better) essential.

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Junction requirements for floor type 2

Junctions with an external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf

3.69Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction; and

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer (see Diagram 3.16) ensuring adequate drainage, unless the cavity is fully filled with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene beads (seek manufacturer’s advice for other suitable materials).

3.70The masonry inner leaf of an external cavity wall should have a mass per unit area of at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

3.71The floor base (excluding any screed) should be built into a cavity masonry external wall and carried through to the cavity face of the inner leaf. The cavity should not be bridged.

Floor 2.2B

3.72Where floor 2.2B is used and the planks are parallel to the external wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the cavity face of the inner leaf. See Diagram 3.16.

3.73See details in Section 2 concerning the use of wall ties in external masonry cavity walls.

Junctions with an external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf

3.74Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction;

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer; and

c.the wall finish of the inner leaf of the external wall should be two layers of plasterboard, each sheet of plasterboard to be of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m², and all joints should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with an external solid masonry wall

3.75No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with internal framed walls

3.76There are no restrictions on internal framed walls meeting a type 2 separating floor.

Junctions with internal masonry walls

3.77The floor base should be continuous through, or above an internal masonry wall.

3.78The mass per unit area of any load-bearing internal wall or any internal wall rigidly connected to a separating floor should be at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

Junctions with floor penetrations (excluding gas pipes)

3.79Pipes and ducts that penetrate a floor separating habitable rooms in different flats should be enclosed for their full height in each flat. See Diagram 3.17.

3.80The enclosure should be constructed of material having a mass per unit area of at least 15kg/m². Either line the enclosure, or wrap the duct or pipe within the enclosure, with 25mm unfaced mineral wool.

3.81Leave a small gap (approx. 5mm) between the enclosure and floating layer and seal with sealant or neoprene. Where floating floor (a) or (b) is used the enclosure may go down to the floor base, but ensure that the enclosure is isolated from the floating layer.

3.82Penetrations through a separating floor by ducts and pipes should have fire protection to satisfy Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety. Fire stopping should be flexible and also prevent rigid contact between the pipe and floor.

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For flats where there are separating walls the following may also apply.

Junctions with a separating wall type 1 – solid masonry

Floor type 2.1C

3.83A separating floor type 2.1C base (excluding any screed) should pass through a separating wall type 1.

Floor type 2.2B

3.84A separating floor type 2.2B base (excluding any screed) should not be continuous through a separating wall type 1. See Diagram 3.18.

Junctions with a separating wall type 2 – cavity masonry

3.85The floor base (excluding any screed) should be carried through to the cavity face of the leaf. The cavity should not be bridged.

Floor type 2.2B

3.86Where floor type 2.2B is used and the planks are parallel to the separating wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the cavity face of the leaf.

Junctions with a separating wall type 3 – masonry between independent panels

Junctions with separating wall type 3.1 and 3.2 (solid masonry core)

Floor type 2.1C

3.87A separating floor type 2.1C base (excluding any screed) should pass through separating wall types 3.1 and 3.2. See Diagram 3.19.

Floor type 2.2B

3.88A separating floor type 2.2B base (excluding any screed) should not be continuous through a separating wall type 3.

3.89Where separating wall type 3.2 is used with floor type 2.2B and the planks are parallel to the separating wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the centreline of the masonry core.

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Junctions with separating wall type 3.3 (cavity masonry core)

3.90The mass per unit area of any leaf that is supporting or adjoining the floor should be at least 120kg/m² excluding finish.

3.91The floor base (excluding any screed) should be carried through to the cavity face of the leaf of the core. The cavity should not be bridged.

Floor type 2.2B

3.92Where floor type 2.2B is used and the planks are parallel to the separating wall the first joint should be a minimum of 300mm from the inner face of the adjacent cavity leaf of the masonry core.

Junctions with separating wall type 4 – timber frames with absorbent material

3.93No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Floor type 3: timber frame base with ceiling and platform floor

3.94The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the structural floor base and the isolation of the platform floor and the ceiling. The platform floor reduces impact sound at source.

Construction

3.95The construction consists of a timber frame structural floor base with a deck, platform floor and ceiling treatment A. The platform floor consists of a floating layer and a resilient layer.

3.96One floor type 3 construction (type 3.1A) is described in this guidance.

3.97Details of how junctions should be made to limit flanking transmission are also described in this guidance.

Limitations

3.98Where resistance to airborne sound only is required the full construction should still be used.

3.99Points to watch

3.100Floor type 3.1A Timber frame base with ceiling treatment A and platform floor (see Diagram 3.20)

•timber joists with a deck;

•the deck should be of any suitable material with a minimum mass per unit area of 20kg/m²;

•platform floor (including resilient layer) essential;

•ceiling treatment A essential.

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3.101Platform floor

The floating layer should be:

•a minimum of two layers of board material;

•minimum total mass per unit area 25kg/m²;

•each layer of minimum thickness 8mm;

•fixed together (e.g. spot bonded with a resilient adhesive or glued/screwed) with joints staggered.

The floating layer should be laid loose on a resilient layer.

3.102Resilient layer

The resilient layer specification is:

•mineral wool, minimum thickness 25mm, density 60 to 100kg/m³;

•the mineral wool may be paper faced on the underside.

Junction requirements for floor type 3

Junctions with an external cavity wall with masonry inner leaf

3.103Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction;

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer unless the cavity is fully filled with mineral wool or expanded polystyrene beads (seek manufacturer’s advice for other suitable materials).

3.104The masonry inner leaf of a cavity wall should be lined with an independent panel as described for wall type 3.

3.105The ceiling should be taken through to the masonry. The junction between the ceiling and the independent panel should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

3.106Use any normal method of connecting floor base to wall but block air paths between floor and wall cavities.

3.107Where the mass per unit area of the inner leaf is greater than 375kg/m² the independent panels are not required.

3.108See details in Section 2 concerning the use of wall ties in external masonry cavity walls.

Junctions with an external cavity wall with timber frame inner leaf

3.109Where the external wall is a cavity wall:

a.the outer leaf of the wall may be of any construction;

b.the cavity should be stopped with a flexible closer.

3.110The wall finish of the inner leaf of the external wall should be:

a.two layers of plasterboard;

b.each sheet of plasterboard of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²; and

c.all joints should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

3.111Use any normal method of connecting floor base to wall. Where the joists are at right angles to the wall, spaces between the floor joists should be sealed with full depth timber blocking.

3.112The junction between the ceiling and wall lining should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with an external solid masonry wall

3.113No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Junctions with internal framed walls

3.114Where the joists are at right angles to the wall, spaces between the floor joists should be sealed with full depth timber blocking.

3.115The junction between the ceiling and the internal framed wall should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with internal masonry walls

3.116No guidance available (seek specialist advice).

Source page 57

3.117Pipes and ducts that penetrate a floor separating habitable rooms in different flats should be enclosed for their full height in each flat. See Diagram 3.21.

3.118The enclosure should be constructed of material having a mass per unit area of at least 15kg/m². Either line the enclosure, or wrap the duct or pipe within the enclosure, with 25mm unfaced mineral wool.

3.119Leave a small gap (approx. 5mm) between enclosure and floating layer and seal with sealant or neoprene. The enclosure may go down to the floor base, but ensure that the enclosure is isolated from the floating layer.

3.120Penetrations through a separating floor by ducts and pipes should have fire protection to satisfy Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety. Fire stopping should be flexible and also prevent rigid contact between the pipe and floor.

For flats where there are separating walls the following may also apply:

Junctions with a separating wall type 1 – solid masonry

3.121If floor joists are to be supported on the separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in. See Diagram 3.22.

