Hardwood Floors February/March 2025

AT THE SITE Unraveling the Misconceptions and Confusions Surrounding Acoustic Ratings (Continued)

UNREACHABLE STANDARDS IN THE INDUSTRY The flooring industry often feels pressured to meet overly ambitious acoustic ratings that don’t align with real-world conditions. Building management groups and homeowner associations (HOAs) may mandate specific acoustic standards without accounting for structural variables. As a result, manufacturers create products that meet lab-tested benchmarks, which consumers interpret mistakenly as guarantees of performance in their own homes. This creates a frustrating situation for consumers. Many are left juggling conflicting demands from their building management while navigating a flood of technical jargon. Ultimately, homeowners are stuck with expectations that neither the underlayment nor the flooring system can meet. One approach to level the playing field is comparing Delta ratings. Unlike IIC ratings, Delta is derived by subtracting the IIC of the nominal 6” bare concrete from the IIC of the various tested assemblies. The higher the Delta IIC, the higher the performance level. Delta ratings provide a transparent and fair comparison between products to help consumers make informed decisions without overestimating what an underlayment alone can achieve. WHAT CONSUMERS SHOULD KNOW Consumers play a key role in demystifying acoustic ratings by asking informed questions, such as: • Does this product suit my building type? Different constructions – wood frame, concrete, or mass timber – will influence the effectiveness of the underlayment. • Are the acoustic benefits based on lab or field testing? Understanding the testing conditions can set realistic expectations.

• Is the entire floor/ ceiling assembly being taken into account? No one

underlayment can meet the necessary IIC/

STC requirements without taking the entire assembly into consideration.

WOOD FLOORING INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Additionally, engaging with building management early in the process can

Revised © 2019

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For additional information about acoustic ratings, check out the NWFA's Installation Guidelines at NWFA.ORG/TECHNICAL- GUIDELINES/.

prevent miscommunications and set achievable goals for acoustic performance. For instance, knowing whether your building has wood-frame or concrete construction can clarify what level of soundproofing to expect.

BRIDGING THE GAP OF EDUCATION Addressing these misconceptions requires education and a reevaluation of industry standards. Strata and HOAs should reconsider bylaws that demand unrealistic acoustic performance, acknowledging that results depend on construction specifics. The confusion surrounding acoustic ratings stems from the need for more transparency and understanding. By educating consumers, revisiting outdated bylaws, and accounting for the entire floor/ceiling assembly, we can bridge the gap between expectations and achievable results. Flooring professionals and consumers alike must recognize that acoustic performance is a system-wide effort, influenced as much by building design as by individual components like underlayment. Only by addressing these complexities can we create quieter, more harmonious living spaces that truly meet the needs of modern homeowners.

Jared Kress is a product manager at Metropolitan Floors in Delta, British Columbia. He can be reached at jkress@metrofloors.com.

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