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Acoustic properties of
Introduction
This Guide provides information relating to the concrete and masonry
acoustic design of attached masonry homes, and
will assist home builders, developers, architects and Concrete in its various forms provides a wide range of products and systems
specifiers in improving sound insulation and that are used in housing. The sound insulation properties of blockwork and
achieving good levels of acoustic performance in of concrete floor systems encompass three key acoustic parameters: mass,
attached houses and apartments. In this Guide the
stiffness and damping.
word ‘apartment’ is used to apply to both
apartments and flats.
Mass properties can lead to significant attenuation of sound and vibration
at all sound frequencies, but are particularly important for reducing low
The information deals primarily with Building
Regulation requirements in England and Wales, but frequency sound transmission. High stiffness can prevent flexing of walls
the solutions will also comply with current or floors and this reduces low frequency sound transmission by reducing
minimum performance standards in Scotland and the capability of the structural wall and floor elements to transfer sound
Northern Ireland. Scotland has recently consulted energy into the air of adjoining rooms and cavities. The inherent damping
on new sound insulation criteria to be implemented properties of many blockwork and concrete floor systems enables sound and
in October 2010. This is referred to in Table 3, under vibration energy to be attenuated and reduced before reaching other elements
the column headed S2010. or rooms, by converting sound and vibration energy into heat within the
material. Concrete is unique in having the highest damping properties of any
Effective acoustic performance depends largely on structural material.
workmanship and inspection processes during the
build. Construction details that are listed as Robust If, through good acoustic design, isolation and resilience are combined
Details (RD) have undergone 30 previous site tests with the three inherent acoustic properties of concrete, superior acoustic
prior to being incorporated into the Robust Details
performance is achieved.
Scheme. To assist site managers who register to use
the RD Scheme, site checklists are available from
www.robustdetails.com for each RD. As new higher Figure 1 shows an example of the airborne sound insulation performance of a
performance levels for masonry homes are solid wall versus a cavity blockwork wall. Whilst both walls have mass, stiffness
constantly being developed, specifiers and designers and damping, the incorporation of a cavity (and thus isolation) significantly
should check with Robust Details Ltd, or their increases the sound insulation performance for a range of frequencies.
acoustic consultant, in order to keep up to date
with the latest developments and new designs that
Figure 1
may appear after the publication of this Guide. Airborne sound insulation – difference in performance between solid and
75 mm cavity walls built with dense blocks
Masonry homes can provide high levels of sound
insulation across a wide range of sound frequencies 90
and can attenuate many noises within dwellings. 80
Airborne sound insulation Dnt (dB)
The levels of sound insulation achieved can provide Dense block cavity wall
70
a valuable contribution to the health and wellbeing
of home occupants. 60
50
Dense block solid wall
Whilst this Guide focuses on achievement of 40
acoustic performance, there are other performance
30
requirements that a wall or floor needs to meet,
such as thermal performance and structural 20
performance. The final construction details need to 10
incorporate all details required to satisfy all the 0
performance requirements of the project. 100 200 400 800 1600 3150
Frequency (Hz)
Performance, compliance What is L'nT,w?
and testing L is the effective level of noise (sound pressure level) that is
generated in the room below a separating floor as found in
apartments and flats. The noise source is provided via a metal
Performance hammer tapping machine (with five steel hammers) which is
positioned on the upper dwelling’s floor surface. As the hammers
Good sound insulation performance can lead to reduced noise
hit the floor sound and vibration energy is transmitted into the
complaints and a better quality of life for home occupants. Hence
dwelling below. Only the sound pressure level (L) is recorded in
specific sound performance targets, particularly those limiting the room below. Again, like airborne sound measurements, the
sound transfer between separate households, are incorporated into reverberation time (T) of the receiving room is measured and this
Approved Document E1, under Part E of the Building Regulations. is normalised to a typical reverberation time (0.5 seconds) for a
The performance requirements cover a range of sound frequencies habitable room.
from 100 Hz (low frequency) to 3150 Hz (high frequency). These
requirements apply to separating walls in attached houses or
apartments and separating floors in apartments. Layout, design and workmanship
For attached houses and apartments, good initial design of room
Whilst specific performance standards are set within Building Regulation layouts of adjoining homes can contribute to better sound insulation.
guidance and standards, it is important to appreciate that it is not For example, by ensuring that features such as built-in wardrobes,
possible to stop all noise and address all types of noise sources. cupboards or utility/service zones are positioned adjacent to the
separating walls, effective buffer zones are formed that reduce
airborne sound transmission and attendant flanking sound risks.