3.122The junction between the ceiling and wall should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with a separating wall type 2 – cavity masonry

3.123If floor joists are to be supported on the separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in. See Diagram 3.23.

3.124The adjacent leaf of a cavity separating wall should be lined with an independent panel as described in wall type 3.

3.125The ceiling should be taken through to the masonry. The junction between the ceiling and the independent panel should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

3.126Where the mass per unit area of the adjacent leaf is greater than 375kg/m² the independent panels are not required.

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Junctions with a separating wall type 3 – masonry between independent panels

3.127If floor joists are to be supported on the separating wall then they should be supported on hangers and should not be built in.

3.128The ceiling should be taken through to the masonry. The junction between the ceiling and the independent panel should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

Junctions with a separating wall type 4 – timber frames with absorbent material

3.129Where the joists are at right angles to the wall, spaces between the floor joists should be sealed with full depth timber blocking.

3.130The junction of the ceiling and wall lining should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

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Introduction

4.1This Section gives guidance on dwelling-houses and flats formed by material change of use. For rooms for residential purposes formed by material change of use see Section 6.

4.2It may be that an existing wall, floor or stair in a building that is to undergo a material change of use will achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a without the need for remedial work. This would be the case if the construction was generally similar (including flanking constructions) to one of the constructions in Sections 2 and 3 (e.g. concerning the mass requirement, the structure under consideration should be within 15% of the mass per unit area of a construction listed in the relevant section).

4.3In other circumstances it may be possible to use the guidance in Section 2 or 3 (including flanking constructions) to determine the appropriate remedial treatment which will result in the construction achieving the performance standards in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a.

4.4For situations where it is uncertain whether the existing construction achieves the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a, this section describes one wall treatment, two floor treatments and one stair treatment as shown in Diagram 4.1. These constructions can be used to increase the sound insulation.

4.5The guidance in this section is not exhaustive and other designs, materials or products may be used to achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a. Advice should be sought from the manufacturer or other appropriate source.

4.6Wall treatment 1 Independent panel(s) with absorbent material

The resistance to airborne sound depends on the form of existing construction, the mass of the independent panel(s), the isolation of the panel(s) and the absorbent material.

4.7Floor treatment 1 Independent ceiling with absorbent material

The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the combined mass of the existing floor and the independent ceiling, the absorbent material, the isolation of the independent ceiling and the airtightness of the whole construction.

4.8Floor treatment 2 Platform floor with absorbent material

The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the total mass of the floor, the effectiveness of the resilient layer and the absorbent material.

4.9Stair treatment 1 Stair covering and independent ceiling with absorbent material To be used where a timber stair preforms a separating function. The resistance to airborne sound depends mainly on the mass of the stair, the mass and isolation of any independent ceiling and the airtightness of any cupboard or enclosure under the stairs. The stair covering reduces impact sound at source.

4.10In all cases it may be necessary to control flanking transmission in order to achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a. See Section 4: Junction requirements for material change of use.

4.11Special attention needs to be given to situations where flanking walls or floors are continuous across separating walls or floors as a result of the conversion work. In such instances additional treatments may be required to control flanking transmission along these continuous elements. Specialist advice may be needed.

4.12Significant differences may frequently occur between the construction and layout of each converted unit in a development. Building control bodies should have regard to the guidance in Section 1 when deciding on the application of pre-completion testing to material change of use.

4.13For some historic buildings undergoing a material change of use, it may not be practical to improve the sound insulation to the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a. In such cases refer to Section 0: Performance, paragraph 0.7.

4.14Wall and floor treatments will impose additional loads on the existing structure. The structure should be assessed to ensure that the additional loading can be carried safely, with appropriate strengthening applied where necessary.

4.15Floor or wall penetrations, such as ducts or pipes, passing through separating elements in conversions can reduce the level of sound insulation. Guidance on the treatment of floor penetrations is given below.

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4.16Before a floor treatment is applied appropriate remedial work to the existing construction should be undertaken as described in paragraphs 4.17 and 4.18.

4.17If the existing floor is timber then gaps in floor boarding should be sealed by overlaying with hardboard or filled with sealant.

a.Where floor boards are to be replaced, boarding should have a minimum thickness of 12mm, and mineral wool (minimum thickness 100mm, minimum density 10kg/m³) should be laid between the joists in the floor cavity.

b.If the existing floor is concrete and the mass per unit area of the concrete floor is less than 300kg/m², or is unknown, then the mass of the floor should be increased to at least 300kg/m². Any air gaps through a concrete floor should be sealed. A regulating screed may also be required.

c.If there is an existing lath and plaster ceiling it should be retained as long as it satisfies Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety.

d.Where the existing ceiling is not lath and plaster it should be upgraded as necessary to provide at least two layers of plasterboard with joints staggered, total mass per unit area 20kg/m².

4.18Extensive remedial work to reduce flanking transmission may also be necessary to achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1a. This may involve wall linings, see Section 4: Junction requirements for material change of use, paragraphs 4.43 and 4.44.

Corridor walls and doors

4.19The separating walls described in this section should be used between dwelling-houses, or flats formed by material change of use, and corridors in order to control flanking transmission and to provide the required sound insulation. However, it is likely that the sound insulation will be reduced by the presence of a door.

4.20Ensure that any door has good perimeter sealing (including the threshold where practical) and a minimum mass per unit area of 25kg/m² or a minimum sound reduction index of 29dB Rw (measured according to BS EN ISO 140-3:1995 and rated according to BS EN ISO 717-1:1997). The door should also satisfy the Requirements of Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety.

4.21Noisy parts of the building should preferably have a lobby, double door or high performance doorset to contain the noise. Where this is not possible, nearby flats should have similar protection. However, there should be a sufficient number of them that are suitable for disabled access, see Building Regulations Part M – Access and facilities for disabled people.

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4.22The resistance to airborne sound depends on the form of existing construction, the mass of independent panel(s), the isolation of the panel(s) and the absorbent material.

Construction

4.23The independent panel may be used on one side of the existing wall only where the existing wall is masonry, and has a thickness of at least 100mm and is plastered on both faces. With other types of existing wall the independent panels should be built on both sides.

4.24Independent panel(s) with absorbent material (see Diagram 4.2)

•minimum mass per unit area of panel (excluding any supporting framework) 20kg/m²;

•each panel should consist of at least two layers of plasterboard with staggered joints;

•if the panels are free-standing they should be at least 35mm from masonry core;

•if the panels are supported on a frame there should be a gap of at least 10mm between the frame and the face of the existing wall;

•mineral wool, minimum density 10kg/m³ and minimum thickness 35mm, in the cavity between the panel and the existing wall.

4.25Points to watch:

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4.26The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the combined mass of the existing floor and the independent ceiling, the absorbent material, the isolation of the independent ceiling and the airtightness of the whole construction.

4.27Independent ceiling with absorbent material (see Diagram 4.3)

•at least 2 layers of plasterboard with staggered joints, minimum total mass per unit area 20kg/m²;

•an absorbent layer of mineral wool laid on the ceiling, minimum thickness 100mm, minimum density 10kg/m³.

The ceiling should be supported by one of the following methods:

•independent joists fixed only to the surrounding walls. A clearance of at least 25mm should be left between the top of the independent ceiling joists and the underside of the existing floor construction; or

•independent joists fixed to the surrounding walls with additional support provided by resilient hangers attached directly to the existing floor base.

4.28Where a window head is near to the existing ceiling, the new independent ceiling may be raised to form a pelmet recess. See Diagram 4.4.

4.29For the junction detail between floor treatment 1 and wall treatment 1, see Diagram 4.5.

