Building Regulations, Part E

What does Part E cover?

On 1st July 2003, the new Approved Document E of the Building Regulations came into force in England and Wales. It is designed to meet demands for improved acoustic insulation and combat the problems of noise pollution from neighbours.

These new regulations, unlike previous requirements, apply to both new build and refurbishment or conversion projects on all types of dwellings including, flats and apartments, semi detached and terraced housing, hotels, hostels, nursing homes and student accommodation. It applies to the separating walls, floors and ceilings between different dwellings only and not to those within the same dwelling.

One of the main differences of the new regulations is how airborne performance is now measured. A spectrum adaptation term (Ctr) is now applied, which puts a much greater emphasis on low frequency sound (100Hz to 315Hz). These low frequencies are the cause of much modern noise pollution but are also among the most difficult to combat.

How is noise produced?

Noise is created by the transmission of sound energy, which in buildings is generated either by impact (e.g. footfall, doors slamming, chairs scraping), where the energy produced by the collision of solid objects is transmitted through the building’s structure, or it is airborne (e.g. television, hi-fi, shouting) where the vibrations created cause movement in the surrounding air molecules.

How can noise transmission be reduced?

Noise levels transmitted through floors, walls and ceilings can be reduced by adding mass, creating an air void or isolating the different parts of the structure from one another. All these methods are used in the various InstaCoustic systems – decoupling fibre, sound barrier pads, overlay boards, wall, floor and ceiling voids, perimeter sealants and isolation strips. To comply with Part E, installed systems must meet or exceed set decibel (dB) levels.

How to comply with Part E

All InstaCoustic systems have been designed to comply with, or exceed, the requirements of Part E. However, once acoustic systems have been installed in a property the onus is on the builder to show that the necessary decibel levels, as listed below, have been achieved. This can be done in one of two ways depending upon the situation, either Robust Details or Pre -Completion Testing.

What are the Part E performance requirements?