Comparative study: Various ceramic acoustic underlayments for ultra high-end penthouse renovation in Canada

In multi-residential construction, achieving effective great sound insulation in flooring systems is a critical yet challenging objective, particularly with ceramic flooring. This study explores an in-depth comparison of acoustic performance of several floor solutions, including the usual engineered wood floating floors assembly, tested in a high-end penthouse unit. Key tests and measurements were conducted by SiBE Acoustique and AcoustiTECH, assessed impact transmission noise isolation, using ASTM-compliant methodologies. The findings highlight how innovative underlayment solutions, can enhance the acoustic performance of ceramic assemblies, meeting or surpassing the acoustic benchmarks of traditional floating floors. The study also addresses frequency-specific behaviors, emphasizing the importance of low-to-mid frequency performance in occupant comfort. This presentation will detail the comparative analysis of acoustic ratings (ISR, AIIC), provide insight into the technical particularities of each tested systems' design and discuss the implications for construction professionals and acoustic consultants in developing practical, high-performance flooring solutions. By bridging the gap between aesthetics, durability, and high acoustic constrains, this study contributes to advancing complex impact attenuation performance system in multi-residential environments.