Those who have already failed the acoustic or sound test will tell you how much of a headache and hassle it is. But the sound testing process need not be so challenging or difficult, even if you have multiple dwellings or structures that require testing. With the proper approach and some proven tips, you can make sure that your building project passes the acoustic test with flying colours. Here is your essential guide to passing the acoustic or sound test for your building, structure, or entire development.
The first and most crucial step
The first and most crucial step is this: when you are still in the planning stages, you should already have sound insulation as one of your top priorities. In other words, plan your building or structure with proper sound insulation as a given. This doesn’t have to be prohibitively expensive, and it can help you save time and help you avoid any retrospective remedies and costs, not to mention any costs on re-testing.
Do continuous checking and monitoring
Once your building project is already ongoing, you should make it a point to do continuous checking and monitoring. Make sure that the ongoing construction is in line with your plans from the design and does not deviate from it. Even the most minor changes or alterations can result in a poor quality of construction, and this will have a truly significant impact on how effective your sound insulation plans and measures will be.
Have a sample sound test performed
If you are not quite sure how strong your sound insulation is and whether or not your development will adhere to the requirements, it would be a good idea to have a sample sound test performed before you complete your project. Have the test carried out at the early stages to ensure that the structure or development passes pre-completion sound testing. If your structure or development fails the sample sound test, then you can at least make design changes earlier on which will not affect your entire development or require you to spend too much.
Book your test when your property or development is ready
This is the simplest thing to do to enhance your chance of passing the sound test, as confirmed by the experts from TheBuildingComplianceTeam.com – book your test when your property is ready for it. How will you know this? If the work in your building is already 100% finished, but your structure isn’t decorated yet and doesn’t have furnishing or floor finishing, then this is the perfect time to book the test. The room where the sound test will be performed should also be free from any clutter or building materials.
Additionally, your building’s windows, as well as external doors, should already be installed and operable, and you should make sure that the skirting boards in the property are already fitted. Whatever light fittings, fixtures, plug sockets, and appliances you have should also be adequately fitted.
Pay attention to the conditions at the site
On the test day itself, pay attention to the conditions at the site. Make sure the engineers can access either side of the floor and party walls, and make sure they have access to the rooms which are being tested. All spaces should be empty and tidy, and the building should be vacant, as any small or minor movement can have an impact.