Flooring Acoustic Underlayment

A Better Solution for Sound Absorbing Underlayment for Commercial and Multi-Family Construction

Improved Sound Absorption • Reduced Installation Costs • Critical Path Schedule Savings • Reduce Risk of Mold

RSP Industries manufactures a superior alternative to cementitious underlayments that provides improved sound absorption as well as reduced installation costs and other benefits.

SAPboard for Superior Sound Absorption

With sound absorption rates as high as 58 IIC and 62 STC, the sound dampening abilities of SAPBoard are second to none. SAPBoard surpasses the rating requirements for both Sound Transmission Class (STC) and Impact Insulation Class (IIC) as well as LEED credit ratings.

For commercial, hotel, and particularly multi-family construction, reducing unwanted noise is essential and “acoustic comfort" is increasingly important. Multi-family construction is required to meet the acoustic requirements of the International Building Code (IBC), Section 1207. Airborne sound ratings of floor/ceilings assemblies require a minimum laboratory-derived rating of 50-STC (45-FSTC if field tested). For impact noise, the minimum laboratory rating is 50-IIC (45-FIIC if field tested). Buildings looking for LEED credits must have a minimum STC for floor/ceiling assemblies. STC and IIC ratings must be 55.

SAPboard for Reduced Installation Costs & Critical Path Schedule Savings

The innovative design of SAPboard sound absorption panel boards allows for sound barriers to be incorporated into the structure as the building is framed. This is one of the greatest time and cost savings, allowing for continuity of installation without the need to demobilize trades in order to pour gypcrete.

Projects that choose SAPboard over gypsum concrete underlayment typically experience schedule savings of 3-weeks and up. That is because work does not need to stop while gypcrete is being poured and setting.

SAPboard for Reduced Risk of Mold

By using SAPboard acoustic subfloor panels in the framing stage of construction, you eliminate the need to use wet cement. Pouring wet cement in an enclosed structure during a hot, humid summer is the perfect environment for mold spores to reproduce. Switching to SAPboard underlayment panels replaces the gypsum cement subfloor thus eliminating the risk of mold from moisture.

Ease of Installation.

SAPboard is available in 2x8 and 4x8 sheets and custom sizes can also be produced. They are installed in the same manner as a traditional subfloor. This saves time and reduces the schedule duration by as much as 3 weeks on a typical 4-story, 80,000 sq ft multifamily building, and it can save even more on larger projects.

Cost Savings.

In addition to competitive installation costs compared to equivalent alternatives, SAPboard offers savings resulting from schedule improvements, reduced general conditions and less floor prep for finish floor contractors. This contributes to project completion and earlier revenue opportunity for the owner.

Reduce Risk of Mold.

Because SAPboard eliminates the introduction of wet cementitious underlayments into an otherwise dry environment, the risk of mold development during the construction process is substantially reduced or entirely eliminated.

Quality.

SAPboard features a robust design with exceptional strength and stiffness as well as easy machining and adhesion, allowing for a hassle-free installation. Additionally, the exceptional dimensional stability resists warping, twisting and bowing.

Environmentally Friendly.

SAPboard is also outstanding in regard to sustainability. Manufactured with yellow pine from renewable sources and recycled rubber, SAPboard has a near zero carbon footprint. The water-based adhesive system is resistant to moisture and creates a strong, stable product that is free from solvents and other harmful emissions

The SAPboard installation process is quick and simple. Contractors can install it in the same manner as a traditional subfloor, but without the usual prep time. SAPboard completely replaces the hassles of traditional gypsum concrete flooring; no dry and cure time, no demobilizing trades. Electrical and plumbing can start the same day.

SAPboard can save approximately 3 weeks on the construction schedule of a typical 4-story 80,000 square foot, multifamily project. In addition to general & administrative cost savings for the contractor, this allows the project to enter revenue service sooner for the owner. A 110-day construction schedule using cementitious underlayments can be cut to just 87 days by simply choosing SAPboard. On a typical 4 story, 80,000 sq. ft. multifamily building, that's a 23- day schedule savings – and even more on larger projects. That's 3 weeks less construction time for the average contractor and it's three weeks sooner that the owner can begin to realize revenue. These savings and cash flow benefits help ensure that your project stays on time and on budget.