FAQ

1. Why buy an AcoustiTECH membrane instead of another product?

   The first benefit of our acoustic expertise. We’re not only an acoustic products manufacturer. We are closely working with many different professionals, as architects, acousticians and contractors. Adding to this, we are the only manufacturer of acoustic products that has his own acoustic laboratory. Keeping focus on our knowledge and expertise before selling the product is our priority.
   
   AcoustiTECH has proceed to thousands acoustic tests in various type of structure and assembly, both on field with independent professional acousticians and in laboratory. The expertise developed by the AcoustiTECH team allows it to offer a unique and personalized service by advising clients towards the best acoustic solutions and products they can rely on.
   
   Adding to this, AcoustiTECH systems include a great variety of solutions to find the quietude that you dream of. We’re confident that offering Canadian easy to install long term preforming products offering a structural stability, thermal properties, non-allergenic and who gives reliable data are characteristics that will meet and exceed your expectations and acoustics demands for your new building or a renovation. https://youtu.be/y6EXDoKHQ6w

2. Why invest in a soundproofing underlayment membrane?

   As an owner of a condo or a house, you will appreciate the peace of mind, the thermal comfort, the plush atmosphere that an AcoustiTECH membrane will give you without neglecting the mechanical performance (that means the structural stability regarding the chosen floor). We are among the only manufacturers to have a complete product range of membranes and adhesives. We consider the mechanical assembly just as important as acoustic. This performance will not only continue year after year, but will give your home an additional value

3. Can we install the same membrane under any types of floor?

   No. Our membranes are associated to specific types of floor and installations. Indeed, the composition, their thickness and their mechanical properties are made to fit in a precise assembly. To each types of floor its technology. It’s inaccurate and false to think that a membrane will be effective for all the floors and structures. Thanks to our acoustic expertise, we are proud to recommend the good product at the right place. https://youtu.be/z0wFmy8WE2k

4. What is the difference between IIC, FIIC, AIIC, and what are the current standards?

   IIC is a measure obtained by acoustic tests in order to compare the acoustic properties of an assembly in a building. IIC means Impact Insulation Class, as the coefficient of transmission of impact noise. This measure determines the impact soundproofing of a floor/ceiling assembly. Higher is the IIC, better the acoustic soundproofing is. An impact noise is generated by step noise, objects dropping or moving on the floor. AcoustiTECH membranes reduce impact noise transfer between ceiling and floor assembly. Those acoustic values are given in three different forms: IIC, FIIC, AIIC. They are referring to the same measure, except that the IIC measure was took in laboratory and the FIIC (Field Impact Insulation Class) on field in a building on a construction site.
   
   Since the implantations of the ASTM E1007-14 and ASTM E336-14 rules, precisions have been add regarding the way of measuring and presenting acoustic tests made on field. Following changes brought to regulations, all of the new tests made on field will now be preceded by the letter “A” instead of “F”. Other than changing the name of the measurement unit, this change faithfully represents the reality of a construction, with his properties and weaknesses. Avoiding getting to much into the details of this regulation, the application of these updates will allow us to get results considering indirectly loosing sound related to known construction methods.
   
   As for actual acoustic regulations, for a floor/ceiling assembly, National Building Code (NBC) does not require a minimum acoustic performance but therefore recommends a FIIC of 55 to provide a minimum of comfort to its occupants. Here is a quick video explaining this situation:
   
   https://youtu.be/XnYqi7TnBRI

5. What does STC mean?

   The acronym STC refers to Sound Tansmission Class. It is a new measurement use to determine soundproofing degree to airborne noises traveling through floor/ceiling structures and walls. An airborne noise is created by the sound of a voice or television. Furthermore, more higher is the STC, better is the acoustic insulation. In the industry, those acoustic values are given under three forms: STC, FSTC, ASTC. They are referring to the same measure, except that the STC measure was took in laboratory and the FSTC (Field Sound Transmission Class) on field in a building on a construction site.
   
