New build infill terrace - sound transmission test

[raine]

How is the sound transmission test for a new house organised in cases where the new house adjoins an existing house?

Does the sound tester have to go into the adjoining property? Does the adjoining owner have any rights to witness the test to ensure it is completed correctly?

Also, can anyone confirm if new build sound transmission tests are required to include tests for both airborne and impact sounds?

 

[DevilDamo]

If not being registered and built to Robust Details, then Pre-completion sound (airborne) testing would usually be required between the adjoining properties. There would not be a requirement for impact testing.

The new build property would have a loud speaker and the adjoining property would have a decibel meter. A consultant would carry out this test and it is they who would make sure it’s done correctly and the sound reduction regulations met.

 

[raine]

Thanks for the reply.

I'm really surprised that there is no requirement for impact sound testing! Do the regs not cover impact sound at all, or is it just not required to be tested?

What would happen if the adjoining owner couldn't be contacted or didn't want to be involved? How would the developer obtain their regs completion certificate in that case?

 

[frutbunn]

Impact is only required to floors. People don't tend to walk or move furniture around on the walls!
There have been situations where access to an adjacent property has been refused, in such a situation this is recorded. In such situations I have sent a letter to the adjoining owner outlining the reasons and advantages etc so that if there was an issue later then I would have evidence of there refusal to allow access.

 

[Nakajo]

As far as testing against both neighbours is concerned, I had a situation recently where because access to one property was difficult (but the construction detail to both sides was substantially the same), the AI agreed that we would test at one property only. Also, the group conducting the test said something about only a percentage of wall surface needing to be tested - but I can't remember the figure, and I cannot see a reference to this in the section on pre-completion testing in AD(E)

 

[raine]

Just to follow up on my question about impact sound, here is the specific scenario I'm asking about:

New build infill terrace has converted an existing 9" flank wall into a party wall. The new house is steel-frame, and the steel beams bear on, and are are built into, the party wall, which closely connects the floors of the new house with the walls of the existing house. The effect is that impact sound on the floors of the new house is concentrated into those connection points. From the existing house, people can be heard walking around in the new house, whereas loud speech is not heard.

Do the regs actually require that both airborne and impact sound don't transmit through walls, or do they only cover airborne sound in this case?

 

[DevilDamo]

Airborne tests through walls of separate dwellings and impact tests through floors of separate dwellings.

Do the new structural elements, i.e. beams and joists cut into this new party wall as opposed to being fixed against it?

 

[raine]

Yes, the steel beams cut into the party wall.

 

[frutbunn]

Airborne tests through walls of separate dwellings and impact tests through floors of separate dwellings.

Do the new structural elements, i.e. beams and joists cut into this new party wall as opposed to being fixed against it?

Airborne tests are also required to floors

 

[DevilDamo]

Airborne tests are also required to floors

Sorry... yes and to those between dwellings.