Installation Guide

SOUND CONTROL 29
Discussion of sound control in conjunction with ceramic &
stone tile
SOUND CONTROL
Sound transmission evaluation and requirements
Impact sound transmission through floor-ceiling assemblies is most commonly measured in the laboratory according to test method
ASTM E492. The measured data is used to calculate a single-number rating per ASTM E989 called impact insulation class (IIC). The
contribution of a flooring assembly to the IIC of an assembly with a concrete slab subfloor can be determined using the ASTM E2179 test
method. The test method yields a rating called ΔIIC (delta IIC), and measures the performance of the combination of all elements above
the concrete. ΔIIC values are useful tools to compare the performance of different flooring assemblies over a concrete slab. However,
full assembly testing can be used as the basis for designing floor-ceiling assemblies to meet impact sound control requirements. For
example, the International Building Code (IBC) requires a minimum IIC of 50 and the International Residential Code (IRC) a minimum IIC of
45. Condominium or homeowners associations may have their own requirements, which are typically higher than code minimums.
DITRA-HEAT-DUO
Schluter
®
-DITRA-HEAT integrates electric floor warming with the functions associated with DITRA: uncoupling, waterproofing, vapor
management and load support. Schluter
®
-DITRA-HEAT-DUO integrates two additional benefits: reducing impact sound transmission
through floor-ceiling assemblies and providing faster warm-up times. While sound control materials tend to be compressible, DITRA-HEAT-
DUO supports the covering to ensure a lasting installation. This versatility makes the system an ideal solution for ceramic and stone tile
floor installations in many applications, such as multi-story residential construction, hotel guest rooms, and many more.
Controlling sound transmission through floor/ceiling assemblies in multi-story construction can present challenges to architects and
design professionals, particularly when hard surface coverings, including ceramic and stone tiles, are used. This is because sound control
materials tend to be compressible and may not provide adequate support for the tile layer in thin-set applications. However, there are
practical methods that allow for the use of tile and stone while providing sound transmission control.