A Builder’s Guide to Soundproofing Regulations

Understanding soundproofing regulations can help you build a code-compliant structure, whether you are constructing a new apartment complex or an office block. Get all the information you need to find the right solutions.

Why Soundproofing Rules Matter for Your Project

Effective soundproofing solutions for your next project ensure occupant comfort, safety and privacy. From multifamily and mixed-use to commercial buildings, building right the first time can help prevent costly repairs.

Acoustic Ratings in Building Codes

There are two primary soundproofing regulations — sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC). These regulations are designed to keep sound inside a room or prevent it from traveling outside.

Sound Transmission Class (STC)

Television, conversations, music and other noises occur in shared residential apartments. Commercial buildings also have sound challenges, like voices traveling during meetings. STC measures how walls, doors and ceilings effectively block these sounds, and the higher the rating, the better the sound insulation.

Impact Insulation Class (IIC)

IIC measures the impact noise coming from a floor-ceiling assembly. It helps minimize noise discomfort for occupants on lower floors and dampens footsteps, dropped items and other impacts on a top floor. Like STC, a higher rating means better soundproofing capabilities.

Achieving STC Requirements for Airborne Noise

Blocking airborne noise requires adding mass to drywall and other building structures. Decoupling is also effective, where structures are separated, interrupting the flow of sound and adding to soundproofing. To achieve STC soundproofing regulations for a new build, add insulating materials, as these help block the noise from traveling, keeping it inside the room.

Soundproof Cow offers high-quality solutions that help seal vulnerable gaps and dampen sound, improving the quality of multiuse buildings:

• Quiet Batt^® Soundproofing Insulation: This premium thermal insulation suits interior and exterior walls. It fits firmly on metal and wood studs, minimizing sound transmission.
• Quiet Barrier^® HD Soundproofing Material (Roll): Our high-performance Quiet Barrier^® HD Soundproofing Material is highly dense and nonresonant, minimizing sound vibrations and sound energy.

Achieving IIC Requirements for Impact Noise

Impact noise occurs between the floor and ceiling. The floor must be isolated from the structure below it to block this noise, using a noise-dampening product like a flooring underlayment.

At Soundproof Cow, we have effective flooring underlayment solutions to address IIC regulations while still allowing you to meet design requirements:

• Impact Barrier QT Flooring Underlayment: This superior underlayment can be used with several flooring types, including hardwood, carpet, tile and laminate. It lowers noise levels in any environment, and you can cut the material to fit the room’s size.
• PROFLEX™ 90: This composite can be used under approved adhesives, mortars and thin sets. With its high-strength top layer and adhesive side, the PROFLEX™ 90 is a specialized soundproofing product designed for effective sound control.

Build It Right With Soundproof Cow

Meeting building soundproofing regulations is vital in modern construction. At Soundproof Cow, we are your expert source for tested and proven solutions that meet or exceed STC and IIC requirements.

Browse our products and contact us online today for more information or to get started.