   Since the implantations of the ASTM E1007-14 and ASTM E336-14 rules, precisions have been add regarding the way of measuring and presenting acoustic tests made on field. Following changes brought to regulations, all of the new tests made on field will now be preceded by the letter “A” instead of “F”. Other than changing the name of the measurement unit, this change faithfully represents the reality of a construction, with his properties and weaknesses. Avoiding getting to much into the details of this regulation, the application of these updates will allow us to get results considering indirectly loosing sound related to known construction methods.
   
   As for actual acoustic regulations, for a floor/ceiling assembly, National Building Code (NBC) does not require a minimum acoustic performance but therefore recommends a FIIC of 55 to provide a minimum of comfort to its occupants. Here is how to mitigate airborne noise:
   
   https://youtu.be/pJGy5qxpmmk

6. CAN AN ACOUSTIC ADHESIVE OFFER THE SAME PERFORMANCE AS A MEMBRANE?

   Some adhesives have acoustic properties, but not enough to replace a membrane. For an example, if you glue down a floor with the AD-844MS adhesive, without a membrane, on a concrete slab with a suspended ceiling, we could get a FIIC of around 60 (depending on the building structure, the quality of the installation, material used). In that case, the structure is performing well with the adhesive, but not because of the adhesive. Here is a quick video to explain this fact:
   https://youtu.be/IbBP6ztHk8E

7. CAN THE INSTALLATION METHOD OF MY ACOUSTIC SOLUTION AFFECT MY PERFORMANCE?

   Yes. Many details when installing, not just the membrane, have an influence on the acoustic performance of the structure. For an example, direct contact between rigid materials of the structure or from the floor can transfer, transport and even amplify sounds and mechanic vibrations. Dissociating high density materials which make up the building one from another will drastically decrease the displacement of the vibrations. Being sure that the joints of the membrane are touching each other is another important point. https://youtu.be/1Ilficsm6m8

8. I DO NOT LIVE IN A CONDO, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO INSTALL YOUR MEMBRANES IN MY HOUSE. IS IT POSSIBLE?

   Yes. Moreover, it even gives your house an additional value. The AcoustiTECH Ceramic membrane certainly your first choice by helping your ceramic tiles getting warmer while protecting joints from cracking.
   
   Furthermore, AcoustiTECH Premium and AcoustiTECH VP membranes are the perfect choices if you are installing floating floors. While providing you a vapor barrier and heat for your feet, it will give you a structural stability between the substrate and the floating floor.
   
   For double glued down installation, the AcoustiTECH 7000, 5000, 3500 and AcoustiTECH Lead 6, 4.5 and 3.3 will let you enjoy a hardwood floor covering while controlling reverberating noises within the house. Use our adhesives to glue down the membrane and the floor.
   
   For vinyl planks and tiles, the AcoustiTECH LV membrane will give you a superior acoustic performance, both in a floated or a double glued down installation.

9. WILL I HEAR MY NEIGHBOR WITH A FIIC OF 60?

   A FIIC of 60 is really good. For comparison, the National Building Code suggests a FIIC of 55. Remember that acoustic is all about perception. This video explains this reality:
   https://youtu.be/uxe-yr_Csyc

10. WILL MY NEW FLOOR STILL BE UNDER WARRANTY IF I DO NOT USE THE MANUFACTURER RECOMMENDED MEMBRANE?

    The AcoustiTECH membranes respect at all point floor manufacturer’s requests. Each of the AcoustiTECH products comes with a 25 years warranty to prove the quality of the products. For more details, please refer to our web site.

11. WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF USING YOUR MEMBRANE UNDER CERAMIC TILES?

    Ceramic tiles and natural stones are cooler for your feet. The AcoustiTECH Ceramic membrane will provide you comfort by keeping your floor warmer. Joints and tiles will also be protected against micro cracks coming from the concrete slab. Adding to this, the membrane is compatible with most of radiant heating system by optimizing it. Take a look at this quick video: https://youtu.be/gBUff19FTGo

12. DOES THE BUILDING STRUCTURE HAVE AN INFLUENCE ON THE ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE?

    Yes. Getting an acoustic performance depends on a lot factors. Other than the structure and materials, the type of floor covering has an impact on the acoustic performance of a construction, especially regarding the impact noise attenuation. When taking separately, each of the elements composing the structure does not allow interfering the acoustic performance of an eventual building. It is therefore hard to obtain a precise prognostic regarding its acoustic potential. To get an estimation, it’s important to have a global look on all of the building features. For an example, for an 8” or 9” concrete slab, we get a FIIC of 32 for structure itself, with no floor covering, membrane or suspended ceiling. However, if you add a suspended ceiling and an air vacuum of 5 to 8 inches to this structure, the FIIC goes up to 45 (still without a floor covering). The performance obtained with a suspended ceiling will be reflected on the final result and will help getting result around 66 to 72 with many type of floor coverings, including the installation of a resilient material.
    
    In the perspective that every detail is well planned and integrated in the initial conception of the building, we can obtain results almost as high on wood structures than on concrete, which is a great advancement in the industry. For an example, adding gypsum suspension or even install two gypsums instead of one are methods that greatly help improving acoustic performance in a building.
    
    Following those examples, it’s easy for us to say that the nature of the construction will have fundamental impact regarding its acoustic performance, independently of the floor covering.
    
    Here is quick video explaining this principle: https://youtu.be/Bo_ggtx4J9Y

13. IS IT POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN A FIIC RATING OF 60 WITH THE ACOUSTITECH CERAMIC MEMBRANE WHEN INSTALLING CERAMIC TILES?

    Yes, as long as you have a really performing structure, like a 8” concrete slab with a suspended ceiling. Because of the hardness of a ceramic tile, it is very hard to obtain a FIIC higher than 56, even with all the products offered on the market saying that is possible. Often, those products were tested in really performing structures not reflecting reality, occasioning a lower performance than displayed. That’s why the National Building Code recommend a FIIC of 50.

14. CAN I USE YOUR MEMBRANE WITH A HEATING SYSTEM?

    Yes. Heating cables are usually installed on a concrete slab. Concrete is very cold. Thus, heating cables lose their efficiency on trying to warm the concrete slab. AcoustiTECH membranes block cold from the concrete slab and reflect heat to the floor covering. The membranes increase the heating system performance. Many types of installations are possible.

15. ARE MEMBRANES MECHANIC PROPERTIES IMPORTANT?

    Absolutely. The membrane helps leveling small subfloor imperfections to favour a perfect adjustment between the membrane and the floor covering. This is particularly important in a floating installation. When glued down, the AcoustiTECH membrane doesn’t delaminate and keep its structure intact under de pressure exerted by an inflating or shrinking floor covering caused by the temperature and moisture variations. Adding to this, the membrane will also protect your ceramic tiles from micro cracks coming from the concrete slab causing joints erosion.

16. WHY INSTALLING AN ACOUSTIC MEMBRANE IN MY BASEMENT?

    Basements being more humid than the upper floors, it is important to control moisture getting to your floors. Thermo-acoustic AcoustiTECH VP and AcoustiTECH Premium membranes have an aluminized vapor-barrier film which protects moisture efficiently (PERM 0.09). While protecting your floor from moisture, the vapor-barrier membrane reflects ambient heat and keeps cool off from the concrete slab so to keep your floor warmer. Furthermore, the soundproofing element of the membrane will give a comfortable and pleasant sound ambiance.

17. HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT ACOUSTITECH MEMBRANE?

    First above, evaluate your needs; soundproofing, moisture control or tempered floor. To insulate a condo, you must verify the acoustic recommendations of the building. Next, identify what type of installation and floor covering which will be used. We offer many AcoustiTECH membranes for double glued down of floating installations, answering to the requirements of floor covering manufacturers.
    
