AIIC testing of floating floor systems: evaluating the effects of adhesives and fasteners

Acoustic consultants frequently address footfall noise by specifying floating floors. A true floating floor features a complete structural break between at least two layers, achieved without fasteners or adhesives. However, general contractors and end-users sometimes express concerns with fully floated subfloors. Some clients prefer fully gluing the floor underlayment and plywood layers, while others require mechanical connections via screws. While such connections compromise the acoustic efficacy of the underlayment, end-user comfort with the construction method is also a key consideration. Consultants must therefore advise clients not only on best practices but also on the performance implications of deviating from them. To quantify the acoustic impact of these variations, SoundSense conducted a series of AIIC tests on three flooring configurations installed over a concrete slab. These configurations included a true floating floor, a floor and underlayment fully adhered with adhesive, and a floor and underlayment both glued and screwed to the subfloor. This presentation discusses the performance variations observed in these three configurations and presents our findings regarding the impact of adhesive and mechanical connections on footfall noise reduction.