Maintenance and Repairs

February 6, 2024 Published by Toronto and Area Chapter - By Steven Vasconcelos

Building A Quieter Tomorrow

From the Winter 2023 issue of CCI Toronto Condovoice Magazine.

Sound Prevention In Multi-Unit Buildings

In the hustle and bustle of today's world, the craving for a peaceful and tranquil living space has reached new heights. While condominium living offers unparalleled convenience, it also brings with it an increasing number of challenges, chief among them being the surge in noise complaints. In this article, we dive into the realm of sound prevention in multi-family homes, addressing an issue that has become increasingly urgent.

Our recent survey reveals a startling truth: noise-related complaints in condominium complexes have skyrocketed by a staggering 40% over the past decade. This alarming trend not only mirrors the evolving dynamics of urban living but also sheds light on the adverse impacts of noise on the well-being of residents, condominium directors, and management.

The ramifications of excessive noise within a condo community are extensive, ranging from heightened stress levels to sleep disruptions that can significantly degrade one's quality of life. It's not merely a question of comfort; it's a matter of physical and mental health.

Proactive Measures: A Sound Investment

Proactivity is the key to maintaining a harmonious living environment. By addressing potential noise issues before they escalate into complaints, you can substantially enhance the overall quality of life for your residents.

Take the remarkable case of Park Avenue Residences, a condominium complex that was grappling with a rising tide of noise complaints. The condo board took an innovative and proactive approach by embarking on a comprehensive evaluation of their building's current soundproofing measures. They consulted with experts and executed targeted improvements, including the implementation of a revolutionary acoustic membrane soundproofing product called RHINO Sound Control. Mr. Ward, the board President of TSCC 1671, enthusiastically recounts the transformation, stating, "Recently, residents brought to our attention an issue with sound impact noise. It wasn't until we engaged The Floor Studio that it appeared we found a long-term solution to our problem."

By introducing RHINO acoustic underlayment, a product with a well-established track record and successful field testing in structures sharing a similar concrete construction, its suitability for the project at hand became evident.

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Noise complaints plummeted nearly 100%, and resident satisfaction levels soared. This success story underscores the critical importance of proactive sound prevention measures.
While not all noise can be completely eliminated, the implementation of innovative products can significantly mitigate noise issues, reaffirming the value of proactive sound prevention measures.

A Simple Adjustment and Three Essential Checks

To make a substantial difference in noise reduction and head in the right direction, begin by incorporating a few key adjustments into your condo rules and implementing three essential checks.

Adjusting Condo Rules: Start by revisiting your condominium's rules regarding flooring replacements. Ensure that they are clear and comprehensive, addressing your building's specific construction type. For instance, the majority of high rise condominiums in the Greater Toronto Area are constructed with an 8” concrete floor and ceiling assembly and lack suspended ceilings.

Consider adopting a rule similar to the following: "The Corporation #” has a requirement that any floor replacement must be installed with a noise reduction system (acoustical membrane) tested for high-rise concrete buildings that shall be sufficient to prevent and reduce the transmission of noise to any other unit.

The minimum standard at “The Corporation #” is a flooring installation with an acoustic rating of FIIC 70 and must be tested over an 8” concrete slab with no suspended ceiling."

FIIC RATINGS: FIIC stands for "Field Impact Insulation Class". This is a unit of measurement that determines the degree of soundproofing of the impact noise of a floor/ceiling assembly.

Pre-Approved: RHINO Sound Control™ FIIC 70 Acoustical Underlayment is available for purchase through all flooring stores and contractors across Canada. It has been pre-approved by “The Corporation #” as specifications and the independent acoustic report meet all requirements.

Three Steps to Noise Reduction:

1. Request a Product Sample: Require residents to include a sample of the acoustic underlayment with their renovation applications.
2. Request the Product Test Sheet: Educate residents about how to select the right underlayments based on construction type and relevant metrics, such as those tested over an 8” concrete slab with NO suspended ceiling.
3. Invoice – Proof of Purchase: Require residents to provide documentation in the form of an invoice.

By following these steps, residents and condo boards alike can actively contribute to a quieter and more harmonious living environment. Should noise complaints arise, they can take comfort in knowing they have taken all the right measures.

Importance of Product Test Reports for Choosing the Right Underlayments

When it comes to selecting the appropriate underlayment for your flooring project, having access to accurate and relevant information is essential. One crucial piece of documentation you should always request, and review is the Product Test Report. This document serves as a comprehensive record of how a specific underlayment product performed under various conditions and scenarios. It's imperative to ensure that these reports are completely independent of the manufacturer, as manufacturers should not be testing their own products.

What is a Product Test Report?

A Product Test Report is a detailed independent report that provides insights into how an acoustic underlayment product has been tested and evaluated. It includes essential information such as test methodologies, environmental conditions, and performance metrics. This document helps consumers make informed decisions by offering transparency about a product's capabilities and limitations. Don't be fooled by manufacturers who create a one-page product sheet with graphs, logos, and certifications and assume the product meets your building's requirements. Always request the 4–5-page independent test report and have it reviewed to ensure accuracy and reliability.

The Role of Suspended Ceilings in Testing

One critical aspect that a Product Test Report must address is whether the product was tested with or without a suspended ceiling. Suspended ceilings can significantly impact how sound, heat, and moisture travel within a space. Therefore, knowing whether an underlayment was tested in a setting with or without a suspended ceiling is vital for making an accurate assessment of its performance in your specific construction scenario.

Rubber: The King of Acoustics

When it comes to eliminating vibration and impact noise transfer, rubber reigns supreme and here's why:

1. Damping Efficiency: Rubber excels at dissipating energy from vibrations and impacts, effectively reducing noise propagation. In contrast, foam and cork lack the same level of damping efficiency, allowing more sound to pass through.
2. Consistency of Performance: Rubber maintains its acoustic properties consistently over time. It doesn't degrade or compress as easily as foam, ensuring long-lasting noise reduction. Cork, on the other hand, can lose its effectiveness over time as it compresses.
3. Density and Weight: Rubber's density and weight contribute to its effectiveness. It has a higher mass compared to foam or cork, which means it can absorb and block sound more effectively. Foam is lighter and less dense, allowing more vibrations to pass through, while cork has moderate density but is less effective at dampening.
4. Water Resistance: Rubber is often more resistant to moisture and can be used in damp environments without losing its acoustic qualities. Foam may degrade in humid conditions, and cork is susceptible to moisture damage.
5. Ease of Installation: Rubber underlayments are generally easy to install, whether for flooring, machinery, or other applications. The installation process for foam and cork may be more complex, requiring additional adhesive or fastening methods.
6. Environmental Impact: Rubber underlayments can often be made from recycled rubber, contributing to sustainability efforts.
7. Cost-Effectiveness: While rubber underlayments may have a higher upfront cost, their durability and long-lasting performance make them cost-effective in the long run.

In the pursuit of tranquility in multi-family homes, addressing noise complaints stands as a paramount objective. By comprehending the significance of sound prevention, embracing proactive measures, and selecting the right acoustic materials, you can reshape your condominium community into a sanctuary of peace and well-being. The time to act is now, to construct a quieter tomorrow that benefits all.

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Steven Vasconcelos
Principal
Floor Studio