Impact reducing flooring
P4. Impact reducing flooring
Footfall noise from adjacent spaces can lead to occupant dissatisfaction. Constructing interiors to accommodate for footfall noise can greatly reduce its negative impact on acoustic comfort. In common spaces, especially corridors in open environments where there is heavy foot traffic, this feature minimizes disturbances. Footfall noise is characterized by impact insulation class (IIC). IIC of a particular floor assembly is determined from the use of a tapping machine, as described in ASTM Method E492; most flooring products also list the IIC in their specification sheets. The higher the IIC, the greater sound attenuation of impact sound. IIC measurements cover a frequency range of 100-350 Hz; the range corresponds to a general “thumpâ€ù at the lower level, and a sharper “clackâ€ù at the higher end.
This feature promotes the incorporation of sound and vibration absorption techniques for a better interior acoustic environment as well as potentially dampening impact to our joints and ligaments through a more forgiving floor construction.
Explanatory guides allow occupants to familiarize themselves with and benefit from features that are incorporated into the project, as well as to gain a broader understanding of health and wellness factors beyond the built environment. The following are provided:

Applicability Matrix
Core & Shell | Tenant Improvement | New Construction | |
---|---|---|---|
Part 1: WELL Building Standard® Guide | P | P | P |
Commercial Kitchen | Schools | Multifamily Residential | Restaurant | Retail | |
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Part 1: WELL Building Standard® Guide | - | P | P | P | P |
Verification Methods Matrix
Letters of Assurance | Annotated Documents | On-Site Checks | |
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PART 1 (Protocol) WELL Building Standard® Guide |
Auditor Inspection |
204.1.a |
California Building Code (2013) Title 24 Section 1207.3 states that the impact insulation coefficient (IIC) rating shall be not less than 50 for separate floor-ceiling assemblies when tested in accordance with ASTM E 492. |