What is DnT,w? Apartments require floor layouts that do not have habitable rooms
D is the effective noise (sound pressure level difference) transfer adjacent to support and circulation facilities such as lift shafts, refuse
between two adjoining dwellings X and Y where a noise source is placed
chutes and motor rooms. Good layouts mean the building is more
in dwelling X (measured Level 1: L1) and the receiving room in the
adjoining dwelling Y (measured Level 2: L2). As room volumes may be likely to achieve effective sound attenuation.
different and rooms may or may not be furnished, the reverberation
time (inverse of absorption) of the receiving room is also measured. The Compliance
effective difference (D = L1 − L2) is then normalised (nT) to the measured The primary compliance performance requirements for new build
reverberation time compared with a typical reverberation time (0.5
attached housing for England and Wales is Approved Document E.
seconds) for a habitable room. The performance of DnT is recorded
at each frequency band and then assessed or weighted (w) against There are two methodologies for demonstrating compliance:
a standard curve for sound insulation.
■■ Robust Details (RDs) − before works have commenced
the designer chooses and registers to build a Robust Detail
What is Ctr?
(see www.robustdetails.com) and the construction is executed
To address low frequency sound transmission and improve the sound
in accordance with the RD specification.
insulation performance at low frequencies, a spectrum adaptation
term Ctr is used. This is a negative value, and places significant ■■ Pre-Completion Testing (PCT) − where sound tests are
emphasis on the sound insulation performance between 100 Hz and undertaken at the end of the construction phase and a test report
200 Hz. Structures with high mass such as concrete generally perform is produced that details the performance levels achieved.
well at low frequencies.
2
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
54 4 credits By 2009, over 7,000 detailed tests had been undertaken with over
53 8+ dB better 4000 site inspections. The scheme uses specialised data analysis to
4 credits
52 track and monitor each RD. Prior to the introduction of Robust Details,
51 3 credits compliance rates were approximately 40 per cent. Since the Robust
Minimum mean
50 5+ dB better performance Details scheme has been operating annual compliance rates are
49 typically 97 per cent. The mean performance level of Robust Details is
1 credit 3 credits 7 dB better than those required by Approved Document E.
48 3+ dB better
Design
47 minimum
1 or 2
46 Minimum 0 credits credits Pre-Completion Testing (PCT)
Approved (see Note 2) On-site sound insulation testing is commonly referred to as Pre-
45 Doc. E
Completion Testing (PCT). This should be undertaken by either UKAS
44 or less NON COMPLIANCE
Accredited Testers or ANC Registered Testers (for Part E, Association of
a) Airborne sound performance requirements for separating walls and floors
Noise Consultants). Both organisations list the accredited or registered
testers on their websites for sound insulation testing. For UKAS this is
Decibels Enhanced Robust Code for Ecohomes www.ukas.org/testing, and for ANC, www.theanc.co.uk.
(dB) performance Details for Sustainable (see Note 1)
level Part E Homes
groupings (see Note 1) (see Note 1)
Testing is undertaken in accordance with ISO 140 Part 4 (airborne)
52 or less and Part 7 (impact). The presentation of the results and criteria should
Increasing impact insulation performance
53 4 credits be in accordance with ISO 140 and ISO 717 (Parts 1 and 2). Approved
54 8 dB better Document E (Annex B) also provides further and specific information
4 credits
55 relating to sound insulation testing.
56 Maximum 3 credits
mean
57 5 dB better performance The Concrete Centre maintains a list of sites where pre-completion
58 acoustic tests have been conducted. The test results and certificates
1 credit 3 credits
59 3 dB better can be viewed at www.concretecentre.com by searching under
Design
60 maximum technical information (acoustic performance section).
1 or 2
61 Minimum 0 credits credits
Approved (see Note 2)
62 Doc. E Preparing for sound insulation tests (PCT)
63 or To reduce delays that impact on handover of dwellings to occupants,
NON COMPLIANCE
more it is important that the site plots to be tested are ready for PCT to be
b) Impact sound performance requirements for separating floors conducted. There are nine primary factors to consider.
