Floor Insulation FAQ - Finitec Canada

Healthy for you, environmentally friendly

Acousti-Tech
membranes are non toxic, odorless, rot-resistant, non allergenic and antibacterial. The membranes qualify you for LEED® points in environmentally friendly buildings projects (ASTM G21-96 test).

	What does FIIC stand for ? FIIC stands for Field Impact Insulation Class. It is a rating indicating the floor/ceiling acoustic insulation to impact noise. An impact noise would be the noise generated by foot steps, dropping objects or moving furniture. Sound propagates by vibration waves through material at different speeds: through concrete at 3000 meter/second, cork at 1200 m/s, rubber at 350 m/s and Finitec Canada acoustical membranes at 150 m/s. The membrane reduces the impact noise from going through the floor/ceiling structure. Some manufacturers use an IIC instead of a FIIC. An IIC is a laboratory test performed in perfect conditions and a FIIC is a field test performed in a true existing construction. This result is more representative of real life than the laboratory test. FIIC is more reliable than an IIC that can give results 2 to 5 points upper than a FIIC in a true existing construction. Higher the FIIC is, better the acoustic insulation is.

	What does FSTC stand for ? FSTC stands for Field Sound Transmission Class. It is a rating indicating the transmission of airborne noises through walls and floor/ceilings structure. An airborne noise would be the sound of voices or television. Usually, thick walls or floors stop the majority of usual sounds. Higher the FSTC is, better the acoustic insulation is. An STC is a laboratory test and FSTC is a field test without the perfect conditions of a laboratory test. The FSTC result is more representative of the real life than the STC.

	Are the mechanical properties really important ? Absolutely. The membrane evens out minor sub floor irregularities for a close fitting between the membrane and the floor covering. It is particularly important in floating installation. The membrane does not delaminate in glued-down installation when the floor covering is under pressure due to conditions fluctuation. The membrane also prevents reflective cracking from the concrete slab to reach tile installation and damage its joints.

	Can I nail a hardwood floor through FINITEC CANADA membrane ? Yes, but the floor/ceiling acoustical efficiency could be lower than floated and glued-down installations. The membrane gives you other benefits like in-room noise attenuation and thermal comfort which is particularly appreciated it private homes.

	Are FINITEC CANADA membranes environmentally friendly ? Without any doubt! Each membrane is recyclable, non toxic, non-allergenic, rot-resistant and odorless. In accordance with the Canadian Green Building Council, the majority of our membranes are LEED compliant.

	Which membrane should I choose ? First, evaluate your soundproofing needs or required acoustical rating for your building. Finitec Canada offers membranes ranging from 56 to 62 FIIC, tested WITHOUT SUSPENDED CEILING. Suspended ceilings raise the acoustical performance from 10 to 14 points, but they are rarely used in condominiums or multi-units building. Secondly, identify the type of installation and floor covering needed. Finitec Canada offers membranes for glued-down and floated installations in accordance with floor manufacturer’s installation guide requirements for hardwood, engineered, laminate and ceramic tile floor coverings.

	How will my floor be warmer ? The membrane stops the cold, coming from the concrete slab, from reaching the floor because of the aluminized film that reflects temperature back into the room. It enhances radiant heating system performance by accelerating the heating process with less energy.

	Will the acoustical properties last over time ? The needle-punched technology using high quality synthetic fibers and strict manufacturing quality control process insure a product that keeps its absorption memory and structural stability over time.

	Why should I purchase an Acousti-Tech membrane over any other product ? Choosing an acoustical product for your floor is really complicated; you can not hear the difference. Your main concern is to purchase a soundproofing underlayment that really works, is comfortable and last over time. And this is also our main concern. The sound absorption performance was established according to ASTM testing in real homes and buildings and certified by an independent organization who delivered a CCMC certification. We established our credibility by a 3 years re-evaluation process for our CCMC certification, ISO 9001:2000 quality control registered and finally, expertise gained over the years by being attentive to the needs of our customers, new regulation in multi-units building and trends in floor coverings.

	How to find Acousti-Tech products ? Our products are taking a vast North American market. To know the nearest retailer location, please contact our customer service.