Acoustic Standards in New Buildings: Preventing Noise Disturbance Between Neighbours
Acoustic Standards in New Apartment Buildings: Preventing Noise Disturbance Between Neighbours
Noise nuisance is one of the main sources of discomfort in apartment buildings. To ensure a good level of acoustic comfort, Belgian standards set clear requirements for sound insulation in new constructions.
Two Performance Levels
- Standard acoustic comfort (mandatory)
- Enhanced acoustic comfort (recommended for luxury apartment buildings)
Impact Sound Insulation (Footstep Noise)
Between two dwellings:
→ ≤ 58 dB for standard comfort
→ ≤ 50 dB for enhanced comfort
Room above a bedroom:
→ ≤ 54 dB for standard comfort
→ ≤ 50 dB for enhanced comfort
Within the same dwelling:
→ ≤ 58 dB
For reference, a 20–25 cm concrete slab typically achieves around 65 dB.
A floating screed is therefore almost always required to comply with acoustic standards.
How to Achieve These Performance Levels
- Floating screeds with acoustic underlay
- Heavy, continuous walls
- No rigid connections between screeds and walls
- Careful workmanship to prevent acoustic bridges
Compliance with acoustic standards is essential to ensure occupant comfort. Enhanced acoustic comfort provides significant added value in terms of quality of life and property value. Exxpert can verify compliance and provide official confirmation.
