How much do I need to soundproof walls to achieve Part E compliance?
Part E which is also known as Approved Document E, was last published in 2015 and deals with sound insulation. More specifically, it is concerned with the resistance within a property to the passage of sound. It gives advice on the requirements for sound insulation in both new dwellings and dwellings that have been converted from other types of building. The scope of the document covers sound reduction between different rooms in residential terms as well as specific rooms in a dwelling. Part E sets out the minimum criteria for airborne acoustic insulation for separating walls between dwellings. The minimum requirements for your party walls to pass a sound test are different for conversions and newbuilds and are as follows:
Airborne Noise |
Impact Noise |
||
Conversion DnT,w + Ctr
|
New Build DnT,w + Ctr
|
Conversion LnT,w
|
New Build LnT,w
|
43 |
45 |
64 |
62 |
To allow the reader to better understand the acoustic performances stated above, we have applied the following subjective scale. This scale is based on our opinion of best achieving our client’s expectations.
Conversion
DnT,w + Ctr
|
New Build
DnT,w + Ctr
|
Conversion
LnT,w
|
New Build
LnT,w
|
Subjective Rating
|
43 - 46
|
45 - 48
|
61 - 64
|
59 – 62
|
Poor / Average
|
47 - 50
|
49 – 52
|
57 – 60
|
55 – 58
|
Good
|
50 – 53
|
53 – 56
|
53 – 56
|
51 – 54
|
Very Good
|
54 – 57
|
57 - 60
|
49 - 52
|
47 - 50
|
Excellent
|
Soundproofing the walls to ensure you meet the requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations should not be seen as an arduous task. Achieving good wall soundproofing between houses and flats is essential for our growing cities, nobody wants to hear their neighbours through a poorly soundproofed wall or hear the flat above you walking to and fro. Poor insulation is an issue that plagues many houses both small and large, through the development of noisy hobbies such as gaming systems, drum kits or food processors, or simply poorly soundproofed properties.
A lot of homeowners aren’t aware of the insulation requirements of Part E of the Building Regulations and further to this most won’t necessarily understand the importance of Sound Testing to show compliance with the regulations. Soundproofing to achieve compliance with Part E, should not be just about ‘Passing’ because if you ‘Just Pass’ or have a ‘Marginal Pass’ this means the property passes the required test but has poor soundproofing. This will have a knock-on effect for the owner renting the property for an extended period or the purchaser feeling they have purchased their dream home. So makes sure you get your soundproofed walls designed by the experts!
Below you will find a database of soundproofing wall designs to help you comply with Part E of the Building Regulations.