Sound insulation is a vital part of building design, particularly in flats where multiple dwellings are located close together. The UK government introduced Part E of the Building Regulations to protect residents from excessive noise and ensure good living standards. These regulations set out mandatory standards for soundproofing between walls, floors, and ceilings, helping to reduce noise transmission and maintain privacy in residential buildings.
In this guide, we explain what Part E requires, when compliance is necessary, and how Falcon Energy can support your project with professional sound insulation testing. Our UKAS-accredited testers deliver fast, reliable results, with certification typically provided within two working days. Whether you’re working on a new development or a conversion, we offer nationwide testing to help you meet building control requirements smoothly and efficiently.
Contact us to book a sound insulation test or find out more.
What are Part E Building Regulations?
Introduced in July 2003, Part E of the Building Regulations forms a key part of the UK’s broader building standards, focusing specifically on controlling noise in residential buildings. These regulations aim to limit sound transmission both between separate dwellings and within individual homes, particularly in flats, semi-detached houses, and properties undergoing conversion.
Approved Document E provides the technical guidance for meeting these requirements. It outlines the standards needed to achieve adequate resistance to the passage of sound, particularly through separating walls and floors between rooms for residential purposes, such as living rooms and bedrooms in adjoining properties. The regulations apply to new houses, flats, building conversions (change of use), and certain refurbishments involving a material change.
Why soundproofing in flats matters
Without effective acoustic insulation, everyday sounds – such as footsteps, conversations, or kitchen appliances – can travel through separating walls and floors. This isn’t just a minor inconvenience; persistent noise can significantly affect quality of life, well-being, and even mental health. Regulations like Part E are designed to address these issues by setting minimum standards for sound insulation in all new and converted residential buildings.
The aim is to minimise the transmission of unwanted sound between different areas of a building, particularly in flats with communal spaces or adjoining dwellings. Proper soundproofing of walls and floors not only improves acoustic performance but also helps create quieter, more comfortable living environments for residents.
Where and when Part E applies
Part E applies to all new-build houses and flats, as well as any existing buildings undergoing a material change of use – for example, converting a large house into multiple flats. It also applies to extensions that create new rooms for residential purposes. In these cases, developers must demonstrate that the building meets the required standards for sound insulation under the acoustic building regulations.
If you are constructing a new flat or converting a property into several residential dwellings, you will need to carry out pre-completion sound testing. This process measures airborne sound resistance and impact noise reduction across separating walls and floors. To achieve compliance, the results must meet the minimum performance standards outlined in Approved Document E.
The science of sound transmission in buildings
Understanding how sound travels is key to achieving compliance with Part E standards. Airborne noise, such as voices or music, moves through the air and can easily pass through internal walls without proper insulation. Impact noise, caused by direct contact – like footsteps on timber floors – travels through the structure of the building itself.
Effective soundproofing relies on a combination of materials and construction techniques to absorb vibrations, improve sound resistance, and reduce reverberation. Depending on the project, solutions may include:
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acoustic-grade plasterboard
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acoustic insulation within walls and floors
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solid construction methods, such as concrete floors
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floating floor systems with resilient layers
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soft furnishings to reduce internal sound reverberation (optional for room comfort, not regulatory compliance)
The right combination of these solutions is essential for meeting regulatory standards and creating quieter, more comfortable living environments.
How sound insulation testing works
Falcon Energy provides professional sound insulation testing services to ensure compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations. This process, often called a sound test or pre-completion test, is required for building control approval before a property can be officially signed off.
Testing assesses two key performance areas:
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Airborne sound resistance: the ability of separating walls and floors to limit the transmission of airborne noise, such as voices or music
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Impact noise reduction: how effectively floors absorb and reduce vibrations from footsteps or dropped objects
During testing, engineers use calibrated specialist equipment to generate and measure sound levels in different parts of the building. Test results are presented as a detailed report, including a pass or fail outcome against the standards in Approved Document E and specific decibel (dB) readings for each test conducted.
To pass, separating walls and floors must achieve at least 45 dB for airborne sound insulation and no more than 62 dB for impact sound. If the building meets these performance thresholds, a compliance certificate is issued for submission to building control.
The benefits of early planning for sound insulation compliance
Planning for sound insulation from the outset is crucial to meeting Part E standards and avoiding costly issues later. By involving Falcon Energy during the design phase, you can ensure that separating walls and floors are built to achieve the required acoustic performance, reducing the risk of retrofitting and delays in building control approval.
Early consideration of soundproofing helps regulatory compliance and improves the overall quality, comfort, and value of your development. Properties with strong noise insulation appeal more to buyers and tenants, giving developers a clear advantage in a competitive market.
Other relevant noise regulations
While Part E of the Building Regulations sets the construction standards for sound insulation, other laws also address noise issues in residential settings:
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Building Act 1984: Provides the legal framework that underpins the Building Regulations, including Part E.
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Noise Act 1996: Allows local authorities to take action on excessive noise complaints in residential properties after occupation.
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Environmental Protection Act 1990: Enables councils to address ongoing noise issues classed as statutory nuisances.
Together, these laws help ensure that residential properties offer a safe, comfortable, and properly regulated living environment.
Book sound insulation testing with Falcon Energy
Our experienced and expert team provides sound insulation testing services nationwide, offering flexible scheduling and rapid results to keep your project on track. We use state-of-the-art equipment, giving you peace of mind that your results are accurate and reliable.
Contact Falcon Energy today to arrange a sound insulation test or for more information about our services. We’ll be happy to help.