Wood/tile floorings for second level condos

Started by AlexM1 • 8 replies • 3578 views

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AlexM1 (Oklahoma)
Posts: 287

Posted:

We have condos that have first floor levels and second floor levels.. Meaning that one owner may have a condo that is on the first floor and another owner that has a second floor level condo. The problem is that individuals on the first floor levels can hear almost every foot step on the floor above them, If Wood or tile is used (instead of carpet). The sounds resonate much more (than carpet).there is a sub-flooring that can be used but no matter what is used, it causes sounds on the lower level that is the source of irritation between the two tenants(primarily the lower level tenant complaining about the upper level tenant making sounds when they walk on the wood or tile floor above.
If Tile floor is used above, it is the same problem. Gypsum is used above the cement separating the lower level with the upper level condos. Kwikset is used on the gypsum and the tile is laid on top of that. Gypsum serves as a sound represent. Likewise, if wood is used, there is a material that can be purchased at the Home Depot/Lowe’s that is a moisture repellent as well as a sound represent. Neither work very well. The Board is considering the banning of tile or wood on second floor levels and keeping ONLY carpet. First floor levels can have either wood/tile or carpet.

TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,062

Posted:

Alex,

I'm confused on what you wanted to ask/achieve in posting this?

There are better sound proofing products than gypsum. Just do an internet search for soundproofing condos.

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,569

Posted:

O-M-G

! people actually walking on their floor !

if the structure is actually built so 'crappilly' that it is an actual issue .... why would anyone want to live in it?

CAVEAT EMPTOR

FredS7 (Arizona)
Posts: 927

Posted:

> if the structure is actually built so 'crappilly' that it is an actual issue .... why would anyone want to live in it?

A great many apartment buildings with wood frame construction in CA and other western states were converted to condos. In these units the noise level from upper units may be acceptable with carpets but quite unreasonable with tile or wood floors. Unfortunately tile or wood floors are highly desirable upgrades. The fact that you or I might not choose to live in such a building does not alter the fact that many people do, either because it's what they can afford or it's what is available in their area.

I think the OP was seeking feedback about whether it is practical to have a rule with limits on flooring material. My impression is that such rules are not uncommon. Getting approval for a new rule may be more difficult, as probably half the owners don't want one (unless, that is, they are tired of hostile downstairs neighbors).

AlexM1 (Oklahoma)
Posts: 287

Posted:

My question,if I am to pose one, is what are other condo commplexes doing in these cases... Are they outlawing the use of wood
or tile on upper floors?

JohnB26 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,569

Posted:

yes, they are, unless (i don't remember the actual ASTM 'specs') some very very very expensive underlayment (more costly than the flooring itself) is used

example (do not know manufacturer):

Difference Between Airborne & Structure Borne Noise

Airborne Noise is noise that is caused and travels through the atmosphere, this noise includes: speech, television, radio, etc. Airborne noise is typically controlled by weight and mass; the heavier the floor/ceiling or interior walls are the better its ability to stop or insulate airborne noise. Airborne noise is tested using the ASTM E413-04 test. It is a single-number rating system that is used to compare the sound insulation of interior walls or floors tested in laboratory conditions (STC) or the actual sound isolation between different floor/rooms in the field (FSTC). If the underlayment you are using is lightweight it typically offers very little STC performance. Underlayments that have this symbol are heavier underlays, having a minimum weight of 1 lb per sf and will help increase the overall STC rating of the structure.

Structure Borne Noise is noise that is cause by an impact and travels through the structure, this noise includes: walking or foot fall noise, dragging chairs, objects dropping, etc. Structure borne noise is tested using the ASTM E492-04 test for laboratory measurements (IIC) and the ASTM E1007-04e1 test for field measurements (FIIC) using a tapping machine. Tests evaluate the impact sound-insulating performance of a floor-ceiling assembly and are also a single-number rating system. Underlayments are used to isolate a hard surface floor form the sub floor. Underlayments that have this symbol have been engineered to reduce impact noise specifically for that floor covering.

JH3 (Maryland)
Posts: 67

Posted:

You can require homeowners to install carpet to reduce the noise level... if your association's documents allow for such a demand. If not, then you need to amend the documents, or live with it.

Most condo's I've seen specifically state that their floors must be covered in carpet. Some go as far as stating the size of the padding under the carpet.

CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563

Posted:

Our 12-y.o. twin tower condo units originally were each about 1/3 hard surface flooring & 2/3 carpeting. Many owners over time have switched to entirely hard surface flooring--woods or stone. Our ARC requirements are very strict regarding the underlayment, that there must be a 3/8" gap between the flooring/underlayment and walls to reduce sound transference, etc.

If you want to reply with your email addy, Alex, I can send you the very complicated procedures & materials that must be used here. But your building is probably constructed a lot differently than ours, so I don't know if it would help you.

We have no requirements for carpeting or pad thickness.

CarolR11 (Colorado)
Posts: 2,563

Posted:

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