Impact noise: what is it, how do you measure it and what can you do about it?
Impact noise occurs through direct mechanical contact with a building structure. Footsteps, sliding a chair, a jumping child or a falling object: vibrations that are transmitted through the construction to adjacent rooms. Fundamentally different from airborne noise (voices, music) which travels through the air.
Schedule free consultationHow is impact noise measured?
With a standardised tapping machine compliant with NEN-EN-ISO 16283-2. This instrument produces a standardised series of impacts on the floor. The sound level is measured in the room below with a Class 1 sound level meter. The result, LnT,A, expresses the impact sound insulation. The lower the value, the better the insulation.
Legal requirements for impact noise
The BBL requires for new construction: LnT,A less than or equal to 54 dB. For existing buildings: LnT,A less than or equal to 59 dB as the lawfully obtained level. In older apartments we regularly measure values of 65 to 75 dB, well above every standard. This explains why residents of older buildings experience much more disturbance than residents of new builds.
NEN 1070 quality classification
In addition to standards testing we classify compliant with NEN 1070: K=1 (very good, LnT,A less than or equal to 39 dB) to K=5 (very poor, LnT,A greater than 64 dB). This classification is directly accessible to non-technical readers and is often used in legal reports and homeowners' association documents to clearly communicate the situation.
Difference with airborne noise
Airborne noise (DnT,A) and impact noise (LnT,A) each require a different measurement method and different insulation measures. A wall that dampens airborne noise well can simultaneously let impact noise through unhindered via the floor. We measure both types as standard in a single visit. The solution depends on the construction and frequencies.
Consultation or direct quote
Schedule a free consultation or request a direct quote via the form. We respond within one business day.