On-Site Acoustic Testing helps condominium associations, apartment owners, developers, property managers, and design teams evaluate flooring and underlayment systems where impact-sound performance is a concern.
Flooring changes and impact-noise complaints
Replacing carpet with hard-surface flooring can materially change the impact sound transmitted into the space below. Footsteps, dropped objects, chairs, pets, and other everyday activity may become more noticeable when a floor system does not provide adequate impact isolation.
AIIC and ASTC field testing
Two field measurements are commonly useful when evaluating multifamily floor/ceiling assemblies:
- AIIC testing measures impact-sound transmission through the installed floor/ceiling assembly using a standardized tapping machine.
- ASTC testing measures airborne sound isolation across the installed assembly using a controlled broadband sound source.
Because these are field measurements, the results reflect the completed construction and associated flanking paths rather than a laboratory specimen in isolation.
Sample-patch flooring evaluation
Where several finish-flooring or underlayment options are being considered, OSAT can perform comparative sample-patch testing before a full installation is completed. Representative sections of proposed systems can be evaluated over the existing subfloor so multiple combinations can be compared during the same field visit.
- Hardwood and engineered wood
- Luxury vinyl and resilient flooring
- Laminate flooring
- Tile and stone systems
- Carpet and pad
- Acoustic underlayments and resilient layers
HOA and building standards
Testing can support development of objective flooring requirements for condominium associations and multifamily properties. Rather than relying only on product literature or nominal laboratory ratings, field measurements can be used to establish how a proposed system performs in the actual building construction.
Existing complaints and remediation
For an installed floor that is generating complaints, testing can document current performance, distinguish impact from airborne transmission, and provide a measured baseline for evaluating proposed corrective work.
Independent field evaluation
OSAT does not sell flooring, underlayment, or installation services. Our role is to provide independent field measurements and technically defensible comparisons so owners, associations, managers, and design teams can make better-informed decisions.
