Sound insulation in dwellings Part 2: New-build (GG 83-2)

BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.

Sound insulation in dwellings Part 2: New-build (GG 83-2) was written by Gary Timmins and Ian West and published by BRE on 1 August 2015.

Unwelcome noise in homes, specifically sound transmission between homes, is a major problem in the UK that requires serious consideration from both architects and builders. Noise nuisance can be a serious cause of stress and can affect our health and wellbeing. People have different attitudes to noise; building occupants may be unaware that the noise they are making can be heard by their neighbours and regarded as a nuisance.

GG 83-2 is part of a three-part Good Building Guide providing practical guidance for designers, construction managers, construction operatives and property developers to help them understand the requirements of the building regulations concerning the provision of sound insulation in dwellings.

The 12-page Part 2 explains how to provide a reasonable level of sound insulation between new dwellings, which are subject to routine pre-completion testing to ensure they comply with the minimum performance targets set out in the building regulations, as well as any site-specific requirements.

The regulatory requirements and more general information are provided in Part 1, and Part 3 gives advice on providing the correct level of sound insulation for converted dwellings.