The National Building Code, BC Building Code and the Vancouver Building Bylaw require minimum standards of sound insulation between dwellings. BAP Acoustics measures airborne sound insulation (STC testing) and impact sound insulation (IIC testing) in accordance with relevant ASTM standards. Your strata, property manager or lawyer can use test results to seek redress for unsatisfactory sound insulation levels. Our reports and expert testimony support insurance claims or litigation.
Strata corporations often request IIC testing when hardwood floors replace carpets. The audio file links below compare noise levels resulting from a tapping machine (used to assess impact transmission) on hardwood flooring, on hardwood flooring with shredded rubber underlay and on carpet. Note that good quality loudspeakers or headphones are needed to hear the low frequency content of impact noise.
Hardwood Floor
Hardwood on Underlay
Carpet
