Acoustic Specifications for separating walls and floors regarding Flats and conversions
Under Approved Document E, all residential properties must provide a good level of acoustic insulation between dwellings. The table summarises the required decibel standards of performance for compliance.
| Element of Construction internal walls that include a door are exempt from this requirement. |
Airborne sound insulation (site test result) minimum value DnT,w+Ctr dB |
Impact sound insulation (site test result) maximum value L'nT,w dB |
Airborne sound insulation (lab test result) minimum value Rw dB |
| Separating walls between dwellings. | 45 Min | ||
| Separating walls between rooms used for residential purposes. | 43 Min | ||
| Separating walls between rooms created by a change of use. | 43 Min | ||
| Separating floors between dwellings and rooms used for residential purposes. | 43 Min | 62 Max | |
| Separating floors between rooms created by a change of use. | 43 Min | 64 Max | |
| An internal wall or floor between a bathroom/W.C. and a habitable room. Also between bedrooms and between bedrooms and any other room in the dwelling. | 40 Min |
Methods of Compliance
There are currently two methods available to show compliance to Approved Document E.
These are Robust Details and Pre-Completion Testing. Both methods have complex considerations.
Robust Details
The appropriate detail is selected from the Robust Details handbook. Contact us for more information.
Pre-Completion Testing
An appropriate system is installed which must then be tested by an accredited testing service to show compliance.
The appropriate detail is selected from the Robust Details handbook. Contact us for more information.
Pre-Completion Testing
An appropriate system is installed which must then be tested by an accredited testing service to show compliance.
Our expertise is available to assist developers, architects and designers with specifications and bespoke acoustic solutions.