4.30Points to watch:

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Floor treatment 2: platform floor with absorbent material

4.31The resistance to airborne and impact sound depends on the total mass of the floor, the effectiveness of the resilient layer and the absorbent material.

4.32Platform floor with absorbent material (see Diagram 4.6)

Where this treatment is used to improve an existing timber floor, a layer of mineral wool (minimum thickness 100mm, minimum density 10kg/m³) should be laid between the joists in the floor cavity.

The floating layer should be:

•a minimum of two layers of board material;

•minimum total mass per unit area 25kg/m²;

•each layer of minimum thickness 8mm;

•fixed together (e.g. spot bonded or glued/screwed) with joints staggered.

The floating layer should be laid loose on a resilient layer. The resilient layer specification is:

•mineral wool, minimum thickness 25mm, density 60 to 100kg/m³;

•the mineral wool may be paper faced on the underside.

4.33For the junction detail between floor treatment 2 and wall treatment 1, see Diagram 4.7.

4.34Points to watch:

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Stair treatment: stair covering and independent ceiling with absorbent material

4.35Stairs are subject to the same sound insulation requirements as floors where they perform a separating function.

4.36The resistance to airborne sound depends mainly on the mass of the stair, the mass and isolation of any independent ceiling and the airtightness of any cupboard or enclosure under the stairs. The stair covering reduces impact sound at source.

4.37Stair covering and independent ceiling with absorbent material

Lay soft covering of at least 6mm thickness over the stair treads. Ensure it is securely fixed (e.g. glued) so it does not become a safety hazard.

If there is a cupboard under all, or part, of the stair:

a.line the underside of the stair within the cupboard with plasterboard of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m² and an absorbent layer of mineral wool (minimum density 10kg/m³), within the space above the lining; and

b.build cupboard walls from two layers of plasterboard (or equivalent), each sheet of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²; and

c.use a small, heavy, well fitted door for the cupboard.

Where there is no cupboard under the stair construct an independent ceiling below the stair (see Floor treatment 1).

4.38For fire protection where a staircase performs a separating function refer to Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety.

Junction requirements for material change of use

Junctions with abutting construction

4.39For floating floors, carry the resilient layer up at all room edges to isolate the floating layer from the wall surface.

4.40For floating floors, leave a small gap (approx. 5mm) between the skirting and floating layer and fill with a flexible sealant.

4.41The perimeter of any new ceiling should be sealed with tape or caulked with sealant.

4.42Relevant junction details are shown in Diagrams 4.5 and 4.7.

Junctions with external or load-bearing walls

4.43Where there is significant flanking transmission along adjoining walls then improved sound insulation can be achieved by lining all adjoining masonry walls with either

a.an independent layer of plasterboard; or

b.a laminate of plasterboard and mineral wool. For other drylining laminates, seek advice from the manufacturer.

4.44Where the adjoining masonry wall has a mass per unit area greater than 375kg/m² then such lining may not be necessary, as it may not give a significant improvement.

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4.45Piped services (excluding gas pipes) and ducts which pass through separating floors in conversions should be surrounded with sound absorbent material for their full height and enclosed in a duct above and below the floor.

Construction

4.46Pipes and ducts that penetrate a floor separating habitable rooms in different flats should be enclosed for their full height in each flat.

4.47The enclosure should be constructed of material having a mass per unit area of at least 15kg/m².

4.48Either line the enclosure, or wrap the duct or pipe within the enclosure, with 25mm unfaced mineral wool.

4.49The enclosure may go down to the floor base if floor treatment 2 is used but ensure isolation from the floating layer.

4.50Penetrations through a separating floor by ducts and pipes should have fire protection to satisfy Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety. Fire stopping should be flexible and also prevent rigid contact between the pipe and floor.

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Introduction

5.1This Section gives examples of internal wall and floor constructions that meet the laboratory sound insulation values set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 2.

5.2These constructions have been designed to give insulation against airborne sound. For internal floors, insulation against impact sound could be improved by adding a soft covering (e.g. carpet).

5.3They are grouped in four main types as shown below.

5.4Internal wall type A or B: Timber or metal frame

The resistance to airborne sound depends on the mass per unit area of the leaves, the cavity width, frame material and the absorption in the cavity between the leaves.

5.5Internal wall type C or D: Concrete or aircrete block

The resistance to airborne sound depends mainly on the mass per unit area of the wall.

5.6Internal floor type A or B: Concrete planks or concrete beams with infilling blocks

The resistance to airborne sound depends on the mass per unit area of the concrete base or concrete beams and infilling blocks. A soft covering will reduce impact sound at source.

5.7Internal floor type C: Timber or metal joist

The resistance to airborne sound depends on the structural floor base, the ceiling and the absorbent material. A soft covering will reduce impact sound at source.

5.8For both internal walls and internal floors the constructions are ranked, as far as possible, with constructions giving better sound insulation given first.

Doors

5.9Lightweight doors with poor perimeter sealing provide a lower standard of sound insulation than walls. This will reduce the effective sound insulation of the internal wall. Ways of improving sound insulation include ensuring that there is good perimeter sealing or by using a doorset.

5.10See Building Regulation Part F – Ventilation and Part J – Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems.

Layout

5.11If the stair is not enclosed, then the potential sound insulation of the internal floor will not be achieved; nevertheless, the internal floor should still satisfy Requirement E2.

5.12It is good practice to consider the layout of rooms at the design stage to avoid placing noise sensitive rooms next to rooms in which noise is generated. Guidance on layout is provided in BS 8233:1999 Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings. Code of Practice.

Junction requirements for internal walls

5.13Section 3: Separating Floors contains important guidance on junctions of separating floors with internal walls.

5.14Fill all gaps around internal walls to avoid air paths between rooms.

Junction requirements for internal floors

5.15Section 2: Separating Walls contains important guidance on junctions of separating walls with internal floors.

5.16Fill all gaps around internal floors to avoid air paths between rooms.

5.17Internal wall type A: Timber or metal frames with plasterboard linings on each side of frame (see Diagram 5.1)

•each lining to be two or more layers of plasterboard, each sheet of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²;

•linings fixed to timber frame with a minimum distance between linings of 75mm, or metal frame with a minimum distance between linings of 45mm;

•all joints well sealed.

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5.18Internal wall type B: Timber or metal frames with plasterboard linings on each side of frame and absorbent material (see Diagram 5.2)

•single layer of plasterboard of minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m²;

•linings fixed to timber frame with a minimum distance between linings of 75mm, or metal frame with a minimum distance between linings of 45mm;

•an absorbent layer of unfaced mineral wool batts or quilt (minimum thickness 25mm, minimum density 10kg/m³) which may be wire reinforced, suspended in the cavity;

•all joints well sealed.

5.19Internal wall type C: Concrete block wall, plaster or plasterboard finish on both sides (see Diagram 5.3)

•minimum mass per unit area, excluding finish 120kg/m²;

•all joints well sealed;

•plaster or plasterboard finish on both sides.

5.20Internal wall type D: Aircrete block wall, plaster or plasterboard finish on both sides (see Diagram 5.4)

•for plaster finish, minimum mass per unit area, including finish 90kg/m²;

•for plasterboard finish, minimum mass per unit area, including finish 75kg/m²;

•all joints well sealed;

•internal wall type D should only be used with the separating walls described in this Approved Document where there is no minimum mass requirement on the internal masonry walls. See guidance in Section 2;

•internal wall type D should not be used as a load-bearing wall connected to a separating floor, or be rigidly connected to the separating floors described in this Approved Document. See guidance in Section 3.

