The Most Common Reasons for Sound Test Failure | Southern Assessors

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2. Sound insulation testing is an essential part of meeting building regulations for new residential developments and converted dwellings. These tests help determine how effectively airborne and impact noise is reduced between separate living spaces. A pass result is not just a formality; It confirms that a building meets the acoustic standards required for liveable conditions. Despite this, many buildings fail on the first attempt. These failures are often avoidable. They conventionally stem from overlooked details missed during final stages of construction. Phone No: 0800 6123801 Mail Us:info@southern-assessors.co.uk Website: www.southern-assessors.co.uk

3. Incomplete Site Readiness Before the Test • One of the leading causes of failed sound insulation tests is conducting the test before the building is ready. A partition may appear structurally finished, but gaps in secondary elements can undermine its performance. To avoid this, the following areas should be fully complete before testing begins: • Skirting boards should be fitted and sealed • Floor finishes must be installed • Window seals, door seals, and loft hatches need to be in place • Any visible gaps around services or joints should be filled • If even small components are missing, the sound can escape or enter through these openings. This may result in an unexpected test failure. Phone No: 0800 6123801 Mail Us:info@southern-assessors.co.uk Website: www.southern-assessors.co.uk

4. Flanking Transmission Across Adjoining Elements Flanking is when sound travels along paths other than the direct wall or floor. For example, it may pass through ceiling joists, floor slabs, or connecting walls. It is one of the most overlooked reasons for failure because the issue is often hidden from view once surfaces are finished. Correct design during early stages helps. However, site teams should also review junction details and installation quality as construction progresses. Without this, even a well-built wall may underperform in the actual test. Sound testing in Berkshire has shown that even minor issues in connection detailing can affect results significantly, especially in dense housing developments. Phone No: 0800 6123801 Mail Us:info@southern-assessors.co.uk Website: www.southern-assessors.co.uk

5. Unsealed Penetrations from Services and Fittings • Electricians and plumbers are often the last teams on-site. Once walls or floors are complete, they may cut openings for sockets, cables, or pipes. These penetrations allow sound to pass through freely if not properly sealed. To avoid this: • Ensure every hole created during M&E installation is sealed with acoustic mastic or suitable foam • Use acoustic gaskets where services meet partition lines • Double-check recessed sockets on separating walls to ensure they are not back-to-back • These finishing details have a major impact on sound insulation performance. Sound testing Hampshire projects often highlight service penetrations as a weak point in otherwise well-constructed buildings. Phone No: 0800 6123801 Mail Us:info@southern-assessors.co.uk Website: www.southern-assessors.co.uk

6. Lack of Understanding About the Test Process Not all site managers or clients are clear on what is tested or why it matters. One common misunderstanding is access. For airborne sound testing between dwellings, both sides of the separating wall or floor need to be accessible. This becomes a problem when one side is already occupied or locked. Another issue is confusion over what is pre-completion sound testing? It is a test carried out before building handover to ensure the constructed partitions meet acoustic regulations. If planned too late or too early, the test may not be valid. Sound testing in Oxfordshire has found better results where site teams receive early briefing and coordinate access plans before the testing team arrives. Phone No: 0800 6123801 Mail Us:info@southern-assessors.co.uk Website: www.southern-assessors.co.uk

7. Final Word Most sound test failures can be avoided through preparation and awareness. It is not always about the thickness of walls or ceilings; its about the nuances that are often overlooked. Connect with the Southern Assessors team to learn more about this concept. Southern Assessors UK Phone No: 0800 6123801 Mail Us:info@southern-assessors.co.uk Website: www.southern-assessors.co.uk

8. Contact Us Phone No: 0800 6123801 Mail Us:info@southern-assessors.co.uk Website: www.southern-assessors.co.uk