Acoustic · Part E
Acoustic Flooring for Part E Compliance
Silent Lay+, our resilient acoustic soundproofing layer, helps separating floors meet Approved Document E, as an acoustic underlay or a full acoustic build-up.
Part E of the Building Regulations (Approved Document E) sets the minimum standards for resistance to the passage of sound between dwellings, covering both airborne sound (voices, TV) and impact sound (footsteps) through separating floors and walls. It applies to flats, apartment and warehouse conversions, mixed-use schemes and any project where homes sit above or beside one another, and compliance is proven by pre-completion testing or by following Robust Details.
Silent Lay+ acoustic layer
Silent Lay+ is our resilient acoustic soundproofing layer, made from 94% natural material and manufactured in Europe. It cuts impact sound transmission through separating floors and also dampens airborne noise within the room. Independently tested to EN ISO 10140, it delivers an impact sound improvement (ΔLw) of 16 dB in a floating system and up to 18 dB in a glued system. It conforms to the EN 16354 acoustic-underlay standard, holds an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), carries a Bfl-s1 fire classification, and is compatible with water-based underfloor heating.
We supply it in 2 mm (Silent Lay+) and 3 mm (SilentLay3.0), for use beneath engineered wood, laminate, LVT, SPC, ceramic tiles and carpet, in both glued and floating build-ups.
Acoustic underlay or full build-up
It works two ways: as an acoustic underlay laid beneath your chosen finish, or as part of a complete acoustic floor build-up specified to meet Part E. Whichever route suits your project, we help you get the layer into a compliant construction.
How it helps meet Part E
Acoustic performance is a property of the whole floor build-up, not a single product, so Silent Lay+ is specified as part of a construction designed to meet the airborne and impact-sound targets in Approved Document E, then verified by pre-completion testing or Robust Details. Its 16–18 dB impact improvement gives the build-up valuable headroom against the Part E targets. Full technical and acoustic data is in the Silent Lay+ data sheet and the SilentLay3.0 data sheet.
Where it suits
Apartment blocks, residential dwellings, warehouse and apartment conversions, commercial buildings, schools and hotels, new-build and refurbishment alike. Pair it with our acoustic cork flooring, see soundproof flooring for flats, or read the engineered oak acoustic performance guide. For specification support, visit flooring for architects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Part E? Approved Document E of the Building Regulations sets minimum airborne and impact sound insulation standards for separating floors and walls between dwellings, verified by pre-completion testing or Robust Details.
How much does Silent Lay+ reduce impact sound? It gives an impact sound improvement of 16 dB in a floating system and up to 18 dB in a glued system, tested to EN ISO 10140. Final Part E compliance depends on the whole floor build-up and is confirmed by on-site testing.
Is it an underlay or a system? Both, it can be used as an acoustic underlay beneath a finish, or as part of a full acoustic build-up.
What thicknesses do you supply? 2 mm (Silent Lay+) and 3 mm (SilentLay3.0), to suit the finish and the acoustic target.
Can I use it with underfloor heating? Yes, Silent Lay+ is compatible with water-based underfloor heating systems.
Specifying for Part E?
Talk to us about Silent Lay+ and the right acoustic build-up for your project, or request the data sheet.