Navigating Part E of the Building Regulations: A Guide for Contractors and Architects

Building Regulations in the UK ensure that homes and commercial spaces are safe, comfortable, and fit for purpose. While fire safety, energy efficiency, and structural integrity often take centre stage, acoustic performance is just as critical—yet often overlooked until problems arise.

That’s where Part E comes in. It sets out the minimum standards for sound insulation and noise control in buildings, protecting occupants from excessive noise disturbances. Whether it’s a block of flats, a school, or a hotel, good acoustic design improves comfort, well-being, and even property value.

For contractors, architects, and developers, navigating these regulations can feel like a challenge. How do you ensure compliance without compromising on design, cost, or other building priorities? This guide breaks it all down—covering the scope, key requirements, compliance strategies, and practical tips to make meeting Part E simpler and more achievable.

What Buildings Does Part E Cover?

Part E applies to a wide range of building types—not just homes. It’s crucial to know when these requirements come into play.

• New-build residential developments – houses, flats, and apartments.
• Converted properties – for example, turning a house into multiple flats.
• Hotels, hostels, and halls of residence – where noise control is essential for occupant comfort.
• Schools and educational facilities – reducing noise disruption in learning environments.

This regulation isn’t just about new builds. It applies equally to extensions and conversions, meaning even small-scale projects need to consider sound insulation.

What Does Part E Require?

Soundproofing Walls, Floors, and Ceilings

Part E is all about limiting unwanted noise transmission. This means ensuring walls, floors, and ceilings provide enough resistance to airborne and impact noise.

• Airborne noise (e.g., voices, TV, music) needs to be blocked using dense materials, acoustic insulation, and resilient layers.
• Impact noise (e.g., footsteps, moving furniture) requires floor and ceiling treatments such as floating floors, resilient bars, or damping layers.

Internal Sound Insulation

Even within a single home, sound control matters. Bathrooms next to bedrooms, for example, should be well insulated to prevent noise disruption. Part E sets minimum performance levels for separating walls and floors inside dwellings.

Mandatory Sound Insulation Testing

For most residential developments, pre-completion sound testing is required to prove compliance. This must be carried out by a qualified tester, such as enevo, who provide:

• Sound insulation testing for new builds and conversions.
• Noise impact assessments for planning applications and building design.
• Acoustic consultancy to help developers and architects achieve compliance early rather than fixing issues later.

If a building fails the test, remedial work can be costly. That’s why early engagement with an acoustic consultant is key.

Recent Updates and Future Changes

Building regulations evolve to meet changing demands, and Part E doesn’t exist in isolation. Several upcoming changes will affect acoustic design:

• Part O (Overheating) and Ventilation Challenges – Stricter overheating regulations mean more reliance on natural ventilation, which can conflict with noise reduction strategies. Developers must balance airflow and soundproofing.
• Future Homes Standard (2025) – New energy efficiency rules will impact building materials and construction methods, indirectly affecting acoustic performance.
• Fire Safety and Acoustics – Updates to Part B (Fire Safety) in 2025 will require some fire-resistant construction solutions, which may have implications for sound insulation materials.

Understanding how acoustic design interacts with these regulations is essential for future-proofing developments.

How to Ensure Compliance with Part E:

Engage an Acoustic Consultant Early

The biggest mistake developers make? Leaving acoustics as an afterthought. By consulting an expert at the design stage, potential issues can be identified and solved before construction begins.

Choose the Right Materials

Meeting Part E standards isn’t just about adding insulation—it’s about using the right combinations of materials. This could include:

• Acoustic plasterboard
• Resilient bars
• Sound-absorbing flooring solutions
• Specialist glazing for windows facing noisy environments

Follow Approved Document E

Part E’s guidance, outlined in Approved Document E, provides recommended construction details for compliance. This document should be a reference point throughout the project.

Common Challenges (and How to Overcome Them):

Balancing Acoustics with Ventilation

1. With Part O (Overheating) rules prioritising natural ventilation, some developers are removing acoustic barriers like sealed windows. Solution: Use acoustic trickle vents or mechanical ventilation to maintain airflow without increasing noise.
2. Complex Building Layouts – In mixed-use developments, sound insulation must separate residential spaces from commercial areas. This requires strategic zoning and acoustic treatment during design.
3. Retrofitting Older Buildings – Conversions and refurbishments often struggle to meet modern sound insulation standards due to existing structures. Solution: Use acoustic overlays and resilient layers to improve performance without major structural changes.

Practical Tips for Contractors and Architects:

1. Work with an acoustic consultant early – It’s easier (and cheaper) to prevent acoustic failures than fix them later.
2. Don’t rely on generic materials – Specialist solutions like acoustic flooring systems or resilient bars make a difference.
3. Test before completion – Pre-completion sound insulation testing ensures compliance and avoids costly rework.
4. Pay attention to workmanship – Poor installation can undermine even the best materials. Simple mistakes like gaps in insulation or rigid fixings can lead to failures.
5. Consider pilot tests – If working on a large project, testing a sample build before full construction can highlight potential acoustic weak spots.

Final Thoughts

Good acoustic design isn’t just about ticking a box for compliance—it’s about creating better buildings. Sound insulation impacts quality of life, tenant satisfaction, and even building value. For contractors, developers, and architects, the best approach is proactive rather than reactive. Engaging with acoustic experts early, using the right materials, and ensuring proper installation all contribute to a successful outcome.

With enevo, you have access to comprehensive acoustic consultancy, sound insulation testing, and design advice to help you meet Part E with confidence.