Notes
1 Each Robust Detail is also assigned specific credits under Code for Sustainable Homes Before sound tests
and Ecohomes. Refer to www.robustdetails.com for detailed information. 1) Wall finishes: skirting boards should be in place and floor and wall
2 When using Robust Details a minimum of 2 credits are automatically awarded. junctions should be properly sealed.
When using PCT, 1 or 2 credits maybe awarded depending on the ratio of Pre-Completion
Testing being undertaken. For Ecohomes credits refer to HEA2 on RD website. 2) Floor finishes: separating floor surfaces should be bare (i.e. no
carpets) or may have a bonded soft floor covering.
Robust Details 3) Doors:
The Robust Details route provides a range of solutions for masonry • External doors should be in place with seals.
and concrete dwellings where designers wish to use Robust Details, • Internal doors for rooms being tested should be in place.
so avoiding upfront design meetings, addressing key workmanship 4) Windows: should be installed with vent covers in place.
issues and avoiding undertaking Pre-Completion Testing. Each RD is
tested 30 times over at least four different sites prior to entry into the
Robust Detail Handbook8. Each Robust Detail is then tracked through
random performance monitoring across a range of sites by inspection
and tests undertaken by RD Inspectors. There are over 40 Robust
Detail wall and floors providing over 100 wall and floor combinations.
3
5) Electricity and sockets:
• If plug socket points are located within the separating wall Attached houses
(although preferably they should not be) socket covers should
be in place. Separating walls
• Preferably mains electricity should be ‘live’ for sockets in rooms (otherwise known as party walls)
to be tested. This saves a considerable amount of test time Masonry separating walls are unique in being able to provide both
as test engineers may have to bring portable generators if solid and cavity wall options. As shown in Figure 1, cavity separating
mains electricity is not available. walls generally have higher sound insulation properties than solid
6) Services: any service penetrations in separating walls or floors walls. However, the application of diverse wall linings can enhance the
should be sealed. sound insulation performance of solid blockwork separating walls.
7) Contact with test engineer:
• They will need plot layouts of the houses or apartments Solid walls are typically 215 mm dense blocks (density 1,900 kg/m3)
to be tested. laid full width. They should be single stretcher bonded with all mortar
• Be clear as to whom the engineer should report. beds fully filled. The density of each leaf of a masonry cavity wall can
• Arrange access time to site: this should be when the site is vary from 600 kg/m3 (aircrete block) to 1,900 kg/m3 (dense block).
quiet or when there is no noisy work in the immediate vicinity
of test dwellings. It is important that bed joints and perpends are fully filled and sealed
to reduce sound transmission. There are three methods to improve
During sound tests the performance of masonry walls and increase sound insulation
8) Site requirements: performance:
• No other workers or noisy equipment should be within the
■■ Application of a plaster finish.
near vicinity of test areas. Such additional noise may adversely
influence sound test results, or cause delays during testing, ■■ Application of a render (parge) coat prior to dry lining.
which in turn may hold up other site work. ■■ Application of mineral wool within the cavity.
• Site operatives should not enter the dwellings during testing.
9) Construction details: the test engineer will require information The application of plaster or render coats seals the blockwork face,
on the construction build-up of walls and floors; this can be improves the acoustic damping properties and also provides a
provided before, during or after the site visit. decoupling mechanism (i.e. prevents the dry-lining coming into direct
contact with the block face).
4
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
Figure 3
Figure 4
Sound insulation performance for a lightweight aggregate blockwork
Mortar collection on the wall ties.
100 mm cavity wall (with Type A wall ties) and different linings
90
Airborne sound insulation Dnt (dB)
80
Render plus dry-lining
70
60
50
With render coat
40
Bare block
30
20
10
0
100 200 400 800 1600 3150
Frequency (Hz)
Wall ties Using raft foundations or continuous floor slabs with masonry cavity
For structural reasons, wall ties will generally be required when walls can provide a strong direct coupling mechanism allowing
constructing cavity walls. The correct specification of wall ties for sound transmission. Sound and vibration energy can travel down the
the separating wall is crucial to obtain the expected good isolation wall leaf, across the slab and into the adjacent cavity wall leaf. This
properties and sound insulation performance. Type A wall ties should mechanism of sound transmission can occur along the entire length of
be used as described in Approved Document E, Section 2.19. Their the separating wall leaf (see Figure 5a below).
acoustic properties are assessed via their dynamic stiffness. Figure 5
Typical wall and floor sound transmission mechanisms
Type A wall ties should have a dynamic stiffness that is less than
4.8 MN/m3 for the cavity width specified. It is therefore necessary to Masonry cavity
Separating wall leafs
obtain confirmation from the wall tie manufacturer that they have
a test report that demonstrates compliance with this criterion. The
measured dynamic stiffness is based on the ties being installed at a
standard density of 2.5 per square metre (this equates to spacing of
Raft foundation
900 mm horizontal x 450 mm vertical centres).
