Changes in the Detail of the Revised Regulations
It is not practical here to detail all the constructions. This section simply highlights some of the more
obvious changes, which affect common building constructions used in high-density build,
* Each wall and floor type is described and then the associated flanking details are provided for each case.
* In order to 'comply' with the 'approved constructions', you MUST also comply with ALL OF THE
DETAILING.
* Some construction methods are now incompatible, e.g. cavity party walls and continuous solid floors.
* Beam and block floors are no longer 'approved' for use as party floors. The advice is to 'seek guidance
from `the manufacturer'.
* For new build, all block work party walls are to be wet plastered. Dry lining finishes are to be
referred to 'the manufacturer'.
* For vertically adjacent flats, the weight of the inner leaf of the external wall is to exceed 120kg/m2.
In practical terms this would appear to exclude lightweight concrete blocks (Some exceptions are given)
* For floating floors, there is a maximum dynamic stiffness of 15 MN/m3 and minimum resilient layer thickness
of 5mm
Requirements for Testing
In summary, testing should be carried out on site as part of the construction process, and Approved
Document E refers to this as 'pre-completion testing'.
The person carrying out the building work is responsible for ensuring that appropriate sound insulation
testing is undertaken and they are also responsible for the cost of the testing.
Building Control Bodies are responsible for selecting both the properties to be tested, and the number
to be tested.
The performance standards to be achieved have a built-in allowance for measurement uncertainty, so
if any test shows one of the values has not been met, the structure will fail.
What Should he Tested and When
Tests are to be carried out between rooms or spaces that share a common area of separating wall or
separating floor.
Tests are to be carried out once the dwelling-houses, flats or rooms on either side of a separating element are essentially complete. Impact sound insulation tests should be carried out before carpets, foam backed vinyl etc are laid on floors. There are some exceptions on floor coverings, which are detailed in the Regulations.
There is no need to test between living spaces, corridors, stairwells or hallways.
Type of Constructions to be Tested
Test results only apply to the particular constructions tested and will be considered indicative of the
performance of others of the same type in the same development. It is therefore essential that developments be split into a number of notional groups.
Dwelling-houses (including bungalows), flats and rooms for residential purposes are considered as
three separate groups. If significant differences in construction types occur within any of these groups, then sub-grouping by type of separating floor and separating wall should be established
Further sub-grouping may be required if there are differences between flanking details at wall and floor junctions, different cavities or if the construction is considered to have ‘unfavorable features’ such as large potential flanking areas, for example unbroken walls in a flat.
Building control bodies can exercise their judgment to determine sub-groups.
