Sound Insulation Testing
Need sound insulation testing for your development?
Air Tightness Solutions provides professional sound insulation testing for developers, contractors, self-build clients and property conversions across the UK.
Whether you’re completing a new residential development, converting an existing building or preparing for Building Control sign-off, we’ll help you arrange your testing, minimise delays and provide clear reporting once testing is complete.
We understand that sound testing is often one of the final steps before project completion, so we work with you to ensure testing is carried out at the right time.
What is sound insulation testing?
Sound insulation testing, sometimes called acoustic testing or pre-completion sound testing, measures how effectively walls and floors reduce the transmission of sound between adjoining properties.
The testing is typically required to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document E (Resistance to the Passage of Sound) of the Building Regulations for new residential developments and many building conversions.
Testing usually includes two types of assessment:
Airborne sound testing
Measures sound travelling through the air, such as:
- Conversations
- Television noise
- Music
- General household noise
Impact sound testing
Measures sound transmitted through floors, including:
- Footsteps
- Dropped objects
- Furniture movement
Together, these tests demonstrate whether separating walls and floors achieve the required acoustic performance.
Who needs sound insulation testing?
We regularly carry out testing for:
- New build housing developments
- Apartment blocks
- Flat conversions
- Office-to-residential conversions
- Mixed-use developments
- Housing associations
- Self-build projects
Whether you’re completing a single dwelling or a large multi-plot development, we can provide the testing required before completion.
Why is sound insulation testing important?
Good acoustic performance creates quieter, more comfortable homes while helping developers satisfy Building Regulations.
Testing helps demonstrate that separating walls and floors have been constructed correctly and are performing as intended.
By arranging testing at the correct stage, developers can:
- Demonstrate compliance with Part E
- Reduce the risk of delays at handover
- Identify issues before project completion
- Improve occupant comfort
- Complete the certification process efficiently
Why choose Air Tightness Solutions?
- Value Engineered Advice
- Responsive & Reliable Service
- Fully Accredited
We provide compliant solutions with ATTMA accredited engineers for Air Testing.
When should sound insulation testing be carried out?
Testing should only take place once the dwellings are substantially complete.
Typically this means:
- Windows and external doors installed
- Internal doors fitted
- Floor finishes completed where required
- Kitchens and bathrooms installed
- Mechanical services operational
- Building secure and weatherproof
Testing too early may result in aborted visits or failed tests, so it’s important that the property is fully prepared beforehand.
Our sound insulation testing process
01. Initial enquiry
Tell us about your project and testing requirements.
02. Quotation
We'll review your project and provide a quotation together with available testing dates.
03. Booking
Testing is scheduled around your construction programme.
04. On-site testing
Our engineer carries out the required airborne and impact sound tests.
05. Reporting
Following successful completion of the testing, we issue your report.
Need to coordinate multiple compliance tests? Ask us about combining services to reduce site visits.
Common reasons developments fail sound testing
Most failures are caused by relatively common construction issues, including:
- Gaps around service penetrations
- Poor workmanship around separating walls
- Missing acoustic insulation
- Bridging between separating elements
- Incorrect floor build-ups
- Poor sealing around sockets and pipework
Careful preparation before testing can significantly improve the likelihood of achieving a successful result.
Supporting developers and contractors
We understand that sound insulation testing is usually one part of a much larger construction programme.
Our team works closely with developers, contractors and site managers to ensure testing is arranged efficiently and with minimal disruption.
We can also advise on:
- Preparing properties for testing
- Typical testing requirements
- Common causes of failure
- Reporting timescales
- Next steps following testing
Frequently asked questions
Need a quote for sound insulation testing?
Whether you’re testing a single conversion or a multi-plot residential development, Air Tightness Solutions can help.
Our experienced team provides reliable testing, responsive communication and clear reporting to help keep your project on schedule.