Part E Sound Insulation Materials: Acoustic Plasterboard, Mineral Wool and Resilient Bars
Approved Document E sets out how dwellings and some other buildings in England should control sound. This is a materials buying guide for the products Insulation Warehouse Direct actually stocks — acoustic plasterboard, mineral wool, resilient bars and MF ceiling components — not a full acoustic design service.
Quick answer
Part E (Resistance to the passage of sound) covers airborne and impact sound between rooms and between dwellings. Typical material packages use denser acoustic plasterboard (such as Gyproc SoundBloc), mineral wool in studs or joists, resilient bars to decouple linings, acoustic sealant at perimeters, and sometimes an MF ceiling. Exact performance depends on the tested system, not on any single board. Check the manufacturer's published system data and your acoustic consultant or Building Control before you buy.
What Part E is asking for
Approved Document E is published on GOV.UK. It sets performance standards for separating walls and floors in new dwellings and conversions, and gives guidance on internal walls and floors. We do not invent dB figures here — use the Approved Document and the manufacturer's tested constructions.
Materials we sell that often appear in Part E build-ups
| Material | Where it is used | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Acoustic plasterboard (e.g. Gyproc SoundBloc) | Wall and ceiling linings where higher mass helps airborne sound | plasterboard / British Gypsum |
| Mineral wool slabs and partition / party-wall rolls | Inside studs, joists and cavities | Rockwool acoustic / URSA / glass wool |
| Resilient bars (Alpha / Hadley) | Decoupling plasterboard from studs or joists to reduce flanking and structure-borne paths | resilient bars & angles |
| MF ceiling system (MF5, MF7, perimeter, clips) | Independent or suspended ceilings | MF ceiling system |
| Acoustic sealant | Sealing gaps at perimeters and penetrations — gaps ruin performance | drylining accessories |
| Metal studs and track | Partition frames that hold the wool and boards | metal studs & track |
Buyer tips (without over-claiming)
- Buy the full lining package the tested system calls for — swapping board thickness or omitting wool usually changes the result.
- Mass, absorption and decoupling work together. Board alone is rarely enough on a noisy separating wall.
- Flanking (sound going around the wall or floor via junctions) often limits real-world performance. Our separate guide covers resilient bars and acoustic flanking.
- Read also understanding acoustic insulation and how to soundproof a stud wall.
What we do not do
We do not design acoustic systems, carry out sound tests, or install. If Part E compliance is required, your designer, acoustic consultant or specialist installer should specify the construction; we will supply the listed materials.
Frequently asked questions
Is SoundBloc enough on its own to meet Part E?
Usually not. Part E performance comes from the whole tested build-up. Follow the system specification.
Do you stock resilient bars?
Yes — Alpha and Hadley resilient bars in our resilient bar range.
Do you stock RB1 by name?
We stock Alpha and Hadley resilient bars suitable for acoustic lining decoupling. Check section sizes against your detail drawings.
Do you install insulation, do surveys or help with grants?
No. Insulation Warehouse Direct sells insulation materials online. We do not install insulation, carry out surveys or handle grant applications. If you want it fitted, use a qualified installer, and for grants check the official GOV.UK energy schemes. We are happy to supply the materials your installer specifies.
Can you quote a dB rating for a product?
We point you to the manufacturer's datasheet and tested systems rather than quoting unverified figures.
Order materials from plasterboard, acoustic mineral wool, resilient bars and MF ceilings. Prices are shown ex VAT. Delivery rules as below. Call 03330 908479 with a materials list if you want a check before checkout.
| Where | What we deliver | Delivery charge |
|---|---|---|
| England | All ranges | Free on insulation, plasterboard and drylining from £400 ex VAT. Celotex: £400 ex VAT minimum, free delivery. Access panels: £15 + VAT under £300 ex VAT, free from £300 |
| Mainland Wales and mainland Scotland | British Gypsum (including Gypframe), Celotex, Knauf and access panels | £400 ex VAT minimum plus £40 + VAT (access panels: £15 + VAT under £300 ex VAT, free from £300) |
| Scottish islands | Not delivered | – |
| Northern Ireland | Not delivered | – |
Company: Bay Drywall and Insulation Supplies Ltd (company no. 14473556), Unit 3 Babbage Court, Totnes Industrial Estate, Totnes, Devon TQ9 5JE.
Sources: Approved Document E (GOV.UK). Figures are indicative and correct at the time of writing; they are not a substitute for a calculation by your designer or the manufacturer's technical team, and Building Control has the final say.