Raising standards to protect homeowners
A brief guide to acoustic testing
Why you need Sound Insulation Testing
Sound Insulation Testing or Pre-Completion Testing (PCT) is a way of testing the sound transmission of separating floors and walls between dwellings, and can be used to demonstrate compliance with the guidance in Approved Document E (2003) to The Building Regulations 2000. PCT is one of two methods of demonstrating compliance for new-build dwellings and is usually specified by your building control office as a condition on your site that must be cleared prior to final inspection and completion. For conversions it is almost always a requirement to have sound insulation testing carried out.
Is there an alternative to Sound Insulation Testing?
For new-build dwellings you may be able to register for Robust Details, an alternative to sound insulation testing. This provides you with a licence to build a separating wall or floor to a set design using specific materials. However this may not fit in with your design or there maybe particular detailing or complexity that makes you exempt from this scheme, in which case you will need to undertake testing.
When should I place my order for Sound Insulation Testing?
The test results need to be submitted to your building control in time to clear any relevant conditions prior to completion so an order should be placed approximately six to eight weeks in advance. However, the best plan is to place an order at the design stage so that an approximate date can be booked in early and tailored to fit in with your build programme.
What happens if a test fails?
Should any tests fail then NHBC can provide you with a professional remedial advice service, and for any site where NHBC did the testing we will give the first hour of remedial advice free. Once any remedial work has been carried out then the failed areas will need to be re-tested to show compliance.
How does testing fit in with EcoHomes or Code for Sustainable Homes?
EcoHomes or Code for Sustainable Homes assessments may require sound insulation testing to build up credits to gain a particular level. This may require a higher volume of testing, or higher performance levels than those set out by the Building Regulations. Either way, NHBC can assist you and will advise you on what and how much testing will be required to achieve your target sustainability level.
For more details, visit our Sustainability section.
How are testing companies accredited?
Our service is fully UKAS accredited which means that it has been assessed against internationally recognised standards to demonstrate our competence, impartiality and performance capability.
For more details about UKAS, please view the 'Why choose UKAS?' leaflet (1.3mb pdf).
How to order
- Call 0844 633 1000 and say 'Sales'.
- Online enquiry form
- Case studies
Our UKAS accreditation for testing underlines NHBC's high standards and technical competence.
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