| Part
E Design Advice for Small Builders & Developers
Part E Design Advice for Small Builders & Developers
Air Pressure Testing can provide a professional Acoustic Consultancy
Service to Architects, Property Developers and Building Contractors.
We specialise in helping small developers achieve Part E compliance
for property Conversions, New Build flats and Single Dwellings.
Many of our clients have confirmed that larger Acoustic consultancies
do not understand the “smaller builder” requirements and subsequently
often produce complicated details that are both difficult in terms of
buildabilty as well as being more expensive to buy.
The reason many smaller developers repeatedly use Air Pressure Testing
for there acoustic consultancy is we constantly strive to provide a
small developers with information that is both easy to follow and easy
to construct on site, thus saving time and money. Air Pressure Testing
are familiar with the budget constraints and potential problems with
buildability which can occur during your project. We have a vast amount
of experience in large and small scale construction design and development,
which in turn helps provide our clients with a helpful proactive service
and provide considerable cost and efficiency benefits for all their
conversions and new build projects.
Air Pressure testing are also UKAS accredited to undertake In-house
Acoustic testing, which allows us to offer a comprehensive seamless
service from initial design development right through to the final testing
in compliance with Approved Document E.
It is our continual aim to ensure that the Acoustic design elements
of the project are fully understood and are carried out correctly, in
accordance with the current Approved Document E of the Building Regulations.
Part of the service we provide for our clients includes:
Part 1 - Drawing Review.
Once we have received your drawings we will review them in detail to
check that the construction details proposed are capable of meeting
the requirements of Approved Document E of the Building Regulations.
This usually takes place after planning has been approved as increased
cost savings can be realised at this stage, however we can also review
the drawings at a later stage if required.
APT Acoustics will evaluate the construction methods and materials
specified to ensure that they are capable of meeting the basic acoustic
requirements of Approved Document E. Items such as:
» Specifically we would also check the acoustic treatments for
Soil Pipes, Stair Cases Steel Beams etc to ensure they are fit for purpose,
as these are some of the many areas that often let missed.
» We check the Lighting specification to, ensure they are acoustically
complaint to the overall design i.e. Down lighter design etc.
» We check that any acoustic floor treatments are compatible
with the proposed floor finishes i.e. .Carpets, Laminates, Floor Tiles
and Under floor Heating Systems.
Part 2 - Site Visit/s
We visit site to conduct a comprehensive survey and review. We take
this opportunity to meet, where possible, with all the necessary parties
involved in the project, such as the site/project manager, architects
etc. Our survey would assess what would be the most cost effective method
of converting the property taking into account material cost, billability
and programme time. We reflect on the acoustic materials required and
ensure that relevant parties are fully aware of the installation detail
required, highlighting possible problems which could be incurred and
prevented.
Part 3 - The Acoustic Report
Within a one week Air Pressure Testing Ltd will provide a comprehensive
report providing the precise method of installing the acoustic materials
required and their exact specification. Where appropriate, Air Pressure
Testing Ltd will also try to provide alternative material specifications.
Our report is specifically designed for clear understanding and interpretation.
We provide clear - easy to follow, user friendly construction details,
tailored for ease of site construction.
Part 4 - Ongoing Site Support
We provide both the architect and building contractor with ongoing telephone
support. There are no limitations to this support. You will have direct
contact with a dedicated acoustician from the start through to the successful
completion of the project.
Summary of Installation Details for Small Builders
To stand the best possible chance of passing your Sound Test in compliance
with Approved Document E, it is important not only that you use the
right products but also you fit them correctly. We have produced a list
below of the major problem causes that normally arise during some of
our previous Sound Tests, please be sure to check these off one by one
(during the construction phase) for each room in the building so that
problems can be solved at the earliest opportunity. (Some items may
not apply to your construction).
a) Ensure the insulation fills the whole width of void, also pack around
pipe work.
b) Ensure that the sub-floor is watertight and sealed with mastic or
silicon.
c) Ensure that the plasterboard on any walls is complete right down
to sub-floor, seal all gaps.
d) Ensure you use the isolation tape around the wall of each room.
e) If installing floating screed ensure all isolation layer joints are
overlapped and taped
f) Ensure that the Acoustic floor is fitted with staggered joints.
g) Ensure all the Acoustic floor is sealed watertight even around heating
pipes.
h) Ensure plasterboard is fitted with staggered layers and all joints
sealed
i) Do not nail or screw through an Acoustic Floor
j) If using Resilient Bars ensure that they are fitted as per manufacturers
recommendations
k) Do not screw plaster board into joists when using Resilient Bars
l) Ensure all Fireplaces are blocked up with brick or plasterboard
m) Ensure that any RSJ’s or supporting steel work is insulated and isolated
from plasterboard
n) Ensure all waste pipe service runs are boxed in with insulation and
plasterboard
o) Do not fit carpets or laminated flooring before you have passed the
test.
p) You must fit doors and windows before the test is carried out
q) Please ensure 240v power is available on each floor
r) Please ensure we have access to all areas under test
s) No building work can take place during tests
If you have any concerns over the following then please contact Air
Pressure testing Ltd on the above numbers
Summary Design Advice for New Build Projects
When starting a New Build Project, inline with Approved Document E you
have to ensure that you have designed and constructed the building properly
prior to the Pre-completion Testing. To ensure the aforementioned as
been followed correctly Air Pressure Testing will undertake the following:
a) We review your architect’s drawings to ensure that the basic Acoustic
principles have been followed. We will then work out if the acoustic
performance needs to be changed particularly if we can see a way of
saving time and Material costs, from the vast array of different products
and systems available on the market today.
b) We will provide a full detailed report outlining all aspects of Acoustic
treatment required to meet Approved Document E Criteria, including cross
section diagrams and sketches where required.
c) We visit your site during construction and check the construction
methods match those originally specified.
d) We will be on hand to assist the builder to ensure that he fully
understands the level of detail required.
e) We will provide a competitive quotation to carry out the sound test
if required.