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5.21Internal floor type A: Concrete planks (see Diagram 5.5)

•minimum mass per unit area 180kg/m²;

•regulating screed optional;

•ceiling finish optional.

5.22Internal floor type B: Concrete beams with infilling blocks, bonded screed and ceiling (see Diagram 5.6)

•minimum mass per unit area of beams and blocks 220kg/m²;

•bonded screed required. Sand cement screeds should have a minimum thickness of 40mm. For proprietary bonded screed products, seek manufacturer’s advice on the appropriate thickness;

•ceiling finish required. Use ceiling treatment C or better from Section 3.

5.23Internal floor type C: Timber or metal joist, with wood-based board and plasterboard ceiling, and absorbent material (see Diagram 5.7)

•floor surface of timber- or wood-based board, minimum mass per unit area 15kg/m²;

•ceiling treatment of single layer of plasterboard, minimum mass per unit area 10kg/m², fixed using any normal fixing method;

•an absorbent layer of mineral wool (minimum thickness 100mm, minimum density 10kg/m³) laid in the cavity.

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Introduction

6.1Rooms for residential purposes are defined in Regulation 2 of the Building Regulations 2010. This definition is reproduced after the Requirements in this Approved Document.

6.2This Section gives examples of wall and floor types, which, if built correctly, should meet the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1b.

6.3The guidance in this section is not exhaustive and other designs, materials or products may be used to achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1b. Advice should be sought from the manufacturer or other appropriate source.

Separating walls in new buildings containing rooms for residential purposes

6.4Of the separating walls described in Section 2 the following types are most suitable for use in new buildings containing rooms for residential purposes:

Wall type 1. Solid masonry

•Wall type 1.1, Dense aggregate concrete block, plaster on both room faces;

•Wall type 1.2, Dense aggregate concrete in situ, plaster on both room faces;

•Wall type 1.3, Brick, plaster on both room faces.

Wall type 3. Masonry between independent panels

•Wall type 3.1, Solid masonry core (dense aggregate concrete block), independent panels on both room faces.

•Wall type 3.2, Solid masonry core (lightweight concrete block), independent panels on both room faces.

Corridor walls and doors

6.5Separating walls described in 6.4 should be used between rooms for residential purposes and corridors in order to control flanking transmission and to provide the required sound insulation between the dwelling and the corridor. However, it is likely that the sound insulation will be reduced by the presence of a door.

6.6Ensure any door has good perimeter sealing (including the threshold where practical) and a minimum mass per unit area of 25kg/m².

Alternatively, use a doorset with a minimum sound reduction index of 29dB Rᵥ (measured in the laboratory according to BS EN ISO 140-3:1995 and rated according to BS EN ISO 717-1:1997). The door should also satisfy the Fire Safety Requirements of Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety.

6.7Noisy parts of the building (e.g. function rooms or bars) should preferably have a lobby, double door or high performance doorset to contain the noise. Where this is not possible, nearby rooms for residential purposes should have similar protection. However, do ensure that there are doors that are suitable for disabled access, see Building Regulations Part M – Access and facilities for disabled people.

Separating floors in new buildings containing rooms for residential purposes

6.8Of the separating floors described in Section 3 the following types are most suitable for use in new buildings containing rooms for residential purposes:

Floor type 1. Concrete base with soft covering

•Floor type 1.1C Solid concrete slab (cast in situ, with or without permanent shuttering), soft floor covering, ceiling treatment C.

•Floor type 1.2B Concrete planks (solid or hollow), soft floor covering, ceiling treatment B.

Rooms for residential purposes resulting from a material change of use

6.9It may be that an existing wall, floor or stair in a building that is to undergo a material change of use will achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1b without the need for remedial work. This would be the case if the construction was similar (including flanking constructions) to one of the constructions in paragraphs 6.4 and 6.8 (e.g. for solid walls and floors the mass requirement should be within 15% of the mass per unit area of a construction listed in the relevant section).

6.10For situations where it cannot be shown that the existing construction will achieve the performance standards set out in Section 0: Performance – Table 1b, Section 4 describes wall, floor and stair treatments to improve the level of sound insulation in dwellings formed by material change of use. These treatments may be used in buildings containing rooms for residential purposes. Specialist advice may be needed.

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Junction details

6.11In order for the construction to be fully effective, care should be taken to detail correctly the junctions between the separating wall and other elements, such as floors, roofs, external walls and internal walls.

6.12In the case of new buildings containing rooms for residential purposes, refer to the guidance in Sections 2 and 3 which describes the junction and flanking details for each of the new build separating wall and floor types.

6.13When rooms for residential purposes are formed by material change of use, refer to the notes and diagrams in Section 4 that describe the junction and flanking details for the wall and floor treatments.

6.14In the case of the junction between a solid masonry separating wall type 1 and the ceiling void and roof space, the solid wall need not be continuous to the underside of the structural floor or roof provided that:

a.there is a ceiling consisting of two or more layers of plasterboard, of minimum total mass per unit area 20kg/m²;

b.there is a layer of mineral wool (minimum thickness 200mm, minimum density 10kg/m³) in the roof void;

c.the ceiling is not perforated.

The ceiling joists and plasterboard sheets should not be continuous between rooms for residential purposes. See Diagram 6.1.

6.15This ceiling void and roof space detail can only be used where the Requirements of Building Regulations Part B – Fire safety can also be satisfied. The Requirements of Building Regulations Part L – Conservation of fuel and power should also be satisfied.

Room layout and building services design considerations

6.16Internal noise levels are affected by room layout, building services and sound insulation.

6.17The layout of rooms should be considered at the design stage to avoid placing noise sensitive rooms next to rooms in which noise is generated.

6.18Additional guidance is provided in BS 8233:1999 Sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings. Code of practice and sound control for homes. See Annex D: References.

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Introduction

7.1This Section describes how to determine the amount of additional absorption to be used in corridors, hallways, stairwells and entrance halls that give access to flats and rooms for residential purposes.

7.2For the purposes of this Section, a corridor or hallway is a space for which the ratio of the longest to the shortest floor dimension is greater than three.

7.3For the purposes of this Section, an entrance hall is a space for which the ratio of the longest to the shortest floor dimension is three or less.

7.4When an entrance hall, corridor, hallway or stairwell opens directly into another of these spaces, the guidance should be followed for each space individually.

7.5The choice of absorptive material should meet the Requirements of Building Regulation Part B – Fire safety.

7.6Two methods are described to satisfy Requirement E3, Method A and Method B.

7.7Method A: Cover a specified area with an absorber of an appropriate class that has been rated according to BS EN ISO 11654:1997 Acoustics. Sound absorbers for use in buildings. Rating of sound absorption.

7.8Method B: Determine the minimum amount of absorptive material using a calculation procedure in octave bands. Method B is intended only for corridors, hallways and entrance halls as it is not well suited to stairwells.

7.9Where additional guidance is required, specialist advice should be sought at an early stage

Method A

7.10For entrance halls, corridors or hallways, cover an area equal to or greater than the floor area, with a Class C absorber or better. It will normally be convenient to cover the ceiling area with the additional absorption.

7.11For stairwells or a stair enclosure, calculate the combined area of the stair treads, the upper surface of the intermediate landings, the upper surface of the landing (excluding ground floor) and the ceiling area on the top floor. Either cover at least an area equal to this calculated area with a Class D absorber, or cover an area equal to at least 50% of this calculated area with a Class C absorber or better. The absorptive material should be equally distributed between all floor levels. It will normally be convenient to cover the underside of intermediate landings, the underside of the other landings, and the ceiling area on the top floor.

