Introduction
Isomass Ltd manufacture a comprehensive range of acoustic insulation systems for implementation under Approved Document E of the building regulations 2003. Over 20 years experience in the building acoustics industry ensures that we can offer honest, practical advice and effective acoustic solutions for most building projects and applications. isomass Ltd’s expertise covers all areas of compliance with acoustic standards for acoustic treatment of rooms for residential purposes in England & Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our mission is to further enhance our offer by embracing the growing demand to use materials from renewable sources or to implement recycled materials.
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 on all types of structures in addition to rooms for residential purposes. Rooms for residential purposes includes hotels, hostels, nursing homes and student accommodation. It applies to the separating walls, floors and ceilings between adjoining dwellings.
All Isomass systems have been designed to comply with these requirements and it is important for builders to understand that they will need to demonstrate that necessary sound insulation standards have been achieved. This can be done in one of two ways, either pre-completion testing PCT for conversion or New build, or using a Robust Detail which only applies to New build, depending upon the situation.