Commercial examples of Type A wall ties are listed below: 5a
5
In addition, as there is no lower cavity beneath the slab level, as found Figure 7
in strip foundations, any mortar that falls into the cavity can easily form Plan views of solid and cavity separating walls showing incorrect and
a bridge or couple the wall leafs (see Figure 5b). Similarly where radon correct junctions to reduce flanking sound transmission through the
inner leaf of the external wall
or gas membrane barriers are used to seal the cavity and close the void
in normal strip foundations, this can act as a mortar collector and will Solid separating walls
bridge the cavity wall leafs (see Figure 5c), providing a significant sound
Inner leaf
transmission mechanism. It is therefore important to isolate the wall
Inner leaf Inner leaf
leafs from the slab and also isolate any mortar collection at the slab
surface or on gas membranes in strip or trench foundations. Dense block 215 mm
solid wall
One solution that deals with all three issues mentioned above is the 7a) 7b)
Icopal Monarfloor Bridgestop System as shown in Figure 6.
Cavity separating walls
Figure 6
Icopal Monarfloor Bridgestop System for isolating masonry cavity
Inner leaf Inner leaf Inner leaf
separating walls from continuous slabs and mortar collection on gas
membranes
In the case of solid masonry separating walls using dense blocks, it is Ensure junction between
important that the inner leaf continuity is broken by the separating core room-in-roof systems and
masonry separating wall
wall. Figure 7a) shows an example of how not to build, where the inner head is well sealed to
leaf is run through between the dwellings past the end of the separating prevent sound transmission
wall resulting in significant flanking transmission and loss in sound through gaps or voids
Fire stop
insulation performance. Figure 7b) shows how the inner leaf should be
broken by the separating wall. It is possible to tooth-in or abut and tie.
Where structurally possible it is preferable to abut and tie the inner leaf
to the face of the separating wall, as this method provides 2 to 3dB
better sound insulation performance than toothed-in.
Min 75 mm
6
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
7
Table 1
Attached houses: Compliance of masonry separating walls for sound insulation
a) Core 215 mm, • 215 mm dense block solid wall Yes E-MW-9 0 2 N For houses on raft
TW 291 mm • 13 mm parge coats b/s foundations
• Gypsum board 12.5 kg/m2 b/s
c) Core 275 mm, • 75 mm cavity wall, dense or Yes E-WM-1 0 2 N * Stagger chases
TW 301 mm lightweight aggregate on each side and
E-WM-2 1 3 avoid back-to-back
• 13 mm plaster* finish b/s
services
g) Core 300 mm, • 100 mm cavity wall, dense or lightweight Yes E-WM-11 3 4 Y * Does not require
TW 355 mm aggregate dry-lining
E-WM-16 3 4
• OR (Besblock 'Star performer'
blockwork, E-WM-18* 3 4
• 8 mm render coat
• Gypsum board 10 kg/m2 b/s
i) Core 300 mm, • 100 mm cavity wall, lightweight or dense Yes E-WM-19 4 4 Y For attached
TW 355 mm aggregate houses only
• Icopal Monarfloor Bridgestop
• 8 mm render coat
• Gypsum board 10 kg/m2 b/s
Notes
Core - Core width, TW = Total wall width (minimum)
E - Compliant with Approved Document E
RD - Available Robust Detail (see RD Handbook Part E)
CfSH - Credits for CfSH (refer to RDL web site for updates on credits) www.robustdetails.com – only where RDs have been registered
Eco - Credits for Ecohomes (refer to RDL web site for updates on credits) www.robustdetails.com – only where RDs have been registered
S2010 - Compliant (Y) with Section 5: Noise Scotland proposed 2010 standards
8
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
Apartments For in-situ concrete floors, normally known as Type 1 floors within
Approved Document E, these should have a minimum mass per
unit area of 365 kg/m2. For hybrid solutions, such as a precast slab
Separating floors for apartments must comply with both airborne and with in-situ concrete topping, the minimum mass per unit area of
impact sound insulation requirements. As described earlier ‘airborne’ the composite floor should also be 365 kg/m2. The Robust Details
performance is referred to as airborne sound insulation and ‘impact’ Handbook gives specific requirements for thickness and density of
performance is commonly referred to as impact sound transmission, in-situ concrete floors.
due to the test methodology and reporting criteria requirements.