7.12Method A can generally be satisfied by the use of proprietary acoustic ceilings. However, the absorptive material can be applied to any surface that faces into the space.

Method B

7.13In comparison with Method A, Method B takes account of the existing absorption provided by all surfaces. In some cases, Method B should allow greater flexibility in meeting Requirement E3 and require less additional absorption than Method A.

7.14For an absorptive material of surface area, S in m², and sound absorption coefficient, α the absorption area A is equal to the product of S and α.

7.15The total absorption area, Aₜ, in square metres is defined as the hypothetical area of a totally absorbing surface, which if it were the only absorbing element in the space would give the same reverberation time as the space under consideration.

7.16For n surfaces in a space, the total absorption area, Aₜ, can be found using the following equation.

Aₜ = α₁S₁ + α₂S₂ + … + αₙSₙ

7.17For entrance halls, provide a minimum of 0.20m² total absorption area per cubic metre of the volume. The additional absorptive material should be distributed over the available surfaces.

7.18For corridors or hallways, provide a minimum of 0.25m² total absorption area per cubic metre of the volume. The additional absorptive material should be distributed over one or more of the surfaces.

7.19Absorption areas should be calculated for each octave band. Requirement E3 will be satisfied when the appropriate amount of absorption area is provided for each octave band between 250Hz and 4000Hz inclusively.

7.20Absorption coefficient data (to two decimal places) should be taken from the following:

•For specific products, use laboratory measurements of absorption coefficient data determined using BS EN 20354:1993 Acoustics. Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room. The measured third octave band data should be converted to practical sound absorption coefficient data, αₚ in octave bands, according to BS EN ISO 11654:1997 Acoustics. Sound absorbers for use in buildings. Rating of sound absorption.

Source page 72

•For generic materials, use Table 7.1. This contains typical absorption coefficient data for common materials used in buildings. These data may be supplemented by published octave band data for other generic materials.

7.21In Method B, each calculation step is to be rounded to two decimal places.

Report format

7.22Evidence that Requirement E3 has been satisfied should be presented, for example on a drawing or in a report, which should include:

1.A description of the enclosed space (entrance hall, corridor, stairwell etc.)

2.The approach used to satisfy Requirement E3, Method A or B.

•With Method A, state the absorber class and the area to be covered.

•With Method B, state the total absorption area of additional absorptive material used to satisfy the requirement.

3.Plans indicating the assignment of the absorptive material in the enclosed space.

Worked example

7.23Example: Entrance hall

The entrance hall has dimensions 3.0m (width) x 4.0m (length) x 2.5m (height). The concrete floor is covered with carpet, the walls are painted concrete blocks and there are four timber doors (1.0m x 2.4m).

To satisfy Requirement E3, either use:

•Method A: Cover at least 3.0 x 4.0 = 12m² with a Class C absorber or better, or

•Method B: Provide a minimum of 0.2m² absorption area per cubic metre of the volume.

7.24Method B is described in steps 1 to 8 in Table 7.2. In this example, the designer considers that covering the entire ceiling is a convenient way to provide the additional absorption. The aim of the calculation is to determine the absorption coefficient, α_ceiling, needed for the entire ceiling.

7.25In this example, the absorption coefficients from Method B indicate that a Class D absorber could be used to cover the ceiling. This can be compared against the slightly higher absorption requirement of Method A, which would have used a Class C absorber or better to cover the ceiling.

Source page 73

Step 1Calculate the surface area related to each absorptive material (i.e. for the floor, walls, doors and ceiling).

Step 2Obtain values of absorption coefficients for the carpet, painted concrete block walls and the timber doors. In this case, the values are taken from Table 7.1.

Step 3Calculate the absorption area (m²) related to each absorptive surface (i.e. for the floor, walls and doors) in octave frequency bands (Absorption area = surface area x absorption coefficient).

Step 4Calculate the sum of the absorption areas (m²) obtained in Step 3.

Step 5Calculate the total absorption area (Aᵀ) required for the entrance hall. The volume is 30m³ and therefore 0.2 x 30.0 = 6.0m² of absorption area is required.

Step 6Calculate additional absorption area (A) to be provided by ceiling (m²). If any values of minimum absorption area are negative, e.g. see 2000Hz and 4000Hz, then there is sufficient absorption from the other surfaces to meet the requirement without any additional absorption in this octave band (Additional absorption = Aᵀ – total absorption area (from Step 5)).

Step 7Calculate required absorption coefficient (α) to be provided by ceiling (Required absorption coefficient α = Additional absorption area / area of ceiling).

Step 8Identify a ceiling product from manufacturer’s laboratory measurement data that provides absorption coefficients that exceed the values calculated in Step 7.

Source page 74

8.1In the Secretary of State’s view the normal way of satisfying Requirement E4 will be to meet the values for sound insulation, reverberation time and internal ambient noise which are given in Building Bulletin 93. Acoustic design of schools: performance standards available on the internet at www.gov.uk.

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A1 Wall mass

A1.1Where a mass is specified it is expressed as mass per unit area in kilograms per square metre (kg/m²).

A1.2The mass may be obtained from the manufacturer or it may be calculated by the method given in this annex. To calculate the mass per unit area of a masonry leaf use the formula below. This formula is not exact but is sufficient for this purpose.

A2 Formula for calculation of wall leaf mass per unit area

A2.1Mass per unit area of a brick/block leaf = mass of co-ordinating area / co-ordinating area = [MB + ρm (T d (L + H − d) + V)] / LH kg/m² where MB is brick/block mass (kg) at appropriate moisture content ρm is density of mortar (kg/m³) at appropriate moisture content T is the brick/block thickness without surface finish (m) d is mortar thickness (m) L is co-ordinating length (m) H is co-ordinating height (m) V is volume of any frog/void filled with mortar (m³)

A2.2When calculating the mass per unit area for bricks and blocks use the density at the appropriate moisture content from Table 3.2, CIBSE Guide A (1999).

A2.3For cavity walls the mass per unit area of each leaf is calculated and added together.

A2.4Where surface finishes are used the mass per unit area of the finish is added to the mass per unit area of the wall

A3 Simplified equations

A3.1Two examples are given (see Table A.1 and A.2) using the equation in A2.1. For each of these examples a simplified equation is obtained for that type of construction.

Source page 76

A4 Mass per unit area of surface finishes

A4.1The mass per unit area of surface finishes should be obtained from manufacturer’s data.

A5 Mass per unit area of floors

A5.1The mass of a solid and homogeneous floor (without hollows, beams or ribs) can be calculated from: MF = ρc × T where, MF is mass per unit area of floor (kg/m²) ρc is density of concrete (kg/m³) T is thickness of floor (m)

A5.2The mass of a beam and block floor can be calculated from: MF = (Mbeam,1m + Mblock,1m) / LB where MF is mass per unit area of floor (kg/m²) Mbeam,1m is the mass of a 1m length of beam (kg) Mblock,1m is the mass of a 1m length of blocks (kg) LB is the distance between the beam centre lines, i.e. the repetition interval (m)

A5.3For other floor types (including floors with variable thickness), seek advice from the manufacturer on mass per unit area and performance.

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B1 Introduction

B1.1Section B.2 of this Annex describes the sound insulation testing procedure approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of Regulation 41(2)(a) of the Building Regulations and Regulation 20(1) of the Approved Inspectors Regulations. The approved procedure is that set out in Section B.2 and the Standards referred to in that Section.

B1.2Section B.3 of this Annex provides guidance on laboratory testing in connection with achieving compliance with Requirement E2 in Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations, and in connection with evaluation of components to be used in constructions subject to Requirement E1.

B1.3Section B.4 of this Annex gives guidance on test reports.

