Building Reg Part E Approval for SME Developers

Sound Build recently helped a SME property developer on achieving compliance for Part E of the building regulations - resistance to the passage of sound. The developer was sub-dividing an existing period building into multiple units. The existing fabric of the building was brick spine walls with timber joists spanning. Original timber floorboards sat on top of the timber joists which were underdrawn with 100 year old lath and plaster.

Sound Build worked with the developer and contractor throughout the design, build and on-site commissioning process. Specifically on the following work items.

• Acoustic design of the party floor

• Specification and selection of floating floor system and mass barrier ceiling

• Site inspection of installation of acoustic elements

• Part E pre-completion sound insulation testing

The developer ripped out the most of existing super-structure and internal building fabric. A new steel structure was installed with treated 9x2 timber joists, and an 18mm plywood deck. Expanding foam and sealant was applied at the junctions of the steel and timber joists to reduce sound leakage.

The party floor comprised of a floating floor system in the form of a 10mm dense rubber matting. Due consideration was given to final product selection with regard to final floor finish, as some floor finishes such as hardwood floor or ceramic tiles, wouldn't be compatible with the rubber matts deflection. The floor to internal wall junction was carefully detailed to ensure the isolation line wasn't compromised.

100mm of 10kg/m3 rockwool was inserted between the joists, and the ceiling was underdrawn with 2no. layers of 15mm dense plasterboard which were mounted on a resilient bar. Care was taken to ensure that the screws fixing the plasterboard to the resilient bar were the correct length and applied correctly. Too long a screw may of physically connected the board and the timber together, subsequently short circuiting the resilient bar. Mastic sealant was applied at the wall junctions after the first and second application of plasterboard. A plaster skim finish was then applied. A light fitting was penetrated through the centre of the room, the penetration was as small as practically possible and sealed with mastic.

Following completion of installation it was time to carry out the pre-completion sound insulation tests to provide the local building control with proof that the installed solution adhered to Part E of the Building Regulations. Sound Build carried out the pre-completion sound insulation testing which demonstrated that the party floor achieved the minimum Part E building regulation compliance to a reasonable manner.

The developer and end client were both happy as they both received reasonable practicable advice which provided compliance, without over-specifying the solution. The end product looked amazing. We look forward to helping the client on their next development.