Condo buyers and owners need to understand that meeting the NBCC's minimum requirements for condominium soundproofing does not guarantee high soundproofing or noise control between units.
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The National Building Code of Canada (NBCC) is a model for Canadian provincial building codes. Ontario Building Code includes acoustic requirements specified in the NBCC.
Condo soundproofing in Building Code
While developers are required to meet only the minimum building code requirements, condominium owners often have higher expectations for soundproofing, particularly in luxury or high-end developments. Owners may expect better acoustic privacy, reduced impact noise, and superior sound attenuation beyond the code’s baseline standards, reflecting the quality and price of their investment.
Furthermore, the Building Code does not address structure-borne noise transmission. This occurs when dropped objects or mechanical equipment vibrations impact the building's structure. Although the code recommends minimum impact sound insulation for floor assemblies, it does not mandate it. Impact noise is the most common source of complaints by condo owners.
While developers are only required to meet the minimum building code, they can implement additional noise control measures during the design phase. Some developers choose to exceed code requirements by specifying vibration isolation for noisy equipment or using wall assemblies with higher sound attenuation. High-end and luxury condominium projects are particularly likely to include these enhanced soundproofing measures to meet the expectations of discerning buyers.
Buying a high-end condominium?
To ensure that condo buyers are satisfied with the level of sound insulation, prospective buyers concerned with condominium soundproofing should ask their realtor or developer about the building’s acoustic design standards. This helps determine whether the developer has gone beyond the minimum building code requirements to provide enhanced sound insulation. If noise-control features are not mentioned in the project specifications, the building is likely meeting only the minimum code requirements.
If you have high expectations for acoustic privacy or condominium soundproofing, it is wise to consult a building acoustics expert before committing to purchase or renovate an apartment. An expert can assess the existing soundproofing, identify potential noise issues, and recommend solutions or design improvements to ensure your expectations are met.
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