To achieve higher airborne sound insulation performance in order
Standard floor systems to gain additional credits under the Code for Sustainable Homes or
Concrete plays a major role in the sound insulation of apartment Ecohomes, it is recommended that the precast floor slab should be a
floors due to the number of standard separating floor systems minimum of 200 mm thick. This improved performance is due to the
available. The range of standard floor systems offer a variety of enhanced floor slab stiffness and reduced flanking sound transmission
solutions for the developer, architect and engineer. Table 2 lists some at the exterior wall junctions.
of the floor options.
For further information on calculating the mass per unit area of multi-
To achieve the required sound insulation performance levels, all element floors refer to Approved Document E1 Annex A: Method for
separating floors need to address the following factors: calculating mass per unit area.
■■ Minimum mass per unit area.
■■ Flanking transmission pathways. Flanking transmission pathways
■■ Junctions with perimeter supporting and non-supporting walls. Floor and wall junctions are crucial design factors in achieving the
required airborne and impact sound performance. Even with the
■■ Floor finish types.
optimum floor design and construction, the contribution of sound
■■ Ceiling treatments.
leakage between apartments at the external walls will often be the
■■ Service penetrations. controlling factor in the final sound insulation performance.
With apartments, other factors may also need to be considered, There are at least 13 sound transmission pathways between the
such as the incorporation of wind posts, external cladding and rooms in two vertically arranged apartments, involving one direct path
reinforcement structural junctions. The wide range of floor finish types and 12 indirect paths. The indirect sound transmission pathways are
this is described separately under Floor Finishes. termed flanking pathways. At each wall and floor junction there are
three flanking pathways. As there are at least four walls to a room, this
Minimum mass per unit area (kg/m2) leads to a total of at least 12 flanking pathways per room. Figure 10
Mass is one of the five key principle factors of sound insulation illustrates some of these pathways.
that were outlined on page 1. For precast slab or beam and block
separating floors, the minimum mass per unit area should be
Figure 10
300 kg/m2, before the application of any screeds. Some precast floor
Examples of direct and indirect (flanking) sound transmission
slabs are specifically designed to meet the sound requirements for pathways for separating floor junctions at separating walls and
apartments, and careful attention should be given to slab codings, external wall inner leafs
often identified by an (H) for homes, such as 150H or 200H.
Table 2
Examples of standard concrete floor systems used in apartments Flat 3 Flat 4
Hybrid concrete floor Plain precast solid slab or hollowcore slab with
in-situ concrete topping
Flat 1 Flat 2
Composite voided biaxial flat slab
Composite lattice girder soffit slab Direct pathway
Insulated concrete floor Slab with sand/cement screed over insulation layer 1) Flanking pathway (room-wall-floor-wall-room)
Precast solid slab, with integrated insulation layer 2) Flanking pathway (room-wall-floor-room)
and in-situ concrete topping 3) Flanking pathway (room-floor-wall-room)
9
These flanking pathways exist whether the walls are loadbearing or Floor and wall junctions
non-loadbearing. Factors affecting sound transmission at external walls The junction between separating floors and external walls is one of
include: the most critical structural build elements for sound transmission
■■ Type of wall or support (e.g. masonry, precast wall panel, structural between apartments. It is very important that the separating core
frame wall or curtain wall). floor breaks the vertical continuity of external walls. The edge of the
■■ Type of material (e.g. block type, mass per unit area). separating floor must never abut the face of the perimeter walls.
This applies equally to load bearing and non-loadbearing walls. If the
■■ Thickness of the wall (e.g. 100, 140, 215 mm).
exterior wall inner leafs are vertically continuous between apartments
■■ Linings to the wall (e.g. drylined, plaster, render and drylined, this can reduce sound insulation by 9 dB to 12 dB (see Figure 11).
insulated plasterboard, mountings and fixings).
