SOUND SOLUTIONS from the SOUND EXPERTS
Sound Advisor™
Proper acoustics are key to having an enjoyable experience in any environment. Our patented Sound Advisor tool allows you to hear the effect that flooring has on sound so you can select the best products for your space. Your integrated flooring options from Philadelphia Commercial are designed to find the optimal solution to meet the sound needs of your specific project.
Follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1: Launch Sound Advisor
Step 2: Select a Floor Assembly and Flooring Type
Step 3: Listen to the IIC Test Audio
Choose a play button for an installation. You can listen to all the audio tracks to hear comparison. Make sure your volume is turned up.
How is Sound Measured?
IIC Impact Insulation Class
• Impact Insulation Class is the most relevant sound test for flooring.
• ASTM E492/E989 is the rating that measures how much impact sound from a floor above transfers to the room below.
• The International Building Code sets a minimum score at 50.
STC Sound Transmission Class
• Sound Transfer Class measures airborne sound like television, music, appliances (ASTM E90/E413).
• Flooring has little impact on STC testing.
• The floor Assembly and the amount of ceiling insulation have the biggest impact on STC.
NRC Noise Reduction Coefficient
• Noise Reduction Coefficient measures sound within a room and the time it takes for the noise to decay.
• The test ASTM C423 measures the difference in performance of the space with and without the test sample.
• It is an average rating of the amount of sound a product can absorb.
CAN IIC RATINGS BE IMPROVED?
If carpet or carpet over pad is not an option, using underlayment with resilient vinyl, such as Groundworks, will improve IIC Ratings.
