Housing Associations

Housing Associations are a core market for noise.co.uk. We offer sound insulation and building acoustics advice to over 60 HA’s and RSL currently. Please see the recent service list detailed below for the range of our consultancy services. If you do not see what you need listed below, please feel free to call to discuss your requirements.

Sound Insulation Tests to BS2750 (ISO140) and BS5821 (ISO717)for Floors, Ceilings and Walls
Sound insulation testing is a mainstay of our business and a logical place to start where noise nuisance in domestic situations is an issue. We carry all the necessary test equipment and are currently involved in the House Builders Federation Robust Standard Detail process for the improvement of sound insulation in residential dwellings.

Sound Insulation Risk Assessment Audits with regard to Conversion and Refurbishment Programmes
This service applies particularly to stock transfers which are becoming a big feature of the RSL market. We have recently been developing a bespoke service for potential developers to assess the sound insulation requirements of conversion property prior to purchase. This is so the cost implications can be assessed before the building/property is bought and account can be made on the price offered. This minimises the “Risk” in taking on the development blind.

Advice on Building Regulation Guidelines with Reference to Noise (Approved Document E)
With the recent proposed changes to the building regulations and in particular Approved Document E, acoustics is a hot topic, especially sound insulation and the extension of scope to which sound insulation criteria now apply. We can advise on the sound insulation requirements in residential, hotel, hostel, student accommodation schemes as well as schools, hospitals and commercial property.

Noise Nuisance Investigations to BS4142
We make regular use of this standard and have represented numerous clients affected by noise. We have also worked with noise emitters and provided noise mitigation and noise control solutions to satisfy Local Authority noise criteria.

Vibration Nuisance Investigations to BS6472
We carry instrumentation which measures true VDV levels and also have access to software which will calculate the true VDV from waveform events (such as individual Trains) and allows a in depth study of the vibration of a source and the frequency content together with the individual vibration dosage value. We follow the Association of Noise Consultants guidelines in the measurement and assessment of vibration.

Advice on Planning Conditions with Regard to Noise e.g. PPG24
We currently carry out several planning related surveys a month with regard to noise & vibration impact on both residential, public and commercial buildings. Our service starts with satisfying simple planning conditions with regard to acoustics to representation at Planning Appeals and Public Inquiries.

Advice on Noise Criteria and Specifications
Many of our clients are now adopting sound insulation specifications in excess of those detailed in Approved Document E. In addition, many of our clients wish to have enhanced internal criteria in living rooms and bedroom areas with respect to noise ingress from environmental noise. We also carry out post completion testing to ensure our employer’s requirements are met.

Building Envelope Sound Insulation Tests & Design
We can offer desktop studies and field trial surveys to assist in the design process.

Liaison with the Local Authority Officers
We are frequently asked to liaise with Local Authority officers where planning applications feature noise & vibration issues. The general objective is to talk to the LA to understand their concerns and the reasoning behind their requirements and conditions. We have regular contact with LA planning departments, environmental health sections and their officers.