Floor/ Ceiling Assembly

FLOOR/CEILING ASSEMBLY is the term used to describe how a floor/ceiling is built. It is important because each assembly has a different thickness, components, and more importantly-- fire and sound rating. The biggest issue in floor/ceilings between live/work units is that they must attain an impact rating of IIC 50. An 8" thick solid concrete floor, for example, will not achieve IIC 50, which is to say that someone walking on the floor above in high heels will be heard. Ways to address this include a concrete topping slab over thin soundproofing material or carpet on pad"-- usually not the material of choice for live/work. Wood frame floor/ceiling assemblies which can meet IIC 50 usually include at least one layer of 5/8" gyp board (sheetrock) on the ceiling hung on resilient channels.