Separating floor
The term ‘separating floor’ is generally used to describe a floor designed to restrict the passage of sound between the spaces above and below. It is most commonly used in relation to residential buildings. In this context, a ‘separating wall’ is one that separates adjoining residential rooms or properties.
Construction clients may have particular acoustic requirements that should be recorded in the project brief, however, the legal requirement for building construction to resist the passage of sound is set out in part E of the building regulations, which describes requirements for:
- Dwelling-houses, flats and rooms for residential purposes.
- The common internal parts of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes which give access to the flat or room.
- Schools.
The requirements of part E of the building regulations can be satisfied by following the guidance in Approved Document E: Resistance to the passage of sound.
Whilst not exhaustive, approved document E describes types of separating floor as:
- Floor type 1: Concrete base with ceiling and soft floor covering.
- Floor type 2: Concrete base with ceiling and floating floor.
- Floor type 2: Floating floor.
- Floor type 3: Timber frame base with ceiling and platform floor.
Three ceiling types are also described:
- A: Independent ceiling with absorbent material.
- B: Plasterboard on proprietary resilient bars with absorbent material.
- C: Plasterboard on timber battens or proprietary resilient channels with absorbent material.
Critical to the success of each construction, is the detailing of junctions between the floor and other elements such as walls and floor penetrations. Common junction details are illustrated in the approved document, as are performance standards and pre-completion testing requirements.
For more information see Approved Document E.
NB walls and floors may also be elements of a building that are required to provide fire separation.
Approved document E: Resistance to the passage of sound, 2003 edition incorporating 2004, 2010, 2013 and 2015 amendments, defines an Internal floor as: ‘Any floor that is not a separating floor.’ Where a separating floor is a: ‘Floor that separates flats or rooms for residential purposes.’
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February