Domestic Soundproofing and Soundproofing Solutions from Isomass in Cambridge

Isomass Ltd supplies acoustic, architectural and domestic soundproofing systems accepted under Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. Acoustic, domestic and architectural soundproofing solutions are available for all deck, batten, cradle, screed, walls and ceiling applications. Isomass Ltd’s expertise covers all areas of architectural, acoustic and domestic soundproofing standards for insulation of rooms for residential purposes.

Understanding the impact that noise can have on our environment
It is important to understand that sound transmission in buildings results from both airborne and impact noise sources. Airborne sound is generated from sources such as Radio or TV and travels through the air into the fabric of a building. Impact sound is the result of mechanically exciting the fabric of the structure with events such as footfall or the moving of a chair. The acoustic isolation of any adjoining structure can be compromised by 'flanking'. Flanking noise occurs where there is an alternative path that sound can use to bypass an insulating element, this could be due to mechanical bridging or hidden cavities, such as poor mortar joints or inadequate dry lining.

One of the most common causes for a reduction in sound insulation performance are flanking paths and these must be identified and dealt with before an effective sound insulation solution is adopted. Isomass Ltd. has the expertise to identify and provide solutions for such situations.

Building Regulations - Noise / Sound Insulation
Approved Document E (ADE) of the Building Regulations 2003 (amended 2004) for England & Wales is designed to provide standards for acoustic insulation. These new ADE regulations have changed the pass criteria for airborne sound by putting a greater emphasis on low frequency sound (100Hz - 400Hz) which can be the root cause of many complaints about noise.

ADE applies to both new build and conversion projects defined as rooms for residential purposes which includes hotels, hostels, nursing homes and student accommodation. It applies to the separating walls, floors and ceilings between adjoining dwellings. All Isomass systems are designed to comply with these standards and it is important to understand that builders will need to demonstrate that they have been achieved in two ways. Either pre-completion testing (PCT) for conversion, change of use or new build (that are not using a Robust Detail), or using a Robust Detail (new build only), depending upon the project.

Impact and Airborne Test Requirements
The diagram right shows the scope of the Building Regulations. The requirements for conversion (or change of use) are less onerous compared to New Build because the overall construction is often less prescriptive and as a consequence flanking conditions can be more difficult to deal with.

Free Site Inspections
To further enhance the Isomass offer to the architect, developer or builder we will conduct a site survey to ensureall aspects of the party floor have been considered for the best acoustic performance and provide a written PI (professional Indemnity Insurance) backed specification to fulfil any of the following requirements.

Testing
Under the current Building Regulations for England & Wales, introduced in July 2003 (subsequently amended in 2004), pre-completion acoustic testing is required to demonstrate compliance with the standards for all developments involving material change of use and for new build projects that are not using a Robust Detail. The tests need to be conducted by an accredited acoustic consultant which can be arranged by Isomass. Similar acoustic standards are also enforced under Part H in Scotland and Technical booklet G in Northern Ireland. As members of the IOA (Institute of Acoustics) Isomass are happy to supply names of suitable consultants to qoute for the testing in your area.

Dwelling-houses and flats - performance standards for separating walls, separating floors, and stairs that have a separating function

Environmental
Isomass Ltd are committed to protecting the environment. Wherever possible, our resilient layers are made from recycled materials and/or can be recyclable post use.