Underlayment

IIC and FIIC are measures of how soundproof a material is, but there’s a slight difference between the two terms. Impact Insulation Class (IIC) is the lab rating of a material’s sound resistance. Field Impact Insulation Class (FIIC) is a more accurate on-site test that takes the combined soundproofing materials into account. These measures are both based on how well the chosen material reduces impact noises like footfall, scraping, jumping, etc. With a higher IIC or FIIC (multifamily buildings want to be around 55 FIIC), there’s a higher level of acoustic insulation in a material, which means that sounds are significantly reduced.

Flooring is made up of four parts that make a durable, well-designed structure. These layers include:

• Joists – Foundation and frame of the flooring (most commonly made with wood)
• Subfloor – Structured layer of plywood beneath the underlayment
• Underlayment – Smooth, flat, and durable layer that provides stability for the surface flooring
• Floor Covering – Topmost part of flooring (carpet, vinyl, tile, and other materials are used)

Underlayment is a must for durable flooring that lasts for years. It works to protect your building from mold, mildew, and moisture. Plus, it minimizes loud sounds and the risk of a fire with its sound and fire resistant qualities.

The point of placing sound mats with your underlayment of choice is to absorb vibrations and suppress noises. With this combination, quieter floors are the result in commercial and multifamily buildings.