Air Pressure Testing Ltd has successfully guided our clients through
hundreds of different new build projects, with a very high success rate
when clients have followed the design advice provided. Contact us now
at info@airpressuretesting.net if you require further assistance
Summary Design Advice for Conversion Projects
When converting a house into flats or “Rooms for Residential Use” you
have followed the Pre-completion Testing. Procedure as laid out in Approved
Document E. This does not need to be complicated; indeed if you use
APT Acoustics services it will be relatively straight forward. We aim
to provide a Turn Key service from design to Testing.
a) We review your architect’s drawings to ensure that the basic Acoustic
principles have been followed.
b) We visit your site and check the building construction to assess
the level of treatments that will need to be carried out.
c) We will then work out the cheapest and quickest way to convert the
building, from the vast array of different products and systems available
on the market today.
d) We will provide a full detailed report outlining all aspects of Acoustic
treatment required to meet Approved Document E Criteria, including cross
section diagrams and sketches.
e) We will be on hand to assist the builder to ensure that he fully
understands the level of detail required.
f) We can offer many building materials at reduced rates, once again
saving you money.
g) We will provide a competitive quotation to carry out the sound test.
Air Pressure Testing Ltd have successfully guided our clients through
hundreds of different conversion projects with a 100% success rate when
clients have followed the design advice provide
Check List for Floor
Before we come and carry out a Sound Test we need you to check, that
the following details have been completed, otherwise you may fail your
test or worse still we may not even be able to complete the test in
which case you will still be charged 100% of the Test fee
1. Ensure all doors are fitted and working correctly.
2. Ensure all windows are fitted and working correctly
3. Ensure all electric fittings are fitted and working
4. Ensure 240Volt power is available in each room
5. Ensure no carpets or laminated flooring is fitted on 1st floor levels
or above
6. Ensure Skirting does not touch Floating Floor
7. Ensure all gaps are sealed in walls and floors
8. Ensure we have access to all rooms on all levels
9. Ensure and building work is stopped during entire duration of test
10. Ensure both properties are vacated during the duration of test.
11. Ensure any noise sources are turned off eg radios fire alarms etc.
12. We can not run our equipment from site power generators as the voltage
fluctuations can damage the test equipment, so please ensure you have
mains 240v supply on site on the day of the test.
Check List for Walls
Before we come and carry out a Sound Test we need you to check, that
the following details have been completed, otherwise you may fail your
test or worse still we may not even be able to complete the test in
which case you will still be charged 75% of Test fee
1. Ensure all doors are fitted and working correctly.
2. Ensure all windows are fitted and working correctly
3. Ensure all electric fittings are fitted and working
4. Ensure 240Volt power is available in each room
5. Ensure all gaps are sealed in walls and floors
6. Ensure we have access to all rooms on all levels
7. Ensure and building work is stopped during entire duration of test
8. Ensure both properties are vacated during the duration of test.
9. Ensure any noise sources are turned off e.g. radios fire alarms etc.
We cannot run our equipment from site power generators as the voltage
fluctuations can damage the test equipment, so please ensure you have
mains 240v supply on site on the day of the test.
BREEAM Acoustics
Within all BREEAM Assessments, there is a requirement for a suitably
qualified acoustic consultant to provide a service in relation to the
following two sections:
Hea13 – Acoustic Performance
Pol 8 – Noise attenuation
These two sections require specialist assessments of a varying type
across the different BREEAM categories such as; Industrial, Prisons,
Courts, Healthcare, Offices, Retail, Education etc. Air Pressure Testing
Ltd are able to offer acoustic surveys/reports and specialist advice
to meet your requirements in all these areas.
Air Pressure Testing is UKAS Accredited to carry out sound insulation
testing and therefore complies with the BREEAM definition for “Suitably
Qualified Acousticians”.
We are also UKAS accredited to undertake Air Tightness testing so we
can provide your air testing requirements in compliance with BREEAM
definition for Suitably Qualified Air Tightness Testers.
Nationwide Service
Air Pressure Testing have consultants working nationwide with a fast
response time to any enquiry.
Should you require any further information or a quotation for our services,
please do not hesitate to contact us at info@airpressuretesting.net
By Mobile - 07967 233836 (available 7am to 10pm)
By Fax - 01582 896 709
By E-mail - info@airpressuretesting.net
Sound Testing Services
Our company believes in working with our clients to achieve the best
possible results for an Sound
Test. We believe that by being involved at the beginning of a project
we can save our clients expensive and difficult remedial works at the
completion stage of a project.
Our Aim Is To Get You A
Pass!
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