The Need for Acoustical Floor UnderlaymentsNoise is a major problem in condo's, apartments and townhouses. It is necessary to understand the effects of noise and address the issues of noise transference early in the design process. By selecting building materials with appropriate STC and IIC rating, and ensuring proper installation, developers and architects can help eliminate noise complaints and avoid potential lawsuits. Sound Seal works with many Acoustical Consultants that specialize in multi family design, we would be happy to refer your project to them please call us at 1-800-569-1294. |
Airborne Noise such as talking, TV or music can be
reduced by adding products that have mass or weight. The higher
the weight per square footage, the better the product's
performance at stopping airborne noise. An example of this would
be a 6" concrete floor which typically has an STC rating of 55.
STC or Sound Transmission Class is a rating that grades the
performance of the product ability to provide privacy against
intrusion of speech sounds. The higher the number the better the
performance.
A
common mistake is confusing STC and IIC, underlayments are
designed for sound isolation (IIC) and will offer very little
for STC performance because they are lightweight. Impact or Structure Borne Noise such as footfall or walking can be reduced by adding an acoustical floor underlayment. Acoustical Floor Underlayments work by reducing impact sound. Impact Insulation Class or (IIC) measures a floor/ceiling assembly’s resistance to the transmission of structure-borne or impact noise, like human footfall. For additional information on noise control and acoustic underlayments click on the links below
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Sound is classified into Two Basic Types: Airborne Noise - such as talking, TV, music, etc Impact or Structure Borne Noise - such as walking or moving a chair
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The
Need for Sound Control for Multi-Family Dwellings