■■ Floor and wall junctions (see next section). Figure 11 shows how building in the separating floor breaks the vertical
continuity of the inner leaf of the external wall and the quantity of
The type of wall or support can influence the quantity of sound flanking sound transmission into the downstairs apartment is reduced.
transmitted, and this will vary according to the length of connections The size of arrows indicates the level of sound being transmitted at each
between the separating floor and the supporting wall or column junction with the source of noise in the upper apartment.
element. For example, there is significantly less flanking sound
transmission via concrete columns than via full wall lengths, due to Service penetrations
limited contact area. The type of wall material affects the coupling, Service penetrations can be found in many locations in domestic
resistance and interaction between the core floor and the wall. This is buildings. In addition there is an increasing number of building services
why Approved Document E and Robust Details specify ‘mass per unit due to the incorporation of micro-renewables and information
area’ for external flanking walls. The thickness of the wall can affect technology services. Where possible, service pipes and cabling should
the specific sound frequencies that are transmitted between the floor not pass through separating walls between dwellings.
and the wall and into the room.
However, it is common for soil vent pipes (SVPs) to pass vertically
The linings to the wall can alter the coupling of sound between between apartments and these may often extend for the entire height
of the building to roof level. As these pipes and services will result in
core wall and the room. Dry lined walls with cavities behind them
continuous voids and openings within the separating floors it is very
result in drum effects or ‘mass-spring-mass’ resonances as described
important that they are suitably sealed and lined.
for attached houses. These effects can be reduced by increasing the
mass and stiffness of the lining board. Decoupling the wall linings
SVPs that pass through separating floors must be sealed at their
by using independent (free standing) wall linings or resilient bracket
junction with the floor. The void between the surface of the pipe and the
mountings can reduce direct coupling between core wall and the
core floor should be fully sealed with grout. In addition, the pipe should
dry lining board. The use of absorption quilt between the core wall
be wrapped with at least 25 mm mineral wool, of minimum density
and dry lining board can improve sound insulation at mid and high
10 kg/m3, and the pipe should be boxed with two layers of gypsum-based
frequencies; this helps combat general living noise transmitted via board, of minimum mass per unit area 8 kg/m2 (see Figure 12).
flanking walls.
Figure 11 Figure 12
Cross sections of incorrect and correct junction of the separating floor How to seal and box vertical SVPs that pass through separating floors
with external wall inner leafs and the effect on sound transmission
25 mm (min)
Wall framing mineral wool quilt
Flat Y Flat Y (min 10 kg/m3)
around pipe
SVP
Pipe boxed in
with two layers
gypsum-based
board, each layer
nominal 8 kg/m3
Separating floor Separating floor
10
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
The boxing frame and drylining should not touch the pipe as this can External cladding junctions
lead to structure-borne sound transmission. As with all construction In some cases the design of apartments or flats will involve full height
types, careful attention should be paid to fire resistance of the linings glazing sections or curtain walling. In addition to the glazing elements
and seals (refer to Approved Document B: Fire Safety13, Section 7). there may be mullions and transoms. These can provide significant
flanking sound transmission pathways and care should be taken to
Steel columns and wind posts ensure these pathways are attenuated.
The structural requirements for some multi-storey apartment
building designs and their geographical site location may require the Due to the wide range of external glazed cladding designs and
incorporation of additional steel columns or steel wind posts. These junctions, it is recommended that specialist acoustic advice is sought.
additional members may be located in the separating walls or external As with normal inner leafs of external walls it is important that there
walls. They require special consideration as sound can travel through is a break in the vertical continuity. Similar breaks should also occur in
steel at 5 km/sec and there is very little acoustic damping. the horizontally adjacent apartments, as shown in Figure 14.
Figure 14
Separating walls: Where possible, steel columns should not be
External view showing continuity breaks in apartments with glazing or
incorporated into masonry separating (party) wall leafs. Where this is curtain wall facades
unavoidable, specialist acoustic advice should be sought as the design
and adjoining construction elements will be important in determining Horizontal continuity break
the correct solution.
11
Floor finishes Figure 15
Recommended perimeter detail for a) isolation layers with separate
perimeter flanking strips and b) continuous isolation layers with
There is an extensive range of floor finish types that can be used with upstands
concrete floor systems. The floor finish contributes to both airborne and
impact performance. In the majority of cases the floor finish system will Gypsum board
be composed of a wet and dry system, which collectively will increase Dab
mass, improve isolation and increase resilience to footfall noise.
Skirting
Separate perimeter isolation flanking
The three most common forms of floor finish are: edge strip
Screed
■■ Bonded soft (resilient) floor coverings.
