As a holder of accredited certification through the SITMA Certification Scheme for Sound Insulation Testers, we want to remind you of your responsibilities under Approved Document E and the importance of adhering to the specified testing requirements for floor impact sound insulation.
We’ve recently been informed that some Building Control Bodies are actively rejecting impact sound insulation tests where these requirements have not been followed, potentially leading to delays or complications for clients. To avoid such issues, please ensure you:
- Conduct impact sound insulation testing directly on the sub-floor where required.
- Clarify with Building Control in advance if there are specific instructions that differ from the guidance in Approved Document E.
- Document any agreed deviations from standard requirements to provide a clear audit trail if challenged.
- Be clear in your quote and contract that testing is to only be conducted as per the building regulations guidance and any deviations will be noted, and will not be your responsibility if Building Control do not accept the test report.
To be clear, This is not a SITMA only issue. Tests from UKAS accredited companies have also ran into troubles. There is also no evidence of tests being rejected in Scotland or Northern Ireland, though the above rules should still apply where applicable.
Section B2.13 of Approved Document E is clear in its guidance:
“Impact Sound Insulation tests should be carried on a floor without a soft floor covering (e.g. carpet, foam backed vinyl) except in the case of (a) separating floor type 1, as described in [Approved Document E], or (b) a concrete structural floor base which has a soft floor covering as an integral part of the floor.”.
The description of a Type 1 floor is found in Section 3.23 which highlights there are two types of Type 1 floor, Type 1.1C and 1.2B. It is ONLY these floor types that may be tested with a soft floor covering present.
Section 3.28 then defines a soft floor covering to be:
“The soft floor covering should meet the following specification:
- any resilient material, or material with a resilient base, with an overall uncompressed thickness of at least 4.5mm;
or
- any floor covering with a weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level (ALw) of not less than 17dB when measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-8:1998 and calculated in accordance with BS EN ISO 717-2:1997.”
There are three key terms in the this guidance:
- Integral part of the floor: A floor covering that is an integral part of the floor is something that is a permanent feature, such as a material that is permanently bonded to the floor.
This does not include:
- Laminate Flooring
- Laminate Flooring Underlay
- Carpet Underlay.
This does include:
- Specifically designed acoustic impact floor coverings, such as Regupol, Sound Barrier Mat, Acoustilay, Karma Soundlay, Isocheck remat etc.
- Resilient Material, which is defined as: “substances designed to absorb and dampen vibrations, impacts, or sound energy, thereby enhancing acoustic performance and reducing noise transmission between building elements.”.
- Floor covering with a weighted reduction in impact sound pressure level (ALw): which, as above, clearly defines that this material must have a declarable acoustic property measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-48.
Testing on floor finishes such as laminate, luxury vinyl tile, foam backed vinyl or other similar coverings is not compliant unless explicitly directed or authorised by Building Control in advance. Adding the floor covering as a deviation to the test report does not guarantee that Building Control will accept the test.
If you encounter any uncertainties or need support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. SITMA is here to help you navigate these requirements and maintain the high standards of testing and reporting expected within the scheme.
Thank you for your continued commitment to quality and compliance.
