Part E Explained
| What is Part E? The term “Part E” refers to the new Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. Part E came into effect on 1 July 2003 and details new acoustic performance requirements in England and Wales for residential dwellings, schools and other construction types. Along with new performance requirements, Part E also establishes a need for Pre-Completion Testing to enforce these standards and suggests a range of constructions for appropriate elements. The key elements for residential dwellings are separating walls and floors between dwellings and internal partitions within dwellings. Both new build dwellings and those new dwellings created by what Part E describes as “Material Change of Use” are covered. Material Change of Use relates to what would be more commonly known as refurbishment and conversion work. The information provided here applies to dwellings. For advice on other constructions, including schools, please contact the Key to Part E Customer Hotline – 08700 613 700. Why are the new standards in Part E necessary? Significant attention is now being paid to the issue of unwanted noise transmission within buildings and, in particular, to noise transmission within residential dwellings. The new standards in Part E are designed to improve modern living standards. Tables 0.1 and 0.2 show the new acoustic standards, where they apply and when Pre-Completion Testing will be required from. |
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Table 0.1 |
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| Do I need to build using the suggested construction in Part E to comply? The constructions suggested in Part E are merely examples and, as stated, not exhaustive. Section 0 of the Approved Document, paragraph 0.5 states: “Sections 2,3,4 and 6 of this approved document give examples of constructions, which, if built correctly, should achieve the sound insulation values for dwelling-houses and flats set out in Table 1a, and the values for rooms for residential purposes set out in Table 1b. The guidance in these sections is not exhaustive and other designs, materials or products may be used to achieve the required performance” If you choose to build to these constructions you will still need to Pre-Completion Test. |
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| Jargon Busting |
| New Build Dwellings and Extensions |
| Dwellings Created by a Material Change of Use |