IIC - Impact Insulation Class

The ASTM E1007 test measures impact sound noise transfer from a room above to one below. A mechanical tapping test device is used in multiple locations in the top (source) room. The sound transfer is measured by microphones in the (receive) room below. Sound pressure (decibel) level is measured across a frequency level on the low end from 100 Hz to a high frequency range of 3150 Hz. The IIC rating is calculated across this range.

Higher IIC test values indicate better performance.

Common sources of Impact Noise - Walking, running, jumping, dog nails, items being dropped.

HIIC - High-Frequency Impact Insulation Class

IIC (ASTM E1007) covers a broad range of sound frequencies from 100 Hz up to 3,150 Hz. These frequencies include most of the notes on a piano keyboard.

HIIC on the other hand, measures the sound across a smaller range of sound frequencies ranging from 400 Hz to 3,150 Hz. The human ear tends to be more sensitive to these higher pitched frequencies and our flooring products can greatly improve the sound transmission for these frequencies.

Common Sources of high-frequency impact noises – walking in hard heel shoes, dog toenails, dragging furniture, and dropping objects.

STC - Sound Transmission Class

The ASTM E336 test measures airborne sound transfer from a room above to one below. A speaker in the source room generates a 100 decibel sound which is measured by microphones in the receive room. Sound pressure (decibel) level is measured across a frequency level on the low end from 125 Hz to a high frequency range of 4000Hz. The STC rating is calculated across this range.

Higher STC test values indicate better performance.

Common sources of Airborne Noise - Talking, TV, music, dogs barking.

Test Audio

These audio files are copyright-protected digital recordings of the lab test for the flooring product and floor / ceiling assembly shown.

This is the sound from a mechanical tapper being transferred from the top source room into the receive room below. The backbone of our patent-pending tool (Sound Advisor), these recordings allow you to hear the difference floor / ceiling assembly and flooring selection can have.

Improvement of Impact Sound Insulation (ΔL_w)

The ISO 10140-3,ISO 717-2 test measures impact sound insulation properties from a room above to one below. The test is designed to simulate human footsteps by utilizing a tapping machine. The mechanical tapping test device is used in multiple locations in the top (source) room. The sound transfer is measured by microphones in the (receive) room below. Sound pressure (decibel) level is measured across a frequency level on the low end from 100 Hz to a high frequency range of 3150 Hz. Lw sometimes referred to as the Delta, is only performed on a 150 mm concrete slab floor assembly without a ceiling below. The calculation is a weighted normalized difference between the concrete with the floorcovering compared to the concrete without the floorcovering. Lw is expressed in decibels. A higher number is better.

ΔL_w, sometimes referred to as the Delta, is only performed on a 150 mm concrete slab floor assembly without a ceiling below. The calculation is a weighted normalized difference between the concrete with the floorcovering compared to the concrete without the floorcovering. ΔL_w is expressed in decibels. A higher number is better.

Test Audio

These audio files are copyright-protected digital recordings of the lab test for the flooring product and floor / ceiling assembly shown.

This is the sound from a mechanical tapper being transferred from the top source room into the receive room below. The backbone of our patent-pending tool (Sound Advisor), these recordings allow you to hear the difference floor / ceiling assembly and flooring selection can have.

Impact Sound Insulation (L_n,w)

The ISO 10140-3,ISO 717-2 test measures impact sound insulation properties from a room above to one below. The test is designed to simulate human footsteps by utilizing a tapping machine. The mechanical tapping test device is used in multiple locations in the top (source) room. The sound transfer is measured by microphones in the (receive) room below. Sound pressure (decibel) level is measured across a frequency level on the low end from 100 Hz to a high frequency range of 3150 Hz. ISO10140-3 is applicable to all flooring assemblies.

L_n,w is reported in decibels. It is the amount of sound that is transferred through the flooring assembly from the upper floor to the lower room. The lower the number the better.

Common sources of Impact Noise - Walking, running, jumping, dog nails, items being dropped.