B1.4The person carrying out the building work should arrange for sound insulation testing to be carried out by a test body with appropriate third party accreditation. Test bodies conducting testing should preferably have UKAS accreditation (or a European equivalent) for field measurements. The ODPM also regards members of the ANC Registration Scheme as suitably qualified to carry out pre-completion testing. The measurement instrumentation used should have a valid, traceable certificate of calibration, and should have been tested within the past two years.

B2 Field measurement of sound insulation of separating walls and floors for the purposes of Regulation 41 and Regulation 20(1) and (5)

Introduction

B2.1Sound insulation testing for the purposes of Regulation 41 of the Building Regulations and Regulation 20(1) and (5) of the Approved Inspectors Regulations 2010, must be done in accordance with: BS EN ISO 140-4:1998; BS EN ISO 140-7:1998; BS EN ISO 717-1:1997; BS EN ISO 717-2:1997; and BS EN 20354:1993. When calculating sound insulation test results, no rounding should occur in any calculation until required by the relevant Standards, the BS EN ISO 140 series and the BS EN ISO 717 series.

Airborne sound insulation of a separating wall or floor

B2.2The airborne sound insulation of a separating wall or floor should be measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-4:1998. All measurements and calculations should be carried out using one-third octave frequency bands. Performance should be rated in terms of the weighted standardised level difference, DₙT,w, and spectrum adaptation term, Ctr, in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-1:1997.

Measurements using a single sound source

B2.3For each source position, the average sound pressure level in the source and receiving rooms is measured in one-third octave bands using either fixed microphone positions (and averaging these values on an energy basis) or a moving microphone.

B2.4For the source room measurements, the difference between the average sound pressure levels in adjacent one-third octave bands should be no more than 6dB. If this condition is not met, the source spectrum should be adjusted and the source room measurement repeated. If the condition is met, the average sound pressure level in the receiving room, and hence a level difference, should be determined.

B2.5It is essential that all measurements made in the source and receiving rooms to determine a level difference should be made without moving the sound source or changing the output level of the sound source, once its spectrum has been correctly adjusted (where necessary).

B2.6The sound source should now be moved to the next position in the source room and the above procedure repeated to determine another level difference. At least two positions should be used for the source. The level differences obtained from each source position should be arithmetically averaged to determine the level difference, D as defined in BS EN ISO 140-4:1998.

Measurements using multiple sound sources operating simultaneously

B2.7For multiple sound sources operating simultaneously, the average sound pressure level in the source and receiving rooms is measured in one-third octave bands using either fixed microphone positions (and averaging these values on an energy basis) or a moving microphone.

B2.8For the source room measurements, the difference between the average sound pressure levels in adjacent one-third octave bands should be no more than 6dB. If this condition is not met, the source spectrum should be adjusted and the source room measurement repeated. If the condition is met, determine the average level in the receiving room, and hence the level difference, D as defined in BS EN ISO 140-4:1998.

Impact sound transmission of a separating floor

B2.9The impact sound transmission of a separating floor should be measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-7:1998. All measurements and calculations should be carried out using one-third-octave frequency bands. Performance should be rated in terms of the weighted standardised impact sound pressure level, L′ₙT,w, in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-2:1997.

Source page 78

B2.10BS EN ISO 140-4:1998 and BS EN ISO 140-7:1998 refer to the ISO 354 (BS EN 20354:1993) method for measuring reverberation time. However, for the approved procedure, the guidance in BS EN ISO 140-7:1998 relating to the source and microphone positions, and the number of decay measurements required, should be followed.

Room requirements

B2.11Section 1 gives guidance on the room types that should be used for testing. These rooms should have volumes of at least 25m³. If this is not possible then the volumes of the rooms used for testing should be reported.

Tests between rooms

B2.12Tests should be conducted in completed but unfurnished rooms or available spaces in the case of properties sold before fitting out; see Section 1.

B2.13Impact sound insulation tests should be conducted on a floor without a soft covering (e.g. carpet, foam backed vinyl) except in the case of (a) separating floor type 1, as described in this Approved Document, or (b) a concrete structural floor base which has a soft covering as an integral part of the floor.

B2.14If a soft covering has been installed on any other type of floor, it should be taken up. If that is not possible, at least half of the floor should be exposed and the tapping machine should be placed only on the exposed part of the floor.

B2.15When measuring airborne sound insulation between a pair of rooms of unequal volume, the sound source should be in the larger room.

B2.16Doors and windows should be closed.

B2.17Kitchen units, cupboards etc. on all walls should have their doors open and be unfilled.

Measurement precision

B2.18Sound pressure levels should be measured to 0.1dB precision.

B2.19Reverberation times should be measured to 0.01s precision.

Measurements using a moving microphone

B2.20At least two positions should be used.

B2.21For measurements of reverberation time, discrete positions should be used rather than a moving microphone.

B3 Laboratory measurements

Introduction

B3.1Pre-completion testing for the purposes of Regulation 41 and Regulation 20(1) and (5) involves field testing on separating walls and floors (see Section 1 and Annex B: B2). However, there are applications for laboratory tests to determine the performance of: floor coverings; floating floors; wall ties; resilient layers; internal walls and floors; and flanking laboratory tests to indicate the performance of novel constructions.

B3.2When calculating sound insulation test results, no rounding should occur in any calculation until required by the relevant Standards, i.e. the BS EN ISO 140 series and the BS EN ISO 717 series.

Tests on floor coverings and floating floors

B3.3Floor coverings and floating floors should be tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 and rated in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-2:1997. The test floor should have a thickness of 140mm.

B3.4It should be noted that text has been omitted from BS EN ISO 140-8:1998. For the purposes of this Approved Document, Section 6.2.1 of BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 should be disregarded, and Section 5.3.3 of BS EN ISO 140-7:1998, respectively, referred to instead.

B3.5BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 refers to the ISO 354 (BS EN 20354:1993) method for measuring reverberation time, but the guidance in BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 relating to the source and microphone positions, and the number of decay measurements required, should be followed.

B3.6When assessing category II test specimens (as defined in BS EN ISO 140-8:1998) for use with separating floor type 2, the performance value (ΔLw) should be achieved when the floating floor is both loaded and unloaded. The loaded measurements should use a uniformly distributed load of 20–25kg/m² with at least one weight per square metre of the flooring area, as described in BS EN ISO 140-8:1998.

Dynamic stiffness of resilient layers

B3.7Dynamic stiffness of resilient layers should be measured in accordance with BS EN 29052-1:1992. The test method using sinusoidal signals should be used. No pre-compression should be applied to the test specimens before the measurements.

Dynamic stiffness of wall ties

B3.8Dynamic stiffness of wall ties should be measured in accordance with BRE Information Paper IP 3/01.

Airborne sound insulation of internal wall and floor elements

B3.9The airborne sound insulation of internal wall or floor elements in a laboratory should be measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-3:1995, and the performance rated in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-1:1997 to determine the weighted sound reduction index, Rw.

Measurements in a flanking laboratory

B3.10Tests of sound transmission in a flanking laboratory include both direct and flanking paths, and are a useful means of assessing the likely field performance of novel constructions.

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B3.11It is not possible to demonstrate compliance with Requirement E1 using test results from a flanking laboratory.

Flanking laboratory: design

B3.12Construction details of a suitable laboratory can be obtained from the Acoustics Centre, BRE, Garston, Watford WD25 9XX.

Flanking laboratory: indicative airborne sound insulation values

B3.13When a test construction has airborne sound insulation of at least 49dB DₙT,w + Ctr when measured in a flanking laboratory using the procedure given in Annex B: B2, this can be taken as indicative that the same construction (i.e. identical in all significant details) may achieve at least 45dB DₙT,w + Ctr when built in the field. See paragraph B3.11.

