Sound Insulation & Air Tightness Testing
The Sound Insulation Test
​
Sound insulation testing or as it is otherwise known pre-completion testing must be carried on new build and conversion properties where a change of use form a habitable space. A property will require one or either of an airbourne test or an impact test. These are conducted to walls and floors of adjoining habitable spaces. The test must comply to Building Regulations Document E and be carried out in accordance with ISO 140-4 and ISO 140-7 and reported to the standard of ISO 717-1 and ISO 717-2.
​
New build properties need to mett the requirement of DnTw+Ctr >= 45dB and LnTw of <= 62dB however conversion properties need to meet DnTw+Ctr >= 43dB and LnTw of <= 64dB.
​
The two types of test are
​
Airborne Tests - These are conducted on walls and/or floors of adjoining properties.
Impact Tests - These are conducted on floors of adjoining properties.
​
These tests should be conducted as early as possible once the building is in a state of completeness, all doors and windows fitted and close-able, all electrical fittings fitted and working, all gaps and cracks sealed to final building standard, all walls and ceilings plastered.
​
The tests are then conducted to the ISO standards and a report is generated using the ISO standards in a format which is acceptable the the Isle of Man building control.
​
We use the latest Class 1 equipment and reporting standard software to ensure you have a fully compliant accepted certificate to form part of your building control sign off pack.
The Air Tightness Test
​
Air tightness testing is a recognised method of measuring the extent to which air is lost through leaks in the building fabric. It is sometimes referred to as air leakage testing or air pressure testing.
Air leakage is the uncontrolled flow of air through gaps and cracks in the fabric (often referred to as infiltration or draughts) and not ventilation, which is the controlled flow of air in and out of the building.
Too much air leakage leads to unnecessary heat loss and discomfort for the occupants. As the Government strives to reduce CO2 emissions from new buildings, building regulations now place greater emphasis on the quality of the fabric of the building.
​
All testing is completed under the strict methods prescribed by ATTMA (Air Tightness Testing Measurement Association) technical guidelines.
A fan is installed to a suitable external opening and the entire building is pressurised over a range of pressure difference after we have taken enviromental conditions and accurately calculated the building external envelope to reflect the conditioned space within the completed building.
The testing is measured in air flow m3 over an average hour period at an average of 50Pa for every m2 of building fabric.
Before the test is carried out, passive ventilation must be temporarily sealed. HVAC plant is switched of and temporarily sealed. The exterior envelope and all its openings are closed. Internally all doors are temporarily fixed open. Drainage traps should be filled.
Site workers can remain in the building during the test, or will have to remain outside until the test is complete. There are no health risks to site workers who remain in the building during the test; however there may be some discomfort from the fan noise.
The fully compliant certificate is then lodged with ATTMA and then a certificate is issued based upon the calculations and reading taken which will satisfy the Isle of Man building control, should your result be above the expected rating we are able to fault find to advise on leakage points in advance of a retest.
.