Isolation layer laid over slab and fully
■■ Floating screeds with an integral isolation layer. sealed at edges
All of the above three floors will then have a ‘living’ finish applied,
Continuous lining wrapped up wall and
such as carpets, laminate, wooden floor or tiles. returned under wall lining and skirting
Generally these floor coverings provide a simple solution to meeting the Floating screeds with an integral isolation layer
impact sound transmission requirements for separating floors. The sound The most common form of floor finish for concrete floors is the floating
insulation performance information for bonded soft floor covering is often screed. The primary elements of this construction involve the installation
stated following a test directly on the material before any ‘living’ surface over the core floor slab of an isolation material, typically 5 to 10 mm
is added. However, in real life, such surfacing may be a hard floor such as thick, with a screed poured over this. The screed may be a sand-cement
laminate or wood board, and in these cases the acoustic performance can screed or a self-levelling proprietary flowing screed and will provide
be markedly reduced in comparison to a soft floor covering. additional mass and stiffness to the floor.
Performance testing in laboratories of soft floor coverings is normally The isolation layer reduces the direct sound energy transmission from
undertaken by comparing the impact sound transmission of the core screed to slab and adjacent structures. This is installed with overlap at
floor with and without the soft floor covering applied. This effective the sheet edges and sealed with tape or adhesive.
difference is known as a D (delta) dB performance. The higher the
value the better the insulation performance of the floor covering. For With the addition of the isolating layer and the screed, both the
example a core floor (no soft floor covering) may have an impact airborne and impact sound insulation are increased. However, careful
performance of 70 dB Lw, but with the soft covering applied this may attention must be paid to a number of elements to avoid bridging the
be reduced to 38 dB Lw, an improvement of 32 dB. screed to the floor and perimeter walls. Where there is screed bridging,
the expected target impact performance is significantly reduced.
Following a Defra research project14 evaluating the impact sound
insulation performance of wood and laminate flooring, the Examples of screed bridging include:
performance difference due to such hard flooring was identified. There ■■ Gaps or breaks in the isolation layer which allow the screed to
was an improvement of between 28 dB and 42 dB in performance
come into contact or ‘bridge’ with the core slab.
across a range of sample soft floor coverings. When hard flooring
was laid over the soft floor coverings, the improvement was only ■■ Gaps or breaks in the isolation layer or special perimeter linings
19 to 21dB, demonstrating a significant drop in performance when (flanking strips) at the perimeter with the walls, causing the screed
such hard floor surfaces are applied. Thus, when choosing a soft floor to bridge with the walls or wall linings.
covering the specifier should request data demonstrating performance ■■ Where the flanking strips or isolation upstands are not installed
with a hard floor laid over it. between the underside of the skirting and the screed, thus
incorrectly allowing the skirting board to be hard down and bridge
Testing of soft floor coverings should be undertaken in accordance
(touch) the screed.
with ISO 140-815. Further details on testing and reporting
methodologies may be found in Approved Document E, Annex B3 and ■■ Where the SVPs are not correctly isolated or wrapped and the
Robust Details Handbook, Appendix G. screed is allowed to come into contact with the pipe.
12
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
365 kg/m2.
Approved Document E and the Robust Details Handbook set specific * Minimum from Robust Details
impact reduction performance requirements for specified floating floor
treatments. Further information on floating floor treatment products
maybe found from the acoustic systems manufacturers through their
industry organisation (www.pasm.org.uk).
13
Ceiling finish types Figure 17
The ceiling finish and support system can have an integral role in the Examples of ceiling systems for apartments
airborne and impact sound insulation performance. Ceiling void depths
vary from 50 mm to 200 mm. The incorporation of service pipes and
ventilation ducts often require a minimum ceiling void depth of
150 mm. Figure 17 shows examples of different ceiling systems.
14
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
Separating floors
Table 3 lists a number of masonry separating floor construction details in use, along with their Robust Detail code reference and the points available
for CfSH and Ecohomes.
