ACMO Blog

Beyond the Decibels: The Importance of Soundproofing in Condominiums

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Noise disturbances in condominiums aren't merely an inconvenience. They have the potential to drastically degrade the quality of life, affecting elements such as sleep, relaxation, and even mental health. Consequently, for condo boards and managers, addressing this issue is of paramount importance.

Understanding Noise Mitigation

To  understand noise mitigation in condos, it's essential to comprehend some technical jargon. One crucial term is the Impact Insulation Class (IIC). Many buildings, perplexingly, demand an IIC of 71, 72, 73, or even higher. However, such ratings are unrealistic, especially if a building doesn't have suspended ceilings filled with insulation and finished drywall in place.

In many high-rises, an 8"concrete floor slab separates units without the addition of suspended ceilings or specialized soundproof insulation.  This can make achieving high IIC ratings difficult, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction among residents.

Why Update Flooring Replacement Rules?

Given the complexities and the varying structures of condominium buildings, it's essential to have flooring replacement rules that are both updated and pragmatic. By revising these rules and establishing a clear framework for sound mitigation, condo communities can ensure that residents have realistic expectations.

The Need for Quality Soundproofing Materials

The effectiveness of any soundproofing measure largely depends on the materials used. While there are several products in the market, choosing one that aligns with a building's unique requirements is crucial.

The Rhino Advantage

RHINO's recycled rubber-based sound control is rapidly gaining popularity for condos, especially those with the common 8” thick concrete floor and ceiling slabs. Its effectiveness in absorbing, isolating, and preventing noises, from loud thuds to dropped objects, is unrivalled.

Laurent Trembley, Senior VP of Condominium Properties at Forest Hill Kipling, shares, “I have been present during presentations about various soundproofing products and have implemented RHINO Sound Control with proven results. It has one of the highest impact isolation class ratings for buildings constructed of an 8" concrete slab with no suspended ceilings.”

For a peaceful condo community, noise mitigation strategies and prevention are vital. By choosing the right products and setting the correct expectations, we can ensure that our condos are serene homes, not just buildings.

Interested in more? Contact us at rhino@thefloorstudio.ca to get a professionally written Flooring Replacement Rule by a condo law expert. Visit us at thefloorstudio.ca