Acoustic rating of Floor Select hybrid flooring?

[mssolarspark]

The strata committee asked me to supply the acoustic rating of the flooring product Floor Select 7mm 1.76m² Ash Pinnacle SPC Hybrid Waterproof Flooring (I/N: 0336749) as it is a requirement of flooring in strata apartments.

Please help me. 

It is planned to lay this flooring on top of the existing floor tiles in the kitchen area.

[JacobZ]

Hi @mssolarspark,

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

Unfortunately, I don't have that information readily available to me. I have reached out to our supplier and requested information. 

I expect they will be closed for the weekend, so I won't be able to get you an answer till Monday at the earliest, but please rest assured, I will follow up and get it to you as soon as possible.

Jacob

[Noyade]

Just a curious onlooker @mssolarspark 

And I'm sure @JacobZ will supply us with details.

But it seems rather harsh? What's the theory - flooring + shoes = noise?

Cheers.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Noyade,

It's all about limiting sound transfer. As someone with an upstairs neighbour in an apartment complex, it can get pretty frustrating. I'm not sure what the flooring situation is like up there, but sometimes it feels like they are just stomping on the concrete slab, which really does your head in when you're trying to focus.

I also worked in strata management once upon a time, and the disputes you would get can get pretty nasty, so it is best to set a standard expectation when it comes to the acoustic rating of flooring. If there is proof that the flooring is at a certain standard, then, unfortunately for the downstairs neighbour, they just have to accept it as part of living in a multistorey apartment.

Hopefully that answers your question.

Jacob

[mssolarspark]

JacobZ, thank you very much for fast reply. I will be waiting.

[Noyade]

Thanks @JacobZ 

Tough World. 😔

[JacobZ]

Hi @mssolarspark,

The response I have received from our supplier QEP is as follows -

"Good afternoon,

The products you have mentioned are not acoustically rated, if they would like acoustic ratings, they would need to install the QEP 2mm IXPE Acoustic Pro Underlay I/N – 0343899.

Please see attached document for the acoustic rating on the IXPE underlay.

All the best"

I have forwarded a copy of the acoustic report for the IXPE underlay to your email address.

Jacob

[mssolarspark]

Hi JacobZ,

Thank you for the information. Do you happen to know if any acoustic testing has been conducted for the 7mm Floor Select flooring when installed over tiles?

I'm feeling quite uncertain at the moment—should I cancel the flooring I’ve chosen and go with a different option?

Alternatively, do you have any suggestions on how I might justify my current choice to the strata committee? I believe the existing tiled floor in the kitchen area should already have some level of soundproofing. Would adding hybrid flooring on top significantly alter the acoustic performance?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Mariana

[JacobZ]

Hi Mariana (@mssolarspark),

Based on the response I received from the supplier, the answer would be no; testing has not been done for that particular flooring product.

With an acoustic underlay, I can't imagine that adding flooring over existing tiles would increase the level of sound transfer, but I also can't say I'm certain. Some companies do acoustic testing for strata committees, so contacting one for their guidance might be worthwhile. As they specialise in this kind of thing, they would probably be best suited to provide advice.

Ultimately, it is all about reducing the potential for disputes, so I think it is important to follow the expectations of your specific strata scheme, committee and bylaws, so if you're unsure, open and honest communication with them is likely the best way to go. The bylaws of your specific strata scheme might also call for a specific rating, or there may have been a past determination that you can use to guide your selection of a suitable flooring.

Jacob