Press Release
New system for quieter new build homes
A new system for monitoring sound insulation in new build attached homes has been adopted by Local Authorities across Scotland.
Called “Robust Details”, it is a series of specifications and performance standards which allow builders to consistently produce new homes with enhanced levels of sound insulation.
Buildings which achieve Robust Details accreditation are on average 7 decibels quieter than those which meet the minimum standards.
Evidence shows that noise (unwanted sound) can contribute to a range of health issues such as stress and anxiety. A lack of sound insulation can impair health by allowing noise from neighbours to disrupt normal life.
Excessive noise can result from modern audio and home cinema systems, the replacement of soft floor coverings with hard laminate flooring products, or even from raised voices within the home.
Building Standards Manager Alan Jarden said:
“This represents a major step forward in assisting the Shetland construction industry. If builders register with Robust Details Limited (RDL) and build strictly in accordance with the RDL agreed specification, there should be no requirement for sound testing to be carried out at the completion stage. This is a particular advantage where access to suitable noise–testing facilities may be limited or difficult to secure.
“This system also has direct benefits to anyone buying a new build attached house which has been designed and constructed using the RDL system. They can be reassured that the builder has made every effort to ensure that their new home meets modern noise insulation standards”.
To ensure the scheme continues to provide the expected high levels of performance RDL will conduct random visual inspections and test on a proportion of sites registered.
Further information is available from the Scottish Association of Building Standards Managers (SABSM) website at http://www.sabsm.co.uk/
For developers and agents, guidance on how to subscribe to the Robust Details system is available at: http://www.robustdetails.com/Areas/Scotland/Content/PDFs/RD395%20Scotland_guidance.pdf