RIM System wood floated floors are ideally suited for dance studios, loft style condominiums, recording studios, and other applications where high performance noise control is required in conjunction with a lower profile, light weight assembly. A RIM System floated wood floor surpasses performance of continuous underlayments due to the airspace and lower natural frequency created by the KIP pads spaced at 12-, 16-, or 24-inches on center. RIM System can be supplied to fit any load condition. In the cases of free weight drops like those seen in fitness centers, please consider that lightweight composite floors can prove insufficient standing up to shock loads. Damage to the lightweight floor and isolators can occur depending on the impact/shock loads. Contact Kinetics for guidance when designing these projects.
Installation Sequence
Installation of RIM System for a wood floated floor is similar to that of the isolated concrete slab. Starting with a level subfloor, a 3/8” thick strip of SRP (perimeter isolation board) is adhered to all non-isolated walls (the height of SRP is dictated by the height of the finished floor). The rolls of batting with secured pads are rolled out into place. If heavy point loads exist, individual KIP pads are then placed per submittal drawings. Typically, two layers of 3/4″ plywood are laid (seams staggered) over the isolation pads, and the finished floor is installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. While two layers of 3/4″ plywood often proves suitable for most isolated wood floor composites, consider using three layers of plywood, glued and screwed together for added stiffness and mass, which aids in load distribution and noise control. Compare sound test AT001035 with AT001036 and discover how adding mass can boost STC results. The installation is completed by applying acoustical caulking to the top of the SRP board.