Sound insulation testing / PCT

We have a long history of providing sound insulation testing, also known as pre-completion tests or PCT.

Approved Document E

All new or converted houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes must have a sound insulation test carried out.  This is a requirement under Approved Document E (ADE) of the Building Regulations.

PCT

Pre-completion testing (PCT) is required through walls and floors separating dwellings from others, or from other parts of the same building. 

The number of tests needed for a given development is set out in the Regulations. 

In general, you will need tests in about 10% of houses and flats with identical wall or floor constructions.

Non-residential

An example would be a floor between a first-floor flat and a ground floor shop. 

Tests are also required between dwellings and non-residential parts of the same building, or between dwellings and non-residential buildings. 

Standards of sound insulation required for these may be more stringent than those required between dwellings. We recommend you contact us for advice or speak to Building Control before starting work on this type of development.

Air testing

When carrying out sound testing, we are sometimes asked about air testing. If you require air leakage or pressure tests, we do not carry out these tests. However, we would suggest an experienced specialist air assessor such as Alpha Air Testers Ltd.