Sound reduction.

Acoustic control within buildings can be a complex area traditionally  involving either specialist consultants or a purely subjective approach. However, higher density living and the growth in noise sources today have increased awareness and driven measures to reduce problems resulting from noise pollution.

In particular, Part E of the Building Regulations 2003, as amended in 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 includes quantifiable acoustic performance levels to ensure reasonable conditions in a wider range of residential buildings. It also establishes requirements for schools, linked to Department for Education guidance. Although not regulated, the best approach to non-residential building types should also be reconsidered along similar lines.
The effects of acoustic privacy and nuisance noise are subjective and influenced by background noise within the room, distance from sound source and general context, amongst others. When considering walls containing doors, the combined performance of both elements may be relevant: with the proportion of door to wall being particularly important.

Whether or not required by law, the latest generation of acoustic doorsets is capable of satisfying useful sound reduction requirements economically.

Part E.



The 2003 edition deals with four situations in new or change of use dwellings and Rooms for Residential Purposes (RRP's):

E1 - protection against sound from adjoining buildings or other parts of the building
E2 – protection against sound within dwellings or RRP's between a bedroom or room with a WC and other rooms
E3 – reverberation within internal common areas
E4 – Acoustic conditions in schools

Read more about Part E
                

Responsive image

Responsive image

Practical considerations.



In order to achieve the designed acoustic performance on site, any air gaps must be eliminated and all components should fit as intended, as any leakage of air will reduce effectiveness – sound is like water – any gaps, even those not visible, and it will leak. The best way to achieve this is with fully engineered, factory finished performance doorsets. These are supplied with all the necessary seals fitted to either door or frame, where necessary including astragals for pairs.

Read more about our practical considerations for acoustic doors
                

Practical considerations.



In order to achieve the designed acoustic performance on site, any air gaps must be eliminated and all components should fit as intended, as any leakage of air will reduce effectiveness – sound is like water – any gaps, even those not visible, and it will leak. The best way to achieve this is with fully engineered, factory finished performance doorsets. These are supplied with all the necessary seals fitted to either door or frame, where necessary including astragals for pairs.

Read more about our practical considerations for acoustic doors
                

Responsive image

Statutory framework.



Part E ‘Resistance to the passage of sound’ amended in 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 gives detailed guidance on the is a major expansion of noise reduction measures for buildings where people live and sleep, as well as formalising the situation for schools.

The building types covered are:
- Houses and self-contained flats
- ‘Rooms for residential purposes’ (RRPs) - used for living or sleeping but not a flat, for example within hotels, hostels, student accommodation and elderly persons’ homes
- ‘Schools’

Read more about statutory framework
                

Responsive image

Responsive image

Testing.



BS EN ISO 140-3 : 1995 ‘Test method for the laboratory measurement of airborne sound insulation of building elements’, formerly BS 2750 : Part 3, is the internationally accepted method for testing and is referred to in the Part E Approved Document.

Read more about testing                

Testing.



BS EN ISO 140-3 : 1995 ‘Test method for the laboratory measurement of airborne sound insulation of building elements’, formerly BS 2750 : Part 3, is the internationally accepted method for testing and is referred to in the Part E Approved Document.

Read more about testing                

Responsive image

Top