Seeking Flooring Sound Insulation Solutions

Started by JimK7 • 6 replies • 1632 views

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JimK7 (Hawaii)
Posts: 5

Posted:

Our association's buildings have wood joist floor-ceiling construction. We are trying to come up with house rules governing installation of hardwood or tile flooring in areas that were originally carpeted. I have come up to speed on IIC Class ratings and it appears that installations using a method rated at IIC 57 or higher is what we would like to specify. However, I have been searching the web for any suitable product and can't seem to find a single one. We are reluctant to specify a criteria which cannot be met. It would effectively result in a moratorium.

Most sound insulation companies seem to have their products tested with ceiling gypsum attached to resilient channeling, rather than gypsum screwed directly to the joists. I have found a couple of products that achieve an IIC 57 rating in that configuration. Unfortunately, our ceiling gypsum is screwed directly to the joists. The best I have found in our configuration is about IIC 51 (not very good).

Are you aware of any products out there that have an IIC 57 (or higher) rating for something similar to the following construction:

- 1/4" ceramic tile or wood floor
- Sound Insulation product
- 1.5" Gypsum lightweight concrete
- 5/8" or 3/4" Subfloor plywood
- 2x10 or 2x12 Joists on 16" or 24" centers
- Fiberglass batting filling between joists
- 5/8" Type X gypsum ceiling screwed into joists

Mahalo,
Jim Kelly

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,569

Posted:

does your PRESENT carpeted floor system meet IIC 57 ?

if not, what is your PRESENT rating ?

imo: this is the 'spec' to meet !

JimK7 (Hawaii)
Posts: 5

Posted:

Although not rated, the carpeted flooring would be about IIC 75 or better.

But the builder put in some units with wood or tile throughout. So other units want to be able to do that.

If we can get IIC 57 or IIC 58 we'll have met the HUD, FHA, and several other definitions of "luxury" condominium standards. That will have to do.

Jim

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Go check out the "This Old House" website on PBS. I watch the show and they often address these type issues. You may find some solutions to your issue by going to such sites. I am using a 9 lb 1/2 inch carpet padding on my floor with a layer of cellaphane that blocks liquids from seeping down into the subfloor. It helps with insulation, sound, and pet issues.

Former HOA President

JimK7 (Hawaii)
Posts: 5

Posted:

thank you Melissa. I checked out This Old House. They don't have anything specific enough for our situation. And, although carpet does provide fine sound insulation as you mention, we are specifically trying to find a solution for those owners who want to install tile or hardwood (removing their existing tile).

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,569

Posted:

not practical to retrofit for your intended purpose due to construction and 'space' requirements (re-build the floor itself w/ 'air gap' and insulation)

have you priced really really good carpeting lately?

it would actually be an upgrade from the 'typical' laminate or tile floor

GOOD carpeting costs about $50/sq. yd. installed and will NOT mold or dry rot ... the entrapped dirt (if left uncleaned) will

carpet:
1. Did you check the density of the carpet by folding the carpet back on itself?
2. Did you select the surface design according to the amount of traffic the carpet will
receive or the use of the room?
3. Did you select a fiber that fits your family needs for wearability and clean ability?
4. Did you check the twist of the yarns by unraveling the yarns in the fingers and letting
go to see if they go back into place?
5. Does the carpet have an anti-static feature?
6. Does the carpet have an anti-soil and anti-stain feature?
7. Does the carpet have an anti-microbial feature?
8. Is the secondary backing made of a synthetic material?
9. If nylon, is the fiber a fourth generation fiber?
10. Did you figure how much carpeting you will need?
11. Did you read the carpet sample label?
12. Did you read the warranty?
13. Did you get a copy of the warranty?

pad:
1. Did you select the appropriate carpet pad for your floor conditions?
2. Did you check for the correct pad thickness by walking on the pad and carpet?
3. Did you read all the labeling on the pad sample?
4. Did you find out what fiber the pad is made of?
5. Did you read the warranty?
6. Did you get a copy of the warranty?

JimK7 (Hawaii)
Posts: 5

Posted:

I understand the benefits of carpt with regard to sound. But that isn't what I am asking about.

Some number of people in our complex want to install tile and hardwood flooring (which works well with sand being tracked in from beaches). We are trying to find a solution that would allow those people to do so.

Mahalo,
Jim Kelly
Kihei, HI

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