Sound Insulation Testing in Ireland – Building Regulations Compliance
To demonstrate compliance with Part E of the Building Regulations Technical Documents on Sound (2014), all construction projects in Ireland now require mandatory sound insulation testing.
Technical Guidance Document E (2014) of the Building Regulations 1997 (S.I. No. 497 of 1997) addresses the control of sound transfer between dwellings and between rooms within a building. The regulations require that walls and floors provide “reasonable resistance” to both airborne and impact sound. These requirements apply regardless of the building’s type, use, or location, and do not account for the nature of potential noise sources.
Irish Sound Insulation Testing – New Building Regulations (TGD-E)
To achieve compliance with Part E, developments must undergo sound insulation testing of separating walls and floors. These tests assess the transmission of both airborne and impact noise through new or existing structures.
Testing is carried out in accordance with relevant international and national standards, and results are evaluated against the performance criteria outlined in the Irish Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document E (Sound), 2014.
Do You Require Sound Insulation Testing?
Sound insulation testing is required for all new dwellings and extensions to existing homes that share a wall or floor with another building. It is also mandatory for any construction work involving a material change of use that results in a building (or part of a building) being converted into one or more residential units.
How Does Sound Insulation Testing Work?
Sound insulation testing assesses the transfer of noise between separating elements, such as walls and floors. Two types of tests are typically conducted:
Airborne sound tests (e.g. voices, music)
Impact sound tests (e.g. footsteps, dropped items)
The number of tests required depends on the design and layout of your building, particularly how many separating walls and floors are present.
It is recommended that testing is carried out as early as possible in the construction process. This allows for the identification and correction of any acoustic weaknesses before finishes are applied. Carpets and temporary floor coverings should not be installed until a test has been completed and a passing result confirmed.
To watch a video on sound insulation testing, please click the image below.
How Many Tests Do I Need?
To comply with the requirements of Technical Guidance Document E (2014) of the Building Regulations, the minimum number of sound insulation tests depends on the number of residential units being constructed and the variation in construction types.
For apartments, a full set of tests typically includes:
2 floor tests (2 airborne and 2 impact)
2 wall tests (airborne only)
Impact tests are not required for semi-detached or terraced houses where residential units are positioned side by side.
Expertise You Can Trust
ICAN Acoustics is a full member of the Association of Acoustic Consultants of Ireland (AACI). We provide professional sound insulation testing services as well as the acoustic consultancy support needed to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
We welcome the establishment of groups such as the Sound Insulation Test Register Ireland (SITRI) and support technician-level training initiatives. However, we strongly believe that formal academic training in acoustics is essential for the integrity and quality of the industry. This ensures that those offering design and consultancy services are properly qualified and equipped to deliver expert guidance.
Who Is Qualified to Carry Out Sound Insulation Testing?
Diarmuid Keaney of ICAN Acoustics has completed the Advanced Sound Insulation Testing / Training Course for ISO Parts 1 & 2, as required by Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document Section E (2014). This course was held at Sound Research Laboratories (SRL) in the UK on February 10, 2016.
In addition, Diarmuid holds a Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control (awarded in 2004) from the Institute of Acoustics, a recognised authority in the field. His studies included a specialist module in Architectural Acoustics, covering both the theory and practical application of sound insulation testing. He was awarded a merit for his final grade upon successful completion of the course.
Diarmuid Keaney of ICAN Acoustics and David Clarke of the SRL
Where can I learn more about the Irish Building Regulations on Sound? Click on the Technical Guidance Document E below to view a current copy:
Do you want to watch our Free Webinar on Sound Insulation Testing and Technical Guidance Document E. Complete the form below to have a link emailed to you directly.
What are the key points I need to know about TGD-E? Regulation E1 aims to ensure that dwellings achieve reasonable levels of sound insulation from sound transmission emanating from attached buildings or differently occupied parts of the same building. Regulation E2 aims to protect dwelling occupants from the noise of reverberation in common internal areas that provide direct access to a dwelling or dwellings. These Regulations also amend Article 13 of the Building Regulations 1997 to require Part E to apply to an existing building or part of a building which undergoes a material change of use to a dwelling. The amendments to Part E of the Building Regulations and the associated technical guidance meet the overall objective of securing reasonable health and safety standards for persons in or about buildings regarding the passage of sound. The operative date of the Regulations is 1 July 2015.
What is the law on sound insulation testing? Technical guidance document Part E (2014) of the Building Regulations 1997 (S.I.no. 497 of 1997) relates to the mitigation of sound transfer between dwellings and rooms within a building. The regulations simply state that walls and floors must have “reasonable resistance” to airborne and impact sound. No consideration is given to the nature or location of the building or potential noise sources. Our test services come under the ‘Ancillary Certification, Part E – Sound Building Control (Amended) Regulations 2014.’
What are ‘Ancillary Certificates’ and who is an ‘Ancillary Certifier’? “Ancillary Certificates” means a certificate other than a statutory certificate of compliance as prescribed in the Building Control Regulations given by a competent person to confirm compliance of elements of the building, design or works with Building Regulations; “Ancillary Certifier” means a person proposed to issue such a statement. (Note: a “person” also includes a company); “Assigned Certifier” means the competent, registered professional person so assigned, in accordance with the Building Control Regulations. To download a copy of the Code of Practice for Inspecting and Certifying Buildings and Works, click here. These are an integral part of the Building Control Regulations 2014 February 2014.
What standards do ICAN Acoustics use when carrying out a sound insulation test?
On-site testing is carried out using:
- EN ISO 16283-1 :2014 Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Part 1: Airborne sound insulation.
- EN ISO 16283-2 :2015 Field Measurement of Impact Sound Insulation of Floors — Part 2: Impact sound insulation.