Are you constantly battling noise complaints from dumbbell drops in your high-rise residential gym? The thud and vibration can be a major source of frustration for residents and a persistent headache for management.
We understand this challenge intimately. That's why we're thrilled to share the groundbreaking results of our Acousti Armour Gym Flooring.
Imagine a gym where residents can work out freely without disturbing those in adjacent or units located up to 10 stories away. Acousti Armour makes this a reality.
Here's How Acousti Armour is Revolutionizing Gym Acoustics in High-Rises:
Case Study 1:
Dumbbell Drop Field Test Report: 35 Viking Lane Condominium Gym
A field test was conducted at the condominium located at 35 Viking Lane to address concerns regarding structure-borne noise emanating from the gym and reverberating to the residential unit directly above. Ms. Sonia Leung, representing Property Management, was present for the evaluation, accompanied by a resident from the unit situated above the gym, who served as an observer in the receiving room (their residence). The primary concern was significant sound disturbances caused by dumbbell impacts in the gym.
The test commenced with the primary objective of quantifying the level of sound transmission resulting from the impact of weights on the existing gym floor. A standard 25lb dumbbell was dropped from approximately 24 inches onto the current flooring. This sound was clearly audible to the resident observer located in their unit directly above the gym, confirming the validity of the noise complaints.
Following this baseline test, four alternative flooring solutions from Acousti Armour were assessed:
The same 25lb dumbbell was first dropped from 24 inches onto a 15mm, 25mm, 50mm Acousti Armour gym flooring sample placed on the existing floor. A noticeable reduction in the impact sound was observed by the resident in the unit above; however, some noise was still perceptible.
The final test involved dropping the 25lb dumbbell from 24 inches onto a 75mm Acousti Armour high-performance gym flooring sample. This test resulted in the complete elimination of audible sound transmission to the unit above, with the resident observer confirming that zero impact noise was heard.
The plan includes the integration of matching ramps for smooth transitions, complete with caution tape for enhanced safety.
Case Study 2:
Dumbbell Drop Field Test Report: 7460 Bathurst Street Condominium Gym
A field test was conducted at the condominium located at 7460 Bathurst Street to address concerns regarding structure-borne noise emanating from the main floor gym and reverberating to upper residential floors. Mark Billet the property manager reported significant sound disturbances reaching at least four stories high, prompting an on-site evaluation of potential acoustic flooring solutions.
The test commenced with the primary objective of quantifying the level of sound transmission resulting from the impact of weights on the existing gym floor. A standard 25lb dumbbell was dropped from 24" on the current flooring, a sound that was clearly audible to a resident observer located on the fourth floor of the building, confirming the validity of the noise complaints.
Following the baseline test, two alternative flooring solutions were assessed. The same 25lb dumbbell was first dropped on a 25mm Acousti Armour gym flooring sample. A noticeable reduction in sound was observed, although some noise was still perceptible from the fourth-floor listening post.
The final test involved dropping the 25lb dumbbell onto a 75mm Acousti Armour high-performance gym flooring sample. This test resulted in the complete elimination of audible sound transmission to the fourth floor, with the resident confirming zero noise was heard.
Subsequent to the successful test, all parties involved, including the property manager and resident representative, convened in the gym to review the 75mm product and discuss the proposed layout for a partial gym installation. The plan includes the integration of matching ramps, complete with caution tape for enhanced safety.
In closing, the field test conclusively demonstrated that the 75mm Acousti Armour gym flooring is the optimal solution to mitigate the structure-borne noise issues at this facility. This product has a proven track record of successfully eliminating or significantly reducing sound transmission in several similar facilities. Based on the field test we are confident that the installation of our 75mm flooring will resolve the noise complaints and enhance the living experience for residents.
“Can you provide your thoughts on the dumbbell drop field test that took place over Acousti Armour 75mm gym flooring. Did it meet your expectations when it comes to reducing vibration noise from dropped weights? Steven Vasconcelos, The Floor Studio | Acoustic Floor Solutions
“Yes, it did, I was not expecting silence! The board member also agreed that there was a huge difference and no sound in her unit. It was a good test to provide real impact sound transfer and then no sound or vibration transfer could be heard. Well done! Mark Billet, Property Manager, 7460 Bathurst Street
Case Study 3:
Dumbbell Drop Field Test Report: 8 York Street Condominium Gym
This report summarizes an onsite dumbbell drop field test conducted at the Waterclub Condominiums to evaluate the acoustic performance of the existing gym flooring compared to an alternative solution, Acousti Armour. The primary objective was to assess the transmission of audible impact noise resulting from dropped dumbbells. Mr. Shakur Johnson remained in the receiving room throughout the testing period to provide observations on sound levels.
Testing Procedure and Baseline Noise Levels (Existing Flooring): The initial phase of the test involved establishing baseline noise levels. The test conductor dropped dumbbells of varying weights onto the existing gym floor:
- A 25lb dumbbell was dropped twice.
