Airborne & Impact Sound Reduction
Airborne noise (conversation, television) can be attenuated by adding mass and absorption while impact noise (footfall) is best treated by damping/decoupling an existing floor/ceiling structure.
STC & IIC Ratings
Sound Transmission Class (STC)
Is an integer rating of how well a building partition attenuates airborne sound and is widely used to rate interior partitions, ceilings/floors, doors, windows and exterior wall configurations.
Impact Insulation Class (IIC)
Tests the ability to block impact sound by measuring the resistance to transmission of impact noise or structure-borne noise (simulating footfalls, objects dropped on the floor, etc.).
STC 30
Loud speech can be understood fairly well, normal speech heard but not understood
STC 35
Loud speech audible but not intelligible
STC 40
Onset of "privacy"
STC 45
Loud speech not audible; 90% of statistical population not annoyed. Most code requirements for field test.
STC 50
Very loud sounds such as musical instruments or a stereo can be faintly heard; 99% of population not annoyed. Most code requirement for lab tested results.
STC 60+
Superior soundproofing; most sounds inaudible
IIC 43
Footfall clearly audible
IIC 50
The least amount of impact sound transmission reduction considered effective. Most code requirement for lab tested results.
IIC 60
Considered a medium level of impact sound transmission reduction
IIC 65
Considered a high level of impact sound transmission reduction that would satisfy most occupants
IIC 74+
Footfall inaudible
Job Types
Party Wall Soundproofing
Typical party walls rate STC 30-40. Adding insulation, additional layers of drywall, and damping compounds can net STC ratings in the low to mid 50's. Decoupling can net ratings of STC 60+.
Decoupled Ceiling
Impact sound (footfall) is a common complaint and can be reduced with decoupling measures applied to either the offending floor or the ceiling below. Existing ceilings typically rate IIC 35-45. Think shock absorber for a car how it softens the impact on the passengers in the car. Same principal but in your home the ceiling floats away from the structure which allows the vibration become minimized, which in return results in less sound coming into your home.
Subjective Factors: Effect of Change in Sound Pressure Level
3 dB Just perceptible
5 dB Clearly noticeable
10 dB Twice as loud (or 1/2)
15 dB Three times as loud (or 1/3)
20 dB Four times as loud (or 1/4)
Reviews
The results are outstanding
“Shortly having moved into our apartment we realized that is had a massive noise problem. Every time our upstairs neighbor took a step it blasted through our living room like a base drum. We also had an issue with the common wall we share with our neighbor. They would crank their TV to try to cover up the huge noises coming from above. We called BIS after talking with other soundproofing companies and their prices were almost 1/2 the cost of their competitors. Kevin and his team were terrific and professional. Which was especially appreciated since I work at home and it is a small apartment. The results are outstanding, while there is no such thing as "soundproofing": the sound reduction has made a huge difference. The work is not cheap, but once you see what is involved in the work you will definitely know where the money is being spent. As an added bonus they actually finished the work a day earlier than scheduled. If you have sound issues in your home I highly recommend getting soundproofing work done with BIS.”
— David H. | Brooklyn, NY
We have had no further noise complaints
“We are a bar/restaurant that was having noise issues with our new neighbors above us. Brooklyn Soundproofing came in and gave us a few options on how to solve the problem that were at different prices levels. They also have a very helpful and easy to understand website that explained their methods. The workers that came to do the job were punctual, polite, respectful and hard working. The time estimate they gave me to complete the job was accurate. The work was clean looking and professional. We have had no further noise complaints.”
— Bill J. | New York, NY
An amazing Soundproofing Company
“An amazing Soundproofing Company!!
From the beginning Brooklyn Soundproofing and Insulation was on top of the job. I had a home estimate and from the first day to the end, the company's performance was over 100%. They said the job would take 3 days and it took only 3 days. I had to soundproof my wall in my living room because I could literally hear my next door neighbor breathing as well as having temper tantrums every other day. They cleared out the space and kept the work in an enclosed area to prevent the dust from spreading through the apt. The workers were amazing and they did a great job putting a soundproof wall over my existing wall in the living room. After the wall was completed, I couldn't even tell that a new wall was installed. It looked perfectly natural and part of the apt. I highly recommend this company to anyone who wants a little peace and quiet in their home.”
— Lisa G. | New York, NY
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