Commercial Soundproofing Verification

To solve airborne noise, you have to have mass. The more mass the better the STC. To solve structure noise, it’s the complete opposite. It is not so much the function of mass as it is the function of isolation and vibration breaks.

Architects may specify STC/IIC ratings of walls and floor – ceiling assemblies, but if the specification and design measures are not included to prevent flanking (pathway that can let noise snake around the wall or floor or even under the floor ceiling assembly) then the effectiveness of the specification is greatly reduced.

For example, a 1/16” crack at the floor line can reduce a 50 STC wall design to a 39, which is well below code.

An electrical outlet in a wall, if not properly insulated, can also greatly reduce the STC value of a wall.