Sound Transmission Class (STC) gauges airborne sound reduction, while Impact Insulation Class (IIC) measures the reduction of impact noise (like footsteps) transferred to the room below. In luxury vinyl installations, the use of high-density acoustic underlayment is the primary method to improve these ratings. This is especially important for second-story residential applications where noise mitigation between levels is required to maintain a quiet, comfortable living environment.
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How do sound transmission ratings (STC/IIC) apply to luxury vinyl flooring?
Sound transmission ratings like STC and IIC measure how well a flooring system blocks airborne and impact noise. For luxury vinyl, high-quality attached or loose-lay underlayment can significantly improve these metrics, especially in multi-level homes.