Soundproofing Regulations: Approved Document E Explained

Soundproofing in residential dwellings is crucial. Excess noise is one of the most common reasons for tension between neighbours and cohabitants, while living in a noisy environment is proven to increase stress levels and negatively impact mental and physical health.

This is why the UK government has passed regulations ensuring minimum levels of soundproofing are provided in all dwellings. Here, we explain what these regulations are and what it means for construction workers.

Note that this blog is not legal advice and is simply a guide to help make the regulations easier to understand. If you have a legal issue, please seek professional advice.

UK Building Regulations Approved Document E: Resistance to Sound

The building regulations around soundproofing are all laid out in Approved Document E: Resistance to the passage of sound. Initially published in 2003 but revised multiple times since, this document lays out various requirements which can be summed up as such:

1. Residential properties must provide a reasonable resistance to sound from other parts of the building and adjoining buildings.
2. Dwellings must provide reasonable resistance to sound between internal walls and floors.
3. Shared accommodation (such as flats, halls, and houses with rented rooms) must prevent more reverberation in common areas than is reasonable.

What Level of Soundproofing is Required Under UK Building Regulations?

For properties impacted by Approved Document E, there are a few different targets that need to be met. These are split between airborne sound insulation (e.g. noise protection) and impact sound insulation (e.g. footsteps).

The table below outlines what sound protection level is expected in different residential buildings across walls, floors and stairs (unless specified).

When Does Soundproofing Regulation Apply To Construction Work?

Approved Document E primarily applies to residential buildings, although schools are also included in the document. Many other building types do not have specific soundproofing regulations in place, but separate guidance may exist – see BS 8233 for commercial properties as an example.

Here’s a rough guide on when you may need to consider the details of Approved Document E for your projects.

Soundproofing Testing

Approved Document E says that soundproof testing must be carried out to ensure the expected levels of sound resistance are met.

The most common method of testing for sound resistance is through a Pre-Completion Test (PCT), which is usually performed by a qualified professional. However, there are alternative options for new builds.

Advice for Soundproofing Floors

When you are soundproofing any floor above the ground floor, you will need to add acoustic insulation and chipboard to the joist to meet the requirements. 

We recommend using a minimum of 100mm acoustic insulation in these areas to ensure the minimum sound penetration is met. Furthermore, you could also use a dense acoustic-grade plasterboard to further decrease sound penetration. 

Advice for Soundproofing Walls

One of the most common materials used in soundproofing is acoustic-grade plasterboard. Standard plasterboard traditionally has an 8kg APB, whereas acoustic plasterboard is 12.8kg, meaning the product is far denser. This results in a reduction of sound passing through the wall.  

The use of internal acoustic insulation is also very common. A stud-partition wall, for example, will require adequate insulation to pass the soundproofing test.

Note that Approved Document E does not apply to internal walls which include a door or separate an en suite from its associated bedroom. 

While working on-site, it’s always good to keep up to date with the UK's building regulations to ensure that your projects are up to current standards. As mentioned previously, however, it’s always best to seek professional advice if you think there may be a legal issue with your work.