    The AcoustiTECH Ceramic membrane is certainly your first choice by getting your bathroom and kitchen ceramic tiles warmer while protecting joints from cracking.
    
    AcoustiTECH Premium and AcoustiTECH VP membranes are perfect if you are looking to install a floated floor, offering you a quality vapor barrier, a warmer floor and a structural stability between the structure and your floor covering.
    
    For double glued down installations, AcoustiTECH 7000, 5000, 3500 and AcoustiTECH Lead 6, 4.5 and 3.3 will let you enjoy a solid floor covering while controlling most of the reverberation noises in the house, making it more comfortable for your ears. Use our adhesives to glue down the membranes and the floor.
    
    For vinyl planks and tiles, the AcoustiTECH LV membrane will give you a superior acoustic performance, both in a floated or a double glued down installation. https://youtu.be/IXAf7_YoWH8

18. CAN WE GLUE PARQUET FLOORING ON THE MEMBRANE?

    Yes. Therefore, it is important to use the adhesives AD-844MS or AD-532+, because regular parquet flooring adhesives contain water that could warp the small slats. Please contact our customer service if you are using embossed parquet flooring at service@acousti-tech.com.

19. IS IT POSSIBLE TO NAIL DOWN A HARWOOD FLOOR TROUGH ACOUSTITECH MEMBRANES?

    AcoustiTECH membranes bring many benefits in a residence, such as the attenuation of impact noises and thermal comfort. When installing the membrane, it’s important to cover all the floor surface and to keep the membrane intact to enjoy a maximum performance. Consequently, a nail in the membrane will serve as a bridge from impact noises and will lower its acoustic efficiency. The NWFA (National Wood Flooring Association) recommends nailing down the hardwood floor on two plywood board, of a minimum of 3/8” thick, crossed and glued down. We recommend installing the AcoustiTECH Premium membrane floating under the plywood boards. Therefore, it is possible to nail down the membrane, if you are looking for some acoustic comfort without the efficiency required in condos.

20. CAN WE INSTALL TWO MEMBRANES ONE OVER THE OTHER?

    Structurally speaking, this installation will not be stable. If you want to create an elevation, it is recommend to use a plywood under the membrane. Adding to this, this would not help regarding soundproofing.

21. CAN WE INSTALL TWO MEMBRANES ONE OVER THE OTHER?

    Structurally speaking, this installation will not be stable. If you want to create an elevation, it is recommend to use a plywood under the membrane. Adding to this, this would not help regarding soundproofing.

22. CAN WE INSTALL THE ACOUSTITECH 7000 OR LEAD 6 UNDER CERAMIC TILES?

    No. The ONLY membrane to install under ceramic tiles is the AcoustiTECH Ceramic membrane. A thicker membrane would bring your tiles and joints to crack.

23. CAN I USE ACOUSTITECH MEMBRANES UNDER A CARPET?

    Yes. AcoustiTECH membranes do not disintegrated with time. You could take off the carpet without being afraid that the sub carpet produce dust like regular commercial sub carpets. Furthermore, your carpet will remain fluffy throughout his life. We recommend three membranes, depending on the level of soundproofing desired: AcoustiTECH Lead 3.3, AcoustiTECH Lead 4.5 or AcoustiTECH 5000.

24. ARE ACOUSTITEC MEMBRANES ENVIRONEMENTAL FRIENDLY?

    Yes. Each of the membrane is nontoxic, non-allergenic, non-putrescible and odorless. According to the Canada Green Building Council, our membranes are conform to LEED standards. Many of our membranes are even manufactured from recycled fibers.

25. WHERE CAN I FIND ACOUSTITECH PRODUCTS?

    AcoustiTECH products are available throughout Canada in most floor covering specialized stores, in some hardware stores and even in a few sales points in the United States. Have a look to retailers list in our web site to find one nearby with your zip code. They are also available on our website at gofinitec.com. For more details, contact our Customer Service by phone at 1-888-838-4449 or by email at service@acousti-tech.com.