Sound Testing for Buildings: Meet Part E Regulations

It’s surprising how often people assume that once the walls are up, either brick or stud, the double glazing is in and the floors are down and carpetted, that the job’s pretty much done in terms of sound insulation. But those that have ever tried to sleep through a neighbour’s late-night TV, dogs barking or someone stomping around upstairs, will know just how intrusive and distracting sound can be when a building’s not properly insulated and hasn’t received proper sound testing. According to statistics from the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) – noise is the single largest issue of complaint made to local authorities in the UK. The NHBC Foundation also reviewed homeowner feedback on noise in new homes built since 2004, highlighting that noise remains a significant concern among new-build occupants. Poor sound insulation, especially in flats and apartments, is a frequent source of dissatisfaction So, whether you’re building from scratch, converting a high street unit into flats, or just trying to get your build project signed off, sound testing can ultimately make a huge difference to the residents who’ll actually live there.

What is sound testing and why does it matter?

Understanding airborne vs. impact sound

Sound testing checks how well walls and floors prevent sound from travelling between separate homes or spaces. There are two main types: airborne sound (like voices, TVs, or music) and impact sound (think footsteps, dropped objects, or furniture being moved – sometimes subtle, sometimes enough to make ripples in your cup of tea). To measure this, acoustic engineers use calibrated equipment to play and record controlled noise. It’s not exactly subtle and you’ll definitely know when a test is underway, but it’s a reliable way to understand how sound behaves in your paticular building.

Why sound insulation matters for comfort, privacy, and compliance

Good acoustic insulation protects everyday life from the privacy of a phone call, the quiet of a Sunday morning to the ability to relax without hearing someone else’s TV through the wall, and it’s legally required. Approved Document E of the Building Regulations sets out the minimum standards for sound insulation. If your building doesn’t meet them, you won’t get sign-off. Even beyond compliance, it just makes sense to get it right. Unhappy occupants or costly remedial work later down the line is totally avoidable with proper sound testing.

When is sound testing required for residential buildings?

New builds, conversions, and material changes of use

Sound testing is mandatory for most new houses and flats, as well as for buildings being converted into residential use (for example, old office blocks or shop being turned into flats). Any material change of use that creates new dwellings triggers a requirement for testing.

Legal obligations under Approved Document E

Document E sets out very specific rules about what needs to be tested and how often. Generally, one set of tests must be completed for every ten dwellings, and different construction types (e.g. different wall or floor build-ups) may require separate sub-group testing. We’d suggest it’s not something to leave to the last minute, so factor sound testing into your build programme early on.

How sound testing works

The process: equipment, test conditions, and what’s measured

On test day, the building should be at a certain stage: completed floor and ceiling finishes, sealed gaps, no trades working in test rooms. Our consultant will set up a loudspeaker in one room (the source) and measures how much of that sound is heard in the next room (the receiver). For impact tests, a tapping machine simulates footfall on the floor above. All of this is captured with precision equipment and data points from all of the testing results in a formal report.

Typical testing scenarios (houses, flats, separating walls/floors)

A house might only need airborne testing between adjoining dwellings. Flats usually need both airborne and impact tests between units, especially if they’re stacked vertically. The setup depends on the layout, construction type, and intended use.

Sound testing for Building Regulations Approved Document E and pass requirements

Required performance: DnT,w + Ctr and L’nT,w explained

These terms look a little strange and intimidating but break down like this:

• DnT,w + Ctr is the measure for airborne sound. Higher values mean better sound insulation.
• L’nT,w is for impact sound. Lower values are better.

Minimum dB values for new builds and conversions

For new builds:

• Walls, floors, stairs must achieve at least 45 dB (DnT,w + Ctr)
• Floors/stairs must also be under 62 dB (L’nT,w) for impact

For conversions (material change of use):

• The airborne threshold is slightly lower at 43 dB
• Impact sound can be up to 64 dB

enevo’s approach to Sound Testing

Fast, reliable, and UKAS-accredited service

At enevo, we deliver UKAS-accredited sound testing across all residential building types. Whether you’re working on a single or multi-unit site, we can typically schedule visits within a few days and provide results fast, often within 24 hours.

Expert-led advice for new and existing buildings

Our sound testing isn’t just about results and measurments, ultimately it’s about getting you ready to pass. We offer upfront advice on design, detailing, and sequencing to minimise the risk of failure. And if something goes wrong – we’ll do whatever we can to help you fix it, not just flag it.

Avoiding failed sound tests – Our proactive support

Pre-test design advice and construction detailing guidance

The most common reasons buildings fail sound tests are normally quite simple missing insulation, poor sealing around junctions, or unexpected flanking paths. These are all things that can be avoided with good preparation. We will review your drawings and details in advance and highlight any potential red flags before they become problems.

Common causes of failure (and how to prevent them)

A few typical culprits:

• Unfilled gaps between plasterboard and structure
• Services (pipes, cables, ducting etc) penetrating walls or floors without acoustic treatment
• Hard floor finishes installed without resilient layers

How Much Does Sound Testing Cost?

What affects pricing

Sound test pricing depends on the number and type of tests required (airborne vs. impact), site layout, location, and whether multiple tests are done during a single visit. Contact us for a free quote or conversation around what your project might need.

How to get a quote

In the first instance, get in touch via this website, contact forms or phone and we can arrange next steps, which normally involve receiving your designs, reviewing your build schedule, and any details you have on separating elements. Ultimately, don’t worry. We can talk you through it.

Why choose enevo for your sound testing project?

We have strong expertise in complex buildings and regulatory compliance

We work across residential, mixed-use, and high-risk settings, so we understand the intricacies of getting Part E compliance right the first time.

Transparent service with no product sales bias

We don’t sell soundproofing products. That means our advice is independent and based on what works for your project, not what’s on a shelf.

Part of a wider suite of Building Compliance expertise

Sound testing is only one part of what enevo does. Take a look at our wider website and you’ll see a wide range of services to support the built environment, from BREEAM to SAP, Whole Life Carbon Assessments, to Building Regulations guidance and BRPD, we support projects at every stage.

Book Your Sound Test Today

Need a sound test? Or just not sure where to start? We’re here to help and guide – we’d love to see how we can support you. Visit enevo.co.uk/expertise/sound-testing to book your test, speak with our team, or request a quote. Or give us a ring. We’re always happy to talk through what you need.