NCIDQ IDFX Practice Exam

How can sound performance of a floor be improved?

1. By using glass tiles

2. By adding carpeting

3. By increasing window sizes

4. By eliminating insulation

The correct answer is: By adding carpeting

Improving the sound performance of a floor is best achieved through the use of carpeting, which acts as an effective sound absorber. Carpets, with their fibrous texture and thickness, help mitigate noise transfer between floors by reducing impact sound and reverberation within a space. This means that sounds generated from foot traffic or objects falling on the floor are dampened, leading to a quieter environment overall. In contrast, glass tiles, while aesthetically pleasing, do not provide significant acoustic benefits, as they are hard and reflective, often contributing to an increase in sound reflection rather than absorption. Increasing window sizes could enhance natural light but would not address sound transmission concerns. Additionally, eliminating insulation generally leads to poorer sound performance; insulation materials are designed to enhance both thermal and acoustic properties by minimizing sound transmission between spaces. Thus, using carpeting is the most effective option for improving a floor's sound performance.