What is the acoustic index and how can you use it to turn your acoustic challenges into sustainable solutions
Monday, 20 October 2025
In the world of construction and renovation, acoustics is often seen as a simple technical requirement to check off a list. However, behind successful sound comfort lies a complex set of factors: the structure of the building, the type of floor covering, the installation system, and, of course, the acoustic solution chosen.
Ensuring you have the right product in the right place is therefore no easy task. That's why more and more professionals are relying on an acoustic index —a reference tool that simplifies the selection of acoustic solutions tailored to each project.
Why choosing the right acoustic solution is crucial
Noise is one of the main sources of discomfort in residential and commercial buildings. Poor acoustic insulation can lead to complaints, tensions between occupants, and even disputes.
However, an acoustic solution does not act alone: it interacts with the floor structure, subfloor, floor covering, and even the installation method. It is these interactions that determine the overall performance of the assembly.
Example:
• A high-performance solution installed under a floating floor will deliver excellent results.
• The same solution, installed under ceramic tiles on concrete, may not deliver the expected performance.
👉 In other words, the product is not universal: each assembly must be evaluated in its own context.
The myth of the magic number: why a good STC or IIC is not enough
STC (Sound Transmission Class) and IIC (Impact Insulation Class) ratings are often used as performance criteria. These numbers are essential, but they only tell part of the story.
1. The limitations of STC
STC measures airborne sound transmission (speech, music, television). However, it does not always reflect the reality of everyday noises,
especially low-frequency ones. Two assemblies with the same STC can offer very different sound experiences.
2. The limitations of IIC
IIC assesses the transmission of impact noise (walking/running, dropping objects, moving furniture, etc.). However, the results can vary depending on the type of flooring, the rigidity of the floor, or even the furniture in the room.
3. The reality on the ground
Laboratory tests are carried out under ideal conditions. On a construction site, several parameters—humidity, adjacent materials, finish—can influence actual performance.
That's why a good number is no guarantee of acoustic comfort. You have to understand the entire assembly.
The importance of a systemic approach
A building is an ecosystem. In acoustics, each component influences the behavior of the others.
Here are some concrete examples:
• Building structure: wood, concrete, and steel do not have the same sound absorption or transmission capabilities.
• Subfloor: a solid wood slab reacts differently from a concrete slab.
• Type of flooring: a floating vinyl floor does not behave like glued ceramic tile.
• Installation method: mechanical fasteners, adhesives, or dry installation systems influence acoustic performance.
In short, the acoustics of a building cannot be reduced to a single product, but rather to a coherent combination of elements.
The acoustic index: an ally in making the right choices
This is where the acoustic index comes in—a tool designed to help professionals select the most suitable acoustic solution for their project.
This tool brings together hundreds of laboratory-tested assemblies, combining different structures, subfloors, membranes, and coverings, including solutions from our ecosystem of partners.
With this tool, you can now:
• Compare actual assemblies rather than just products;
• Filter results by structure type, cladding, or installation;
• View reliable, verified data from independent testing;
• Access recommendations tailored to your specific project context;
• Generate a PDF of your selection of assemblies to print and present to your team.
👉 Result: you save time, reduce the risk of error, and guarantee optimal acoustic performance.
The benefits for each type of professional
Our acoustic index is not just a technical tool: it is a strategic resource for all building professionals.
🔹 For architects and designers
• Find assemblies that combine acoustic performance and aesthetics.
• Save time preparing your technical data sheets and estimates.
• Ensure compliance with standards without compromising on design.
• Access proven results.
• Assess the consistency between theory and real-world conditions.
• Simplify your technical recommendations with centralized data.
🔹 For promoters and developers
• Minimize the risk of noise-related complaints or disputes.
• Choose sustainable and cost-effective solutions.
• Highlight the acoustic quality of your projects in your sales pitches.
🔹 For general contractors
• Quickly identify the most suitable solution for a project without compromising performance.
• Avoid costly errors due to product incompatibility.
• Reduce construction delays with clear recommendations.
🔹 For building and condominium managers
• Prevent complaints and disputes while increasing acoustic comfort for occupants.
• Facilitate and simplify acoustic management during renovation work.
How the acoustic index works
The tool is based on a simple approach: parameter-based search.
The user selects:
1. The type of structure (wood, concrete, steel, solid wood, etc.)
2. The type of floor covering (vinyl, ceramic, wood, etc.)
3. The type of installation (floating, glued, screwed, dry, etc.)
In just a few clicks, they obtain a list of corresponding assemblies, accompanied by their acoustic performance measured in a real-world context rather than in a laboratory (ASTC and AIIC), as well as detailed information sheets on each solution.
Users can then compare, evaluate, and choose the configuration best suited to their project.
Acoustic comfort is much more than just a number
All too often, acoustic performance is reduced to a technical specification. However, the comfort experienced by occupants depends on many factors:
• The type of noise (airborne, impact, structural)
• The frequency and duration of exposure
• Individual perception of sound
• The context of use (offices, homes, schools, hotels, etc.)
A good STC rating does not guarantee that impact noise will be controlled, and vice versa.
That is why it is necessary to adopt a comprehensive view of acoustic comfort, where measured performance and actual perception come together.
Our acoustic index helps to translate technical data into concrete results, so that projects are both compliant and pleasant to live in.
Towards more sustainable and smarter construction
Acoustic performance is now part of a broader approach: that of sustainable building and occupant well-being.
Good acoustics contribute to:
• Quality sleep;
• Mental health and concentration;
• Stress reduction;
• A better quality of life;
• Increased property value.
By centralizing acoustic data and simplifying the choice of assemblies, the acoustic index supports this vision of smart construction, where every decision is based on data and experience.
Expertise at the service of your project
Our acoustic index is backed by more than 25 years of expertise in building acoustics.
Each assembly presented is based on tests carried out in accordance with current standards, guaranteeing the reliability of the results.
This expertise allows us to:
• Avoid misinterpretation;
• Offer solutions validated by trusted partners;
• Provide personalized support tailored to each type of project.
The right product, in the right place
Choosing an acoustic solution shouldn't be a headache. With our acoustic index, you have a clear, reliable, and intuitive tool to make the right choices from the project design stage.
Whether you are an architect, engineer, developer, or manager, this tool guides you to the ideal acoustic solution, tailored to your specific needs.
🎯 Because when it comes to acoustics, comfort cannot be improvised—it must be planned.
👉 Discover our acoustic index now and find the right product in the right place: https://www.acousti-tech.com/en/find-the-right-product
Andre Rioux
Co-Owner - Executive Vice-President Marketing -
Product Marketing & Development - Brand Ambassador
AcoustiTECH