Flanking laboratory: indicative impact sound insulation values

B3.14When a test construction has impact sound insulation no more than 58dB L′ₙT,w when measured in a flanking laboratory using the procedure given in Annex B: B2, this can be taken as indicative that the same construction (i.e. identical in all significant details) may achieve no more than 62dB L′ₙT,w when built in the field. See paragraph B3.11.

B4 Information to be included in test reports

Field test reports

B4.1Paragraph 1.41 of this Approved Document sets out the manner of recording the results of testing done for the purposes of Regulation 41 or Regulation 20(1) and (5), approved by the Secretary of State under those Regulations.

Although not required, it may be useful to have a description of the building including:

1.sketches showing the layout and dimensions of rooms tested;

2.description of separating walls, external walls, separating floors, and internal walls and floors including details of materials used for their construction and finishes;

3.mass per unit area in kg/m² of separating walls, external walls, separating floors, and internal walls and floors;

4.dimensions of any step and/or stagger between rooms tested;

5.dimensions and position of any windows or doors in external walls.

Laboratory test reports for internal walls and floors

B4.2Test reports should include the following information.

1.Organisation conducting test, including:

a.name and address;

b.third party accreditation number (e.g. UKAS or European equivalent);

c.Name(s) of person(s) in charge of test.

2.Name(s) of client(s).

3.Date of test.

4.Brief details of test, including:

a.equipment;

b.test procedures.

5.Full details of the construction under test and the mounting conditions.

6.Results of test shown in tabular and graphical form for one-third octave bands according to the relevant part of the BS EN ISO 140 series and BS EN ISO 717 series, including:

a.single-number quantity and the spectrum adaptation terms;

b.data from which the single-number quantity is calculated.

Source page 80

The definitions given below are for the purposes of this document only, and are not intended to be rigorous. Fuller definitions of the various acoustical terms are to be found in the relevant British Standards listed in Annex D.

Absorption

Conversion of sound energy to heat, often by the use of a porous material.

Absorption coefficient

A quantity characterising the effectiveness of a sound absorbing surface. The proportion of sound energy absorbed is given as a number between zero (for a fully reflective surface) and one (for a fully absorptive surface). Note that sound absorption coefficients determined from laboratory measurements may have values slightly larger than one. See BS EN 20354:1993.

Absorptive material

Material that absorbs sound energy.

Airborne sound

Sound propagating through the air.

Airborne sound insulation

Sound insulation that reduces transmission of airborne sound between buildings or parts of buildings.

Air path

A direct or indirect air passage from one side of a structure to the other.

Caulking

Process of sealing joints.

Cavity stop

A proprietary product or material such as mineral wool used to close the gap in a cavity wall.

Cₜᵣ

The correction to a sound insulation quantity (such as DₙT,w) to take account of a specific sound spectrum. See BS EN ISO 717-1:1997.

dB

(See decibel)

Decibel (dB)

The unit used for many acoustic quantities to indicate the level with respect to a reference level.

Density

Mass per unit volume, expressed in kilograms per cubic metre (kg/m³).

Direct transmission

The process in which sound that is incident on one side of a building element is radiated by the other side.

DₙT

The difference in sound level between a pair of rooms, in a stated frequency band, corrected for reverberation time. See BS EN ISO 140-4:1998.

DₙT,w

A single-number quantity which characterises the airborne sound insulation between rooms. See BS EN ISO 717-1:1997.

DₙT,w + Cₜᵣ

A single-number quantity which characterises the airborne sound insulation between rooms using noise spectrum no. 2 as defined in BS EN ISO 717-1:1997. See BS EN ISO 717-1:1997.

Dynamic stiffness

A parameter used to describe the ability of a resilient material or wall tie to transmit vibration. Specimens with high dynamic stiffness (dynamically ‘stiff’) transmit more vibration than specimens with low dynamic stiffness (dynamically ‘soft’). See BS EN 29052-1:1992 for resilient materials. See BRE Information Paper IP 3/01 for wall ties.

Flanking element

Any building element that contributes to sound transmission between rooms in a building that is not a separating floor or separating wall.

Flanking transmission

Sound transmitted between rooms via flanking elements instead of directly through separating elements or along any path other than the direct path.

Floating floor

A floating floor consists of a floating layer and resilient layer (see also resilient layer and floating layer).

Floating layer

A surface layer that rests on a resilient layer and is therefore isolated from the base floor and the surrounding walls (see also resilient layer).

Framed wall

A partition consisting of board or boards connected to both sides of a wood or metal frame.

Frequency

The number of pressure variations (or cycles) per second that gives a sound its distinctive tone. The unit of frequency is the Hertz (Hz).

Frequency band

A continuous range of frequencies between stated upper and lower limits (see also octave band and one-third octave band).

Hertz (Hz)

The unit of frequency of a sound (formerly called cycles per second).

Impact sound

Sound resulting from direct impact on a building element.

Impact sound insulation

Sound insulation which reduces impact sound transmission from direct impacts such as footsteps on a building element.

Source page 81

Independent ceiling A ceiling which is fixed independently of a separating floor or an internal floor (see separating floor and internal floor).

Internal floor Any floor that is not a separating floor (see separating floor).

Intermediate landing A landing between two floors (see also landing).

Internal wall Any wall that does not have a separating function.

Isolation The absence of rigid connections between two or more parts of a structure.

Landing A platform or part of floor structure at the end of a flight of stairs or ramp.

L′ₙT The impact sound pressure level in a stated frequency band, corrected for the reverberation time. See BS EN ISO 140-7:1998.

L′ₙT,w A single-number quantity used to characterise the impact sound insulation of floors. See BS EN ISO 717-2:1997.

Mass per unit area Mass per unit area is expressed in terms of kilograms per square metre (kg/m²).

Noise Noise is unwanted sound.

Octave band A frequency band in which the upper limit of the band is twice the frequency of the lower limit.

One-third octave band A frequency band in which the upper limit of the band is 2¹⁄³ times the frequency of the lower limit.

Rᵥ A single-number quantity which characterises the airborne sound insulation of a material or building element in the laboratory. See BS EN ISO 717-1:1997.

Resilient layer A layer that isolates a floating layer from a base floor and surrounding walls.

Reverberation The persistence of sound in a space after a sound source has been stopped.

Reverberation time The time, in seconds, taken for the sound to decay by 60dB after a sound source has been stopped.

Separating floor Floor that separates flats or rooms for residential purposes.

Separating wall Wall that separates adjoining dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes.

Sound pressure level A quantity related to the physical intensity of a sound.

Sound reduction index (R) A quantity, measured in a laboratory, which characterises the sound insulating properties of a material or building element in a stated frequency band. See BS EN ISO 140-3:1995.

Spectrum The composition of a particular sound in terms of separate frequency bands.

Structure-borne sound Sound which is carried via the structure of a building.

UKAS United Kingdom Accreditation Service.

ΔLᵥ The measured improvement of impact sound insulation resulting from the installation of a floor covering or floating floor on a test floor in a laboratory. See BS EN ISO 717-2:1997.

Source page 82

D1 STANDARDS

BS Series

BS 1243:1978 Metal ties for cavity wall construction. AMD 3651 1981, AMD 4024 1982. (Withdrawn and superseded by BS EN 845-1:2000 Specification for ancillary components for masonry. Ties tension straps, hangers and brackets. AMD 14736 2003.)

