PRE-COMPLETION TESTING E

Sub-grouping for material change of use

1.18 The same principles as for new buildings apply, but in practice significant differences are more likely to occur between separating wall and/or separating floor constructions as well as the associated flanking construction(s) in a development. More sub-groups may therefore be required, and group sizes may be smaller. Building control bodies should exercise judgement when setting up sub-groups.

Sets of tests in dwelling-houses (including bungalows)

1.19 Normally, one set of tests should comprise two individual sound insulation tests (two airborne tests):

• A test of insulation against airborne sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.
• A test of insulation against airborne sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.

Sets of tests in flats with separating floors but without separating walls

1.20 Normally, one set of tests should comprise four individual sound insulation tests (two airborne tests, two impact tests):

• Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.
• Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.

Sets of tests in flats with a separating floor and a separating wall

1.21 Normally, one set of tests should comprise six individual sound insulation tests (four airborne tests, two impact tests):

• A test of insulation against airborne sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.
• A test of insulation against airborne sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating wall.
• Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between one pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as living rooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.
• Tests of insulation against both airborne and impact sound between another pair of rooms (where possible suitable for use as bedrooms) on opposite sides of the separating floor.

1.22 To conduct a full set of tests, access to at least three flats will be required.

Types of rooms for testing

1.23 It is preferable that each set of tests contains individual tests in bedrooms and living rooms.

1.24 Where pairs of rooms on either side of the separating element are different (e.g. a bedroom and a study, a living room and a bedroom), at least one of the rooms in one of the pairs should be a bedroom and at least one of the rooms in the other pair should be a living room.

1.25 Where the layout has only one pair of rooms on opposite sides of the entire area of separating wall or floor between two dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes then the number of airborne and impact sound insulation tests set out in paragraphs 1.19 to 1.21 may be reduced accordingly.

1.26 The approved procedure described in Annex B includes requirements relating to rooms.

Sets of tests in rooms for residential purposes

1.27 To conduct a set of tests, the sound insulation between the main rooms should be measured according to the principles set out in this Section for new buildings and material change of use, but adapting them to suit the circumstances.

Properties sold before fitting-out

1.28 Some properties, for example loft apartments, may be sold before being fitted out with internal walls and other fixtures and fittings. Measurements of sound insulation should be made between the available spaces, according to the principles set out in this Section. Steps should be taken to ensure that fitting out will not adversely affect the sound insulation. Some guidance on internal wall and floor constructions is given in Section 5. Junction details between these internal walls

Resistance to the passage of sound 13