TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Metropolitan Floors is taking a stand to address a critical issue in the flooring industry: the growing confusion and misconceptions around acoustic ratings in condos and stratas. For over 25 years, the company has been at the forefront of understanding and advocating for accurate acoustic performance measurements in real-world scenarios, and is now bringing greater clarity to an often misunderstood aspect of construction.
“Over the years, Metropolitan Floors has witnessed the rise of unrealistic acoustic requirements from condos and strata boards,” said Dave Sandover, President of Metropolitan Floors. “Originally, acoustic ratings were developed from lab-tested environments that closely replicated real-world conditions to provide accurate results.”
THE MISCONCEPTION
Central to this issue is the importance of underlay—an unsung hero in flooring systems. An underlay is the layer of material placed directly beneath the floor, and when it comes to acoustics, acoustic underlays play a critical role. These underlays are designed specifically to absorb and reduce noise, which is especially vital in multi-level buildings. "We used to see legitimate numbers around the high 50s IIC, (Impact Insulation Class) which was expected based on the common building constructions like concrete or wood frame structures," said Mike Sahli, Technical Services Manager of Metropolitan Floors. “It’s important to recognize that developers continue to use realistic ratings,” he added.
Demand for underlays with higher and higher IIC ratings is a constant challenge in the flooring industry. Unrealistic expectations based on a fundamental misunderstanding of what is actually required on site to achieve a high (60, 70 or 80) IIC is driving the problem.
“Ten years ago stratas were publishing bylaws that required much lower IIC ratings,” said Chris Maskell, CEO of National Floor Covering Association of Canada. “Fast forward to today and we are seeing numbers as high as 80 in Ontario,” said Maskell.
In recent years, regulations from condo boards and councils have started demanding acoustic ratings that are not achievable in typical construction design. The numbers are often impossible to meet without highly specific and costly building materials that are not used in everyday construction. “If you are in the market for an acoustical underlay and you find one with a high enough IIC rating, check the test standard under which it achieved that rating. Without a standard you have nothing to compare it to, " said Maskell.
INDUSTRY IMPACT
Underlay, particularly acoustic underlay, is a crucial component in modern flooring systems. It not only supports your flooring but also helps to absorb noise, for a more comfortable and peaceful environment. Whether you're a homeowner, condo resident, or developer, understanding the benefits of underlay can make all the difference in enhancing both the function and comfort of your space.
Developers use realistic ratings in their specifications based on the construction of a building. However, once the building is complete, condo boards are often approached by manufacturers promising unachievable acoustic values through various floor covering systems. These unrealistic expectations can result in homeowners being misled, causing frustration when their real-world conditions fail to match the promised lab results.
"The problem started over two decades ago when some underlay manufacturers began generating really high ratings in lab settings which led to a 72 IIC becoming condo requirements,” said Sahli. “As a result, standards shifted, requiring increasingly unattainable acoustic values.
ADDRESSING THE ISSUE
Metropolitan Floors is leading the mission to educate both the industry and the public that lab tests allow you to achieve almost anything, but they do not translate into the real world. True standards do exist and developers want strata councils to get back to using real numbers.
Committed to helping consumers make informed decisions about flooring and acoustic performance, Metropolitan Floors offers the resources they need to understand the complexities of acoustic ratings. Thus, reaffirming its position as a leader in both the flooring industry and providing transparency around one of the most misunderstood aspects of residential construction. The company hopes to start a conversation around the importance of realistic acoustic expectations and the need for standardized testing that reflects real-world conditions and encourages consumers to speak directly with the flooring manufacturer or developer to ask how they got their rating.
“Ultimately, it’s about being honest with consumers, condo boards, and developers about what can be achieved,” said Sandover. “We want to lead the industry in ensuring that homeowners get accurate information and that the systems they invest in deliver what’s promised.”
About Metropolitan Hardwood Floors Inc.
Metropolitan Floors is a manufacturer and distributor of premium Kentwood-engineered hardwood and Evoke luxury vinyl, laminate, rigid core, and Surge® flooring. Founded as a hardwood flooring retailer in 1992, the company has grown to become a leading manufacturer and distributor of specialty flooring products and an end-to-end flooring solution provider. Metropolitan services Canada and the US from its North American design studios, warehouses, and distribution centers. Visit metrofloors.com for more information.