BS 1289-1:1986 Flue blocks and masonry terminals for gas appliances. Specification for precast concrete flue blocks and terminals. AMD 9853 1998. (Withdrawn and superseded by BS EN 1858:2003 Chimneys. Components. Concrete flue blocks.)

BS 5628-3:2001 Code of practice for use of masonry. Materials and components, design and workmanship.

BS 8233:1999 Sound Insulation and noise reduction for buildings. Code of practice.

BS EN Series

BS EN 20354:1993 Acoustics. Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room. AMD 7781 1993, AMD 9974 1998. (Withdrawn and superseded by BS EN ISO 354:2003 Acoustics. Measurement of Sound absorption in a reverberation room. AMD 14766 2003.)

BS EN 29052-1:1992 Acoustics. Method for the determination of dynamic stiffness. Materials used under floating floors in dwellings.

BS EN ISO Series

BS EN ISO 140-3:1995 Acoustics. Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Laboratory measurement of airborne sound insulation of building elements. AMD 15277 2005. (Also known as BS 2750-3:1995.)

BS EN ISO 140-4:1998 Acoustics. Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Field measurements of airborne sound insulation between rooms.

BS EN ISO 140-6:1998 Acoustics. Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Laboratory measurements of impact sound insulation of floors.

BS EN ISO 140-7:1998 Acoustics. Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Field measurements of impact sound insulation of floors.

BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 Acoustics. Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Laboratory measurements of the reduction of transmitted impact noise by floor coverings on a heavyweight standard floor.

BS EN ISO 717-1:1997 Acoustics. Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Airborne sound insulation.

BS EN ISO 717-2:1997 Acoustics. Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements. Impact sound insulation.

BS EN ISO 11654:1997 Acoustics. Sound absorbers for use in buildings. Rating of sound absorption.

D2 GUIDANCE

BRE

Information Paper IP 3/01 Dynamic stiffness of wall ties used in masonry cavity walls: measurement procedure, 2001. ISBN 1 86081 461 1

Information Paper IP 4/01 Reducing impact and structure borne sound in buildings, 2001. ISBN 1 86081 462 X

Information Paper IP 14/02 Dealing with poor sound insulation between new dwellings, 2002. ISBN 1 86081 549 0

Report BR 262 Thermal insulation: avoiding risks, 2002, ISBN 1 86081 515 4

Report BR 238 Sound Control for Homes, 1993. ISBN 0 85125 559 0. Joint publication with CIRIA Report 127 ISBN 0 86017 362 3. Note: some of the information within this document has been superseded.

CIBSE

Guide A Environmental design, 6th edition, 1999. ISBN 0 90095 396 9

Department for Education and Skills (DfES)

Building Bulletin 93 Acoustic design of schools: performance standards, 2015. www.gov.uk.

D3 LEGISLATION

HSE

L24 The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992. Approved Code of Practice and Guidance, 1992. ISBN 0 71760 413 6

Building Act 1984, Chapter 55.

Construction Products Regulations 1991, SI 1991/1620.

Source page 83

Construction Products (Amendment) Regulations 1994, SI 1994/3051.

Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC).

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, SI 1998/2451.

CE marking Directive (93/68/EEC).

Source page 84

Robust Details Ltd is a non-profit distributing company, limited by guarantee, set up by the house-building industry. Its objectives are broadly to identify, arrange testing and, if satisfied, approve and publish design details that, if correctly implemented in separating structures, should achieve compliance with Requirement E1. It also carries out checks on the performance achieved in practice.

The robust design details are available in a handbook, which may be purchased from Robust Details Ltd. The company can be contacted at: PO Box 7289, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK14 6ZQ; telephone 0870 240 8210; fax 0870 240 8203; e-mail administration@robustdetails.com; website www.robustdetails.com

Although the design details are in the public domain, their use in building work is not authorised unless the builder has registered the particular use of the relevant design detail or details with Robust Details Ltd and obtained a unique number or numbers from the company. Each unique number identifies a house or flat in which one or more of the design details are being used.

The system of unique numbers makes possible an essential part of Robust Details Ltd’s procedures for ensuring that design details it has approved deliver reasonable sound insulation performance in practice. Robust Details Ltd carries out a programme of checks on a proportion of cases where approved design details are used.

Under Regulation 41(4) of the Building Regulations 2010 and Regulation 20(1) of the Building (Approved Inspector, etc.) Regulations 2010, the requirement for appropriate sound insulation testing imposed by Regulations 41 and 20(1) does not apply to parts of the building which would otherwise be subject to the testing requirement where all the following apply:

a.the building work consists of the erection of a new dwelling-house (i.e. a semi-detached or terraced house) or a building containing flats;

b.the person carrying out the building work notifies the building control body before the start of building work on site that, in a specified part or parts of the building, he is using one or more specified design details from those approved by Robust Details Ltd. In a case where building control is being carried out by the local authority, the notification must be given not later than the date on which notice of commencement of construction is given under Regulation 16(1) of the Building Regulations 2010;

c.the notification specifies the unique number or numbers issued by Robust Details Ltd in respect of the specified use of the design detail or details;

d.the building work carried out in respect of the part or parts of the building identified in the notification is in accordance with the design detail or details specified in the notification.

If the notification is late, or if it does not specify the relevant part or parts, the design detail or details in question and the unique number or numbers, the part or parts of the building in question are subject to sound insulation testing under Regulation 41 or 20(1) and (5) in the usual way.

If the notification is itself valid but the work is not carried out in accordance with the design detail or details, the relevant separating structures become subject to sound insulation testing under Regulation 41 or 20(1) and (5). It would be open to the builder to take remedial action such that the building control body was satisfied that the work had been brought into compliance with the specified detail or details. With that exception, testing under Regulation 41 or 20(1) and (5) would be needed on all structures that have been subject to a valid notification under Regulation 41(4) or 20(1) and (5) but which in the opinion of the building control body have not then been constructed in accordance with the specified detail or details.

It should be noted that the compliance of work with a robust detail, in circumstances where the correct procedures have been followed to attract exemption from PCT, is not a ‘deemed to satisfy’ condition. The underlying requirement remains to achieve compliance with Part E1. The guidance in Approved Document E is that compliance will usually be established by the measured performance of the structure. Therefore it would be open to anyone, e.g. a homeowner, who considered that a party structure does not comply with Part E1, to seek to establish that by the carrying out of tests. It would not be a defense for the builder to show that he had correctly carried out a design detail approved by Robust Details Ltd, if the structure’s measured performance were shown not to meet the performance standards in Approved Document E.

Source page 85

The following documents have been published to give guidance on how to meet the Building Regulations. You can find the date of the edition approved by the Secretary of State at www.gov.uk.

Approved Document A Structure

Approved Document B Fire safety Volume 1: Dwellinghouses Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellinghouses

Approved Document C Site preparation and resistance to contaminants and moisture

Approved Document D Toxic substances

Approved Document E Resistance to the passage of sound

Approved Document F Ventilation

Approved Document G Sanitation, hot water safety and water efficiency

Approved Document H Drainage and waste disposal

Approved Document J Combustion appliances and fuel storage systems

Approved Document K Protection from falling, collision and impact

Approved Document L1A Conservation of fuel and power in new dwellings

Approved Document L1B Conservation of fuel and power in existing dwellings

Approved Document L2A Conservation of fuel and power in new buildings other than dwellings

Approved Document L2B Conservation of fuel and power in existing buildings other than dwellings

Approved Document M Access to and use of buildings Volume 1: Dwellings Volume 2: Buildings other than dwellings

Approved Document P Electrical Safety – Dwellings

Approved Document Q Security – Dwellings

Approved Document 7 Materials and workmanship

Source page 86

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