The Building Regulations...

The Building Regulations Approved Document E - Resistance to the Passage of Sound

Approved Document E of the Building Regulations (2003) came into force on July 1 2003. It is designed to meet demands for improved acoustic insulation and to combat the problems of noise pollution from neighbours.

The Regulations apply to both new build and conversion or refurbishment work and set out standards for; the sound insulation of party walls and floors between dwellings (or rooms used for residential purposes), the sound insulation of internal walls and floors, the control of reverberation within communal areas and the acoustics of schools (See Building Bulletin 93). Approved Document E can be downloaded at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk

The Regulations require the builder to undertake pre-completion sound insulation testing of a sample of party walls and party floors to demonstrate to Building Control that compliance with Part E has been achieved. A series of Robust Standard Details (RSDs), constructions that will provide the required level of sound insulation with a suitable tolerance for workmanship have been developed and adopted as an alternative to pre-completion testing. The RSDs can be viewed at http://www.robustdetails.com

 Acoustic Performance Requirements:

Approved Document E applies Approved Document E applies only to England and Wales.

In Scotland the Building (Scotland) Regulations Section 5 deals with Resistance to the Transmission of Sound. To download a copy visit the Scottish Building Standards Agency: Click Here

For Northern Ireland refer to the The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) Part G Click Here to download a copy.