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Developers who opt to use Robust Details as an alternative to carrying out acoustic testing – mandatory in England & Wales under Approved Document E (ADE) – may be losing out on credits under schemes like the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Under the CSH, developers are awarded ratings from the lowest Level 1 to the zero carbon option, Level 6, based on a ‘points out of 100’ score across nine categories.
Chiltern Dynamics Technical Co-ordinator Barry Cope, explained: ‘Using Robust Details is often seen as the “safer option” as no testing is required. Robust Details give you a tested and certified set of drawings to build to and provide a figure to use in CSH calculations. However, this figure is often more conservative than the value the build would be able to achieve if tested, as Robust Details have to allow some contingency for lapses in build quality. Testing, however, will often demonstrate that the individual building is at the higher end of the performance scale, so can gain more points towards a CSH rating.’
Chiltern Dynamics is UKAS-accredited to carry out both sound insulation and air tightness testing, both of which are often required pre-completion. Mr Cope said ‘Acoustic testing is not necessarily onerous. One of the single largest factors influencing performance is, predictably, workmanship. Sealing of air paths, clearing of cavities and good detailing are all key aspects in maximising on site performance. And generally, good workmanship for acoustic performance, in our experience, also contributes to better air tightness, so we encourage clients to carry out testing at an early stage in construction.’
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