Table 3
Compliance of concrete floors for sound insulation.
c) • Floating screed on 8 mm Regupol, Yes E-FC-6 See Notes See Robust Detail
(continuous isolation layer) specification for wall
and tongue and groove
• Screed topping floor junctions and FFT
• Beam and block floor min. 300 kg/m2 options
d) • Screed topping and FFT Yes E-FC-7 See Notes See Robust Detail
specification for wall
• Beam and block floor min. 300 kg/m2 and tongue and groove
• Suspended ceiling with 25 mm quilt insulation floor junctions
e) • Bonded resilient floor cover Yes E-FC-8 See Notes See Robust Detail
specification for
• Floating screed on dual isolation layer isolation layers and
• Precast concrete slab min. 300 kg/m2 bonded resilient cover
specification
• Suspended ceiling
f) • 3 mm Thermal Economics Isorubber top Yes E-FC-9 See Notes See Robust Detail
specification
• Direct pour screed
• Concrete slab min. 300 kg/m2
• Suspended ceiling
h) • Floating screed on 10 mm Monarfloor Yes E-FC-11 See Notes See Robust Detail
Tranquilt (continuous isolation layer) specification
• Precast concrete slab min. 300kg/m2
• Suspended ceiling
Notes
Robust Details are regularly updated; refer to www.robustdetails.com for latest details
E - Compliant with Approved Document E
RD - Available Robust Detail (see RD Handbook Part E)
CfSH, Eco, S2010 The potential for apartment credits and sound insulation performance also depends on the separating wall option chosen, the type of flanking blockwork
used, ceiling type and FFT (where required). The performance for Section 5: Noise Scotland also depends on these factors. See Robust Details Handbook and website for
specific specifications and Code credits, or seek specialist acoustic advice.
15
How to achieve acoustic performance in masonry homes
References
1 OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER. Approved Document E: Resistance to the passage of sound.
(2003 Edition incorporating 2004 amendments). ODPM, London.
2 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN ISO 140, Part 4: Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and building elements
- Field measurements of airborne sound insulation between rooms. BSI, London, 1998.
3 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN ISO 717, Part 1: Acoustics – Ratings of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements
- Airborne sound insulation. BSI, London, 1997.
4 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, BS EN ISO 140, Part 7: Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and building elements
- Field measurements of impact sound insulation of floors. BSI, London, 1998.
5 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN ISO 717, Part 2: Acoustics – Ratings of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements
- Impact sound insulation. BSI, London, 1997.
6 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Code for Sustainable Homes, Technical Guidance. May 2009. CLG, London, 2009.
7 BUILDING RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT. Ecohomes 2006 (with 2009 amendments). The environmental rating for homes. The guidance Issue 1.2. BRE Ltd, Watford.
8 ROBUST DETAILS LTD. Robust Details Handbook Part E: Resistance to the passage of sound (Edition 3), Robust Details Ltd, 2009.
9 BUILDING RESEARCH ESTABLISHMENT Standard Assessment Procedure for energy rating of dwellings. Draft SAP 2009 (Version 9.9) BRE Ltd., Watford, 2009.
10 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Proposed changes to Part L and Part F of the Building Regulations: A consultation paper.
DCLG, London, 2009.
11 SCOTTISH BUILDING STANDARDS. Proposed Amendment to the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004 – A review of standards and guidance in the
Technical Handbooks on Section 6: Energy (incorporating minor changes to Section 3: Environment; Ventilation Guidance) Consultation. 2 SBS, Livingston, 2009.
12 SCOTTISH BUILDING STANDARDS. Proposed amendments to the Building (Scotland) Regulations 2004: A review of standards and guidance in the Technical
Handbooks on Section 5: Noise (Consultation – Annex B: Domestic – Noise: 2010 draft). SBS, Livingston. 2008.
13 COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Approved Document B (2006 Edition) Fire safety – dwelling houses. DCLG, London.
14 DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS. Defra Research Report. The development and production of a guide for noise control
from laminated and wooden flooring, T Waters-Fuller et al. Defra, London, 2005.
15 BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION. BS EN ISO 140, Part 8: Acoustics – Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and building elements –
Laboratory measurements of the reduction of transmitted impact noise by floor coverings on a heavyweight standard floor. BSI, London, 1998.
The author is Director of the Institute for Sustainable Construction (ISC) and Professor of Construction Innovation at Edinburgh Napier University
(www.napier.ac.uk). He is also senior acoustic consultant with RMP Acoustics (www.rmp.biz) and external technical advisor to Robust Details Ltd
(www.robustdetails.com).
Ref: TCC/04/10 All advice or information from MPA – The Concrete Centre is intended only for use in the UK by those who will evaluate the significance
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Published July 2010
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