Part E Building Regulations – A Simple Breakdown
Part E of the Building Regulations is titled “Resistance to the Passage of Sound”. It sets minimum standards for sound insulation in buildings, helping prevent unwanted noise from traveling between walls, floors, ceilings, and shared areas. These rules apply to a wide range of properties, including homes, flats, schools, and other educational establishments.
Introduction to Part E
The regulations apply to both new-build and refurbished properties. They are divided into four key sections (E1 to E4), each covering essential aspects of noise control:
- E1: Protection against sound from adjoining buildings and within the same building
- E2: Protection against noise within a dwelling or house
- E3: Control of reverberation in shared internal spaces
- E4: Acoustic conditions in schools
These requirements cover both airborne noise (e.g., voices, televisions, music) and impact noise (e.g., footsteps, furniture movement). Compliance is usually demonstrated through on-site sound insulation testing, with results submitted to the local authority.
Alternatively, builders may follow Robust Details – pre-approved construction methods guaranteed to meet Part E standards. This approach avoids testing but requires strict adherence to the specifications and can sometimes be more expensive.
Section E1 – Protection Against Sound Between Buildings
Section E1 sets minimum performance standards for airborne and impact sound insulation between separate parts of a building or between adjoining buildings. It ensures that walls, floors, and ceilings provide sufficient resistance to noise transfer.
Compliance is mandatory for both new builds and refurbishments, covering residential dwellings, schools, and similar buildings.
Buildtec Solutions for E1 Compliance
- Under Screed / Under Floors: Roll Under Screed Acoustic Insulation, Uproll Acoustic Insulation, Grei Underscreed Impact Sound Insulation, Upgrei for thick floating floors, Basemat, Sylpro AD Acoustic Underlay (6mm & 10mm)
- Underlay / Floors: Basewood Acoustic Underlay for Wooden Floors, Sylpro Acoustic Underlay
- Ceilings: Mustwall 18B & 33B, FyBro
- Walls: Rewall, Mustwall, Biwall Acoustic Wall Panel, Trywall Wall & Ceiling Soundproofing
Section E2 – Protection Against Internal Noise
Section E2 deals with noise transfer within the same dwelling or building. Its aim is to maintain comfort and privacy by ensuring sound insulation between rooms and limiting impact sounds such as footsteps.
- Applies to both domestic and non-domestic buildings
- Relevant for new builds and conversions
- Covers internal walls and floors
- Focuses on both airborne and impact noise
All Buildtec products are designed to help reduce noise within dwellings and meet Section E2 standards.
Section E3 – Reverberation in Common Areas
Section E3 focuses on preventing excessive reverberation in shared spaces such as stairwells, lobbies, and corridors in residential buildings. By reducing echo and sound build-up, it creates more comfortable acoustic environments in multi-occupancy buildings.
Examples include apartments, student accommodation, hotels, and hostels.
Section E4 – Acoustic Conditions in Schools
Section E4 ensures that classrooms and other learning spaces are designed with suitable acoustics. This means:
- Minimising external and internal noise disruption
- Controlling reverberation times
- Providing appropriate insulation between rooms
Compliance typically follows Building Bulletin 93, which sets out acceptable acoustic performance standards for schools.
Regulatory Updates and Compliance
Staying up to date with regulatory changes is essential. Compliance with Part E is mandatory for new builds, extensions, and conversions. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, fines, and reputational damage.
Manufacturers such as Isolgomma and Buildtec supply solutions that meet or exceed Part E standards, helping architects and contractors stay compliant.
Economic Impact of Compliance
While soundproofing requires investment, it delivers long-term benefits including improved property value and reduced complaints. The costs and benefits can be summarised as follows:
- Direct Costs: Materials, hiring consultants, redesigns
- Indirect Costs: Installation time, project delays, learning curve for new techniques
- Long-term Benefits: Higher property value, fewer disputes, improved comfort, stronger reputation for quality
Common Challenges in Meeting Standards
Despite clear guidance, construction teams often face challenges with Part E compliance. Common issues include:
- Material Selection: Choosing the right acoustic materials from a crowded marketplace
- Design Constraints: Balancing optimum noise control with aesthetics and space
- Cost: High-quality materials may increase upfront costs
- Testing: Pre-completion testing can be complex and very costly if failed
- Construction Errors: Poor installation can undermine performance
Working with acoustic engineers and trusted suppliers can help overcome these challenges.
Sound Insulation Testing
For most projects, Pre-Completion Testing (PCT) is required to confirm compliance. These tests must be completed before carpets and other soft finishes are installed.
Types of Tests
- Airborne Noise Testing: Measures how sound travels through walls and floors. To comply in England & Wales, the standard is >45 dB.
- Impact Noise Testing: Assesses noise transfer from footsteps or objects. To comply in England & Wales, the standard is <62 dB.
Alternative Compliance
For new homes and flats, the Robust Details scheme provides a testing-free route to compliance. Buildtec is currently in the process of acquiring Robust Details approval for its products.
Conclusion
Part E Building Regulations are essential to creating quieter, more comfortable, and compliant living and working environments. While meeting these standards presents some challenges, the long-term benefits far outweigh the costs.
To achieve the best results, we recommend involving acoustic engineers and architects early in the design process and working closely with trusted suppliers like Buildtec.