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Sound Testing or Robust Details
The Air Pressure Testing Team are regularly being asked how best to comply
with the Building Regulations Approved Document E; and whether it is more
cost-efficient to opt for pre-completion testing or to go down the Robust
Details route.
To try and clarify matters we have undertaken a brief overview that we
hope will help answer some of the questions you and your colleagues may
have. If you do have any projects that you are not sure of the best course
of action please contact Air Pressure Testing and we would be happy to
advise you.
We specialise in helping small developers attain Part E compliance by
offering design advice for all new build and conversation projects. We
offer a very one on one approach with the client unlike some of the larger
acoustic consultancies where you can wait weeks just for feedback on small
design detailing, which can be cause major delays to your build programme.
Complying with Building Regulations Approved Document E - Pre-completion
testing or Robust Details?
Essentially there are two possible routes to satisfying the requirements
of Approved Document E (ADE) for new build residential dwellings. These
are either commission Pre-Completion Testing (PCT) of a sample of separating
walls and floors between dwellings in your development by a suitably qualified
acoustic consultant, or you can register and build the dwellings in your
development in accordance with your preferred Robust Details (RD) construction
types.
We all know that Robust Details is a good scheme that attains high levels
of compliance with ADE. However, there are some limitations:
Robust Details (RD)
Can only be used for new build dwellings in England & Wales –
they don’t apply to refurbishment or conversion projects, so these
must be tested.
Limited flexibility, as separating walls and floors must be built ‘strictly
in accordance’ with the details in the RD Handbook
Not all RD walls and floors qualify for Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH)
credits
The construction can work out very expensive
Pre-Completion Testing (PCT)
Can be undertaken on any dwelling, either new build or conversion, to
demonstrate compliance with ADE
Complete flexibility in cost effective design of separating walls and
floors (of course, we strongly advise that Air Pressure Testing are brought
in at an early stage to advise on the acoustic aspects of the design)
As well as showing compliance with ADE, the test results can also be used
for increased award of CSH credits.
If you would like any more information on the above or if you have any
questions, need help, advice or a quotation please do not hesitate to
contact me by e-mail at darren@airpressuretesting.net or call 0777 562
3464 as always we are always happy to help.
Acoustic Testing - Further Information
For further information on Acoustic Testing please visit the 'why
acoustic_testing page'.
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