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1 The intention of this Part is to protect occupants of a dwelling from excessive noise transmitted from other parts of a building as this can damage health, particularly when it
recurs over a period of time. It does not apply to a wholly detached dwelling nor does it deal with external sources such as road traffic or aircraft noise.
2 The requirements therefore apply to walls and floors separating a dwelling from other parts of the same building in different occupation and from other adjoining buildings. External walls are controlled only to the extent necessary to reduce flanking transmission around the ends of separating walls and separating floors. They also apply to balconies and roofs which are accessible, other than for maintenance, where they are above a dwelling.
3 In addition it is envisaged that other ways of satisfying the regulations could be acceptable. For example; if an identical block of dwellings has been built elsewhere, tested, and been shown to meet the performance standards, a building warrant can be given on that evidence. Care is necessary to ensure that results are equally applicable since, for example, a construction giving acceptable results in a stepped or staggered situation may not perform adequately in a straight terrace block of dwellings.
4 It should be understood that meeting the requirements of this Part will not guarantee freedom from the transmission of disturbing noise. The intention is to achieve reasonable standards of sound insulation by common, economically viable, forms of construction. It is important to bear in mind that standards of workmanship are as important as constructional details as air paths, bridging, or incorrectly placed resilient layers can destroy the effectiveness of measures used.
Resistance to transmission of sound
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19 |
1. Subject to paragraph (2), every wall which separates a dwelling from another building and, in the case of a dwelling forming part of a building, every wall and floor which separates the dwelling from another part of the building shall provide adequate resistance to transmission of airborne sound. |
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2. Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a wall between a dwelling and any area which is open to the external air. |
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20 |
1. Every floor separating a dwelling from any other part of a building above the dwelling shall provide adequate resistance to transmission of sound caused by impact. |
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2. Roofs or walkways which are situated directly above a dwelling and to which there is access other than for maintenance purposes shall provide adequate resistance to transmission of sound caused by impact. |
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21 |
Regulations 19 and 20 shall not be subject to specification in a notice served under section 11 of the Act. |
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