hi,
We are using LEED for Schools 2007 and am looking for some information on where to find STC ratings for ceiling and floor materials. I have contacted our ceiling rep and have been told that they do not test for STC ratings, only CAC Ratings. Can the CAC rating be used for this prerequisite?
Any information would be helpful!
Thank you!
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Daniel Hicks
Daniel Hicks, E.I., INCEGeiler & Associates
267 thumbs up
March 30, 2011 - 3:20 pm
Hi Tyler:
The short answer is no. The STC of your assembly will have to be estimated using the structure above the ceiling and the ceiling tile below. You might be able to find some documentation with testing done for a similar assembly or you might have to rely on a consultant to help you out with estimating an STC.
The long answer - Ceiling tiles have a Ceiling Attenuation Class (CAC) rating. The rating is used to give an idea about how well ceiling tiles will block sound at a condition where they are installed at a wall that doesn't extend to structure, between two seperate rooms. It doesn't really correlate to an STC rating.
Your STC rating will be mostly determined by the structure above the ceiling like metal deck with concrete on top. This provides the most mass in the assembly and will provide the sound isolation more than the ceiling tile will.
Hope this helps!