- A 50lb dumbbell was dropped twice.
- An 80lb dumbbell was subsequently dropped twice.
For the 25lb and 50lb dumbbell drops on the existing flooring, Mr. Johnson reported that the sounds were "easily heard and loud" from the management office. When the 80lb dumbbell was dropped on the existing floor, Mr. Johnson described the sound as "very abrupt and startling."
Alternative Solution Assessment (Acousti Armour 75mm Rubber Gym Tile): The same sequence of dumbbell drops was then repeated, with the dumbbells impacting a sample of Acousti Armour 70mm rubber gym tile placed on the gym floor:
- For the 25lb and 50lb dumbbell drops on the Acousti Armour 75mm tile, Mr. Johnson reported "100% silence," indicating the complete elimination of audible sound transmission to his listening post.
- When the 80lb dumbbell was dropped on the Acousti Armour 75mm tile, Mr. Johnson stated that "only a very faint sound could be heard."
Summary of Findings: The field tests demonstrated a significant difference in acoustic performance between the existing gym flooring and the Acousti Armour 75mm rubber gym tile. The Acousti Armour flooring provided complete elimination of audible noise for dumbbell drops up to 50lbs. For the heavier 80lb dumbbell, which typically represents a weight used by a small percentage of gym users (often cited as less than 1% lifting above 60-80lbs), the Acousti Armour substantially mitigated the impact sound to a very faint level, in stark contrast to the startling noise produced on the current floor.
These results indicate that the Acousti Armour 75mm flooring effectively addresses noise concerns associated with dropped dumbbells, particularly for the most common weight ranges used in fitness facilities, and offers significant improvement for heavier weights. The demonstrated performance aligns with the objective of mitigating noise disturbances.
- Recommendation: Based on the conclusive results of the onsite field test, it is recommended that Acousti Armour 75mm rubber gym flooring be installed in the dumbbell room area of the Waterclub Condominiums gym. This product includes perfectly matching ramps (bevelled edges) that can be integrated to facilitate smooth and safe foot traffic between different floor levels or adjacent flooring types.
Case Study 4:
Dumbbell Drop Field Test Report: 81 Navy Wharf Court Condominium Gym
Nataliya Lysenko, OLCM-G Property Manager PERFORMANCE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT INC.
Date of Test: May 14, 2025
On-Site Dumbbell Drop Test Results and Flooring Assessment
This report summarizes an on-site field test conducted on May 14, 2025, in the gymnasium located at 81 Navy Wharf Court (Optima - TSCC 1537). The purpose of the test was to evaluate the acoustic and vibrational impact of a dropped dumbbell on the existing gym flooring compared to a proposed alternative, Acousti Armour high-density rubber flooring.
Testing Procedure and Baseline Impact Levels (Existing Flooring) The initial test involved establishing a baseline for impact noise and vibration:
- A 30lb dumbbell was dropped from a controlled height of 24 inches onto the existing gym floor.
- Observation: This action resulted in a loud and distinct impact that could be clearly heard and felt underfoot by the testing personnel and property manager present in the gym.
Alternative Solution Assessment (Acousti Armour 75mm Flooring) The same test parameters were then applied to the proposed flooring solution:
- A 30lb dumbbell was dropped from a controlled height of 24 inches onto a sample of Acousti Armour (75mm) high-density rubber flooring.
- Observation: In this instance, the impact could not be felt underfoot. This demonstrated a significant reduction in both felt vibration and audible noise transmission compared to the existing floor.
Summary of Findings The comparative dumbbell drop test indicated that the Acousti Armour (75mm) high-density rubber flooring provides a significant improvement over the existing gym floor in terms of mitigating impact vibration and associated noise. The elimination of felt impact underfoot with the Acousti Armour sample suggests a substantial decrease in structure-borne energy transfer.
All Acousti Armour products include matching beveled ramps designed to ensure a smooth and safe transition between different floor levels or adjacent surfaces, including at the entrance doorway of the gym.
“We contacted The Floor Studio to assist with noise complaints from adjacent units to the Exercise Room. Units were reporting noise and vibration from exercise room especially when residents dropped dumbbell’s/weights on the floor.
The Floor Studio attended and walked us through the process of installation and expectations. Installation was just as expected, and exercise room users were happy to be back in the gym with a new floor.
After several months of the new floor being installed, we haven’t received any complaints.”
Katriina Bellerive, Hons. B.A., RCM, OLCM, Property Manager
Why Choose Acousti Armour Gym Flooring?
- Proven 100% Success: Our field tests in real-world high-rise environments speak for themselves.
- Eliminate Noise Complaints: Create a more harmonious living environment for all residents.
- Enhance Property Value: Offer a truly premium, quiet fitness amenity.
- Durable & High-Performance: Designed to withstand the rigors of a busy gym environment.
Stop letting dumbbell noise be a source of conflict and frustration.
Ready to silence the noise in your building? Schedule a consultation with our acoustic flooring experts today: info@thefloorstudio.ca