Flooring is one of the most abundant surfaces in the built environment, and the materials used on the floor play a major role in the overall sound quality of a space. Understanding the factors to consider in sound control can help flooring specifiers create solutions for their clients that improve the ambiance and functionality of a project.
“Containing sound in a commercial building is always a concern,” said Steve Taylor, director of architecture and technical manager for Custom Building Products. “Whether it comes from footfalls on the floor, movement of carts or the accidental drop of an object, you do not want the sound transmitted to adjoining rooms below. It is important that floors are properly designed to reduce sound transmission. Sound can find its way through the smallest opening or any rigid conductor, and these must be filled and isolated from the room below.”