170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat FAQs
Sound Performance
What type of sound does the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat control?
It reduces impact sound (IIC)—noise from footsteps, dropped objects, or moving furniture transferring to the space below.
What is the IIC rating?
The 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat achieves a ΔiIC of up to 28 per ASTM E2179 and up to 44 per ASTM E492 and E989, depending on assembly configuration. IIC stands for Impact Insulation Class — a standard measure of how well a floor assembly reduces impact sound transmission between floors.
What IIC rating can I expect?
The 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat contributes a ΔIIC improvement, but total IIC depends on the full floor/ceiling assembly. See Selection and Installation Guide flyer for more details.
Does it reduce airborne sound (voices, music)?
While the 170 Sound and Crack Isolation Mat is primarily designed to reduce impact sound such as footsteps, it may also provide some airborne sound reduction as part of the overall floor/ceiling assembly.
Crack Isolation & Protection
What size cracks can it handle?
It isolates non-moving cracks up to 1/8" (3 mm) from transferring through tile.
Does it replace a crack isolation membrane?
It is a crack isolation