Soundproofing can improve the living conditions of your residence, especially if you live in an apartment complex or busy neighborhood. Sound mat installation is one way you can reduce noise levels in your building, advises Penny Realty Property Management team. Here are some key criteria you should remember when evaluating sound mat installers for your renovation project:
Product
The first step is to determine which sound mat installer is right for you based based on their product portfolio and quality. Sound mats use different materials and thicknesses to achieve the best results for your home. Research beforehand how your house’s dimensions and building materials will affect the soundproofing it needs. A house with wooden floors will have different soundproofing requirements from a home with cement or tile flooring.
To evaluate product rating and quality, you can check if the company uses products with a certification serial number or approval. For example, the International Code Council (ICC) has an evaluation service subsidiary called the ICC-Evaluation Service (ICC-ES). Products with this certification have undergone rigorous sustainability and product quality testing in their specific industry. A company using ICC-ES-certified sound mats will fit your quality standards.
Noise Measurement and Sound Attestation
A sound control project will require initial noise measurement so the installer understands your noise cancellation needs. Reputable companies will have adequate documentation that can help explain its sound testing techniques. You can find this documentation on their website or ask if they can provide it. This will help you understand which sound mats are suitable for your project.
Your project will need sound attestation to certify that the renovation has reduced noise levels. Sound attestation involves measuring noise levels after installation to verify the materials’ effectiveness. Look at which sound attestation methods are included in their documentation or online articles. This will help you understand how the company will approve its sound control measures.
Certification
Installers should provide their business and practice certifications in their office. These documents authenticate that the company has the necessary expertise and experience to handle the project professionally. The leading institution that provides board certifications for soundproofing is the Institute of Noise Control Engineering (INCE). Board-certified members and companies have undergone the training needed to install soundproofing projects in the United States.
Sound Mat Warranties
Your soundproofing installation might encounter problems that decrease the sound mats’ efficiency. For example, your house might have a prominent flanking transmission. Flanking transmission occurs when sound passes through partitions and spaces between your home, like crawl spaces. Another issue that can emerge is material deterioration that exceeds what the manufacturer approximated. A contractor that sources sound mats with warranties can provide alternatives or solutions to relieve you from these issues.
Previous Projects
Before choosing which installer you’d like to use, ask if they can provide a list of their previous projects. Looking through a gallery of past projects can show you the installer’s expertise, product quality, and reliability. References and reviews can help determine how customers rate the installer.
Checking previous projects can establish if the installer has worked with buildings that are similar to yours. Soundproofing requirements usually revolve around building dimensions, construction materials, and noise activity. Previous projects that resemble the conditions of your house can help you understand the contractor’s proficiency for similar factors.
Contact Your Local Installer
Professional soundproofing can improve your home’s comfort, increase your property’s value, and reduce stress levels. Research multiple installers and their suppliers to ensure you settle on the best one that will be able to meet your specific soundproofing needs. Contact a soundproofing company today to discuss how they can help you with your sound control needs.
