Part E - Resistance to the passage of sound

Publication title: Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound (2003 Edition incorporating 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 amendments)
Date published: reprinted October 2015

Summary

Approved Document E provides guidance on the resistance to the passage of sound in domestic buildings, in schools and flats. This guidance applies to new buildings, to alterations to pre-existing premises and to buildings being converted to flats.  

The document provides guidance on sound proofing, including the transmission of sounds between walls, ceilings, windows and floors. It covers unwanted sound travel within different areas of a building, including common areas within schools and buildings containing flats, and in-between connecting buildings.

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The Merged Approved Documents¹

A consolidated version of the individual Approved Documents published by the government, now presented as a single, searchable PDF.

Previous version

• Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound (2003 edition with 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 amendments)² (PDF)

This is the current edition of Approved Document E (Resistance to the passage of sound), and replaces all previous editions.

Changes in this version

This current edition of Approved Document E - Resistance to the passage of sound, has been updated to include a new reference to standards for schools. It also incorporates previous amendments.

There has been no amendment to the requirements in Part E of Schedule 1 to the Building Regulations 2010.

This Approved Document gives guidance for compliance with the Building Regulations for building work carried out in England. It also applies to building work carried out on excepted energy buildings in Wales as defined in the Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) (No. 2) Order 2009³.

1. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/building-regulations-and-approved-documents-index#approved-documents
2. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/468870/ADE_LOCKED.pdf
3. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2009/3019/contents/made