Technical Guidance Document (TGD E)

Technical Guidance Document E (TGD E) is an essential resource for professionals in the construction and building industry, outlining the requirements and providing detailed guidance on sound insulation standards in residential buildings. Whether you are an architect, engineer, builder, or developer, TGD E offers critical information to ensure your projects meet the required acoustic performance standards.

Technical Guidance Document E (TGD E)

What is Technical Guidance Document E (TGD E)?

Technical Guidance Document E (TGD E) is a publication by the Irish Government that sets out the sound insulation requirements for residential buildings. It outlines the minimum standards that must be achieved to comply with Part E of the Building Regulations, ensuring that buildings are constructed to provide ‘reasonable resistance’ sound transmission and provide a comfortable acoustic environment for occupants.

Key Areas Covered in TGD E

  • Sound Insulation Standards: TGD E Table 1 specifies the levels of sound insulation required for walls, floors, and ceilings in residential and commercial buildings.
Sound Performance Levels
  • Reverberation Control: TGD E outlines the requirement for reverberation control with emphasis on common areas such as corridors, hallways and stairwells.
  • Measurement and Testing: The document provides guidelines on how to measure and test sound insulation performance. Of particular importance is the no. of ‘sets of tests’ to be completed for a given development which will vary depending on the number of attached dwellings and types of partitions used. Amplitude can support you in determining the number of sets required and have our SITRI registered testers conduct the sound testing for the project.
  • Construction Details: Detailed construction methods and materials that can be used to achieve the required sound insulation standards are covered extensively.
  • Design Considerations: Recommendations on designing buildings to optimize sound insulation and minimize noise pollution.

Why is TGD E Important?

Adhering to the standards outlined in TGD E is crucial for several reasons:

  • BCAR Compliance: Ensuring your building projects comply with TGD E helps ensure that the development meets the requirements of the Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2014 (BCAR).
  • Occupant Comfort: Proper sound insulation enhances the comfort and well-being of building occupants by reducing noise disturbances.
  • Quality Assurance: Following TGD E standards is a mark of quality, indicating that a building meets high acoustic performance criteria.

How to Access TGD E

You can access the full text of Technical Guidance Document E on the official government website. Click the link below to download the document:

Download Technical Guidance Document E (TGD E)

Exterior of St. Mary's Mansion

Our Experience

At Amplitude Acoustics, our experienced acoustic consultants have successfully supported Architects and Developers achieved TGD E compliance on 100s of residential developments in Ireland.  We provide this support from design, through to construction and commissioning stages of the project providing Ancillary Certification for design, inspection and testing as appropriate. Our experience includes:

  • Large Residential Developments developed over multiple blocks and phases
  • Retrofit projects of existing buildings and structures
  • Developments implementing modern methods of construction (MMC)

Some examples of our project where TGD-E compliance was successfully achieved include:

Bunratty Road

Grand Canal Harbour

One Three North

St. Mary’s Mansion

Contact Us

Should you have any questions or queries regarding achieving TGD-E compliance on your project please feel free to contact us at dublin@amplitudeeacoustics.com.

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