Optimizing acoustic comfort in multi-residential construction: the impact of floor coverings

Tuesday, 05 March 2024

The problems most often reported by co-owners include noise (32%), according to a study by ESG UQAM Accounting Department professor Micheline Renault. When constructing or renovating a building, every detail counts to create a pleasant space for occupants. Among the many aspects to consider, the choice of floor covering plays an important role when it comes to acoustic comfort. Indeed, the type of flooring selected can have a significant impact on noise reduction, offering a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere in condos.

Customized solutions

AcoustiTECH has studied the need for acoustic solutions for hard-surface floors in multi-unit buildings. When it comes to selecting a membrane for the renovation or construction of your building, it's important not to simply rely on the acoustic results advertised on products. Acoustic comfort is more than just a number.

Impact of floor covering

The choice of floor covering is a key element to prioritize when designing a building, because of its influence on sound transmission. Some materials absorb noise, while others transmit it. Therefore, opting for the right floor covering can help attenuate footsteps, vibrations and sounds from adjacent rooms. It's important to always look at the floor/ceiling assembly to fully understand acoustic performance.

Floor covering options for better acoustic performance

1. Carpets and rugs: These floor coverings are known for their ability to absorb sound and reduce noise propagation. They are particularly effective in bedrooms and living spaces where acoustic comfort is paramount. However, this type of covering is becoming less and less fashionable and is often replaced by another, to the detriment of acoustic performance. Hence the importance of opting for an alternative such as an acoustic solution between the floor structure and the floor covering to attenuate noise.

2. Laminate and vinyl flooring: While these options can offer attractive aesthetics and ease of maintenance, they tend to be less effective in terms of sound insulation. However, by using specific underlayments, their acoustic performance can be greatly improved. Vinyl floors present the greatest mechanical and acoustic challenges in multi-unit buildings. It is therefore important to ensure compatibility between your choice of floor covering and the acoustic solution.

3. Wood floors: Hardwood and engineered wood floors can provide good sound insulation if installed with appropriate soundproofing materials. For example, a hardwood floor can be nailed to an acoustic panel, while an engineered floor can be glued to a specialized acoustic membrane.

4. Ceramic or stone tiles: These materials are renowned for their durability, but unfortunately they tend to transfer sound and are more problematic mechanically. It is therefore essential to opt for an acoustic membrane that is specifically designed for installation with ceramic tiles.

Sustainable development

In addition to acoustics, sustainability has become an increasingly important factor in the choice of building materials, including floor coverings. These choices not only reduce the ecological footprint of construction, but can also contribute to green building certification, such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), or the Carbon Neutral Building Standard, a Canadian solution designed to promote carbon neutrality for all types of building, new and existing. By integrating sustainability criteria into the selection process for floor coverings and acoustic solutions, designers and owners can create spaces that are both comfortable and environmentally friendly, meeting the growing demands of sustainable construction.

Conclusion

The choice of floor covering is therefore a crucial aspect of the acoustic design of a residential building. By taking into account the acoustic properties of different materials and selecting those that offer the best sound insulation, designers and owners can create spaces where comfort is a priority. Investing in the right floor coverings 1can not only improve occupants' quality of life, but also contribute to their overall satisfaction. Contact us to help you put the right product in the right place to ensure your building's acoustic comfort.

Vincent Moreau
Vice-president
AcoustiTECH