Sound Testing Manchester

Lighthouse Acoustics is a specialist company that provides sound testing and consultancy services to the building sector. We work with architects, builders, developers and contractors on projects of all sizes to help them understand how their proposed design might affect the acoustics for those living or working in the surrounding area. Our commitment to excellence means we provide impartial advice upon which decisions can be made without fear of compromise.

Lighthouse Acoustics have the necessary experience to provide sound testing and consultancy services for project planning in the building sector.

It is important to understand how your proposed design might affect acoustics, so that decisions can be made without fear of compromising on quality.

What is sound insulation testing?

Sound insulation testing is the procedure of measuring a material’s sound transmission properties. To conduct a sound test, an input sound source is first produced.

Sound pressure levels on the input and output sides of the material are measured with a sound level meter. The sound transmission loss of the material is then calculated by subtracting the output sound pressure level from the input level.

Sound insulation testing is used to test the sound transmission properties of walls, ceilings, and floors. It is also to assess the performance of sound-dampening materials such as acoustic insulation.

Lighthouse Acoustics work with many businesses throughout Manchester and North West, UK to ensure compliance with current sound standards and to ensure that the noise levels generated by their premises are not too disruptive or dangerous.

Pre-Completion Sound Testing

Lighthouse Acoustics are a Member of the ANC Pre-Completion Sound Testing Registration Scheme which is approved by the DCLG to undertake sound insulation testing in accordance with the Building Regulations Approved Document E.

All new build or conversion dwelling-houses, flats or rooms for residential purposes (e.g. hotels, student accommodation) are required to have a sound test carried out for airborne and impact sound insulation upon completion, adhering to current building regulations. The only exceptions to this are detached houses or new build developments that have registered with the Robust Details scheme.

Airborne Sound Insulation Testing

Should sound transfer through a separating wall or floor construction be the cause of complaint, the first step is to establish the existing level of sound insulation. Airborne sound testing may reveal that the separating construction is the main transmission path or that flanking via the surrounding structures is the cause of the complaint. Once this is established, suitable remedial measures may then be specified.

Should noise break-in via a façade be an issue due to road traffic or other sources, the existing level of sound insulation may also be established. Likewise, if noise breakout occurs via a façade due to music or other sources, the existing sound insulation level may be established.

Impact Sound Insulation Testing

If the cause of complaint is found to be impact sound from the floor above, the first step is to establish the current level of sound insulation. Testing may reveal that the separating construction is the main transmission path or that flanking via the surrounding structures is the cause of the complaint. Once this is established, suitable remedial measures may then be specified.

Reverberation Time

The reverberation time of a space can have a significant impact on speech intelligibility and clarity of music. It can also affect the reverberant sound level within a space which can impact speech privacy within open plan spaces such as offices and the decay of sound across open plan spaces such as workshops. Measurement of the existing reverberation time is the first step in establishing suitable absorbent treatment in order to reduce the reverberation time.

Indoor Ambient Noise Levels

Indoor ambient noise levels can have a significant impact on the occupants of a space. Too high and speech intelligibility may be affected or sleep disturbance may occur. Too low and acoustic privacy may be adversely affected. Measurement of the existing indoor ambient noise level is the first step in establishing suitable mitigation measures.

Building Services

Building services noise levels can affect internal and external spaces. Whilst a certain level of noise may be expected due to the operation of equipment, if the level is too high it may be considered intrusive or even a noise nuisance. Measurement of existing building services noise levels is the first step in identifying suitable mitigation measures.

To find out how we can help with your project please call our acoustic consultants on 0161 457 0515 or email Enquiry@LighthouseAcoustics.co.uk.