What are the Routes to Compliance with Part E?

Home
» Ask the sound insulation experts
» What are the Routes to Compliance with Part E?

Good news – the Government wants you to have a quiet life. That's right, back in 2003, Part E of the Building Regulations outlined the levels of sound insulation performance required in all new-build properties and those created by converting existing buildings. Behind compliance with Part E is the need to ensure a reasonable level of privacy and lack of disturbance between neighbours.

If you want to know the full requirements of Building Regulations Part E (Resistance to the Passage of Sound), check out the SRS article “What is Building Regulations Part E?"

If you're in the building trade and looking for compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations, there are two methods to consider. Remember that it's your responsibility to prove that standards are being met.

1) Pre-completion testing – new-build and conversion, separating walls and floors

At SRS, we believe that pre-completion testing (PCT) is the better route to compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations. Indeed, for conversion/material change of use projects pre-completion testing is the only way to demonstrate compliance. With PCT, you get more design flexibility and it's easier to adapt to different projects and clients. With PCT, property owners also get peace of mind that they'll have reasonable privacy and lack of disturbance.

In summary:
• Building Control sets the standards that must be achieved and what they require as evidence. Pre-completion testing has been a requirement since 2003
• Reputable manufacturers and acoustic consultants give builder advice
• Builder installs products and systems, with close attention to manufacturers' guidance
• Once the rooms are completed, an independent acoustic consultant (UKAS or ANC) carries out pre-completion testing
• If the standards are met, the consultant provides a test report for the builder
• The builder takes the acoustic test report to Building Control as evidence of compliance
• Building Control signs off the building and the builder can sell the property or rent it out.
If the separating wall or floor/ceiling structure does not comply with Part E, then remedial treatment is required.

Perhaps you've failed a sound insulation test? Please see our recent blog article on how SRS can help: Failed a Sound Test?

2) Robust Details – new-build only, separating walls and floors

The other route to compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations is a scheme run by Robust Details Ltd. This firm produces a handbook of specifications for separating structures, but only in new build projects. The book's details have been shown on average to achieve a 5dB ‘safety net’ above pre-completion standards to allow for site conditions and issues with workmanship.

In summary:
• Builder pays fees and registers scheme with Robust Details Ltd. Robust Details issues a unique site reference number and checklist
• Project completed as per a particular Robust Detail and builder completes checklist
• Work might have to pass an inspection by Robust Details Inspector
• Deviation from particular details will require pre-completion testing.
Compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations does need reliable advice, whichever route you take. It's advisable to turn to an acoustic consultant, someone who's an expert on acoustics and is a member of the Institute of Acoustics.

At SRS, we're a reputable manufacturer with qualified acousticians who can guide you to the most appropriate solution for Part E compliance. You should be wary of any guidance you receive from unqualified sales people as this can mean dealing with expensive and avoidable remedial work. Thanks to Part E compliance, the days of being able to fit a couple of layers of plasterboard and some ‘acoustic mineral wool’ are long gone.

If you're in doubt or want to know more about Part E compliance, please contact SRS on 01204 380074 to speak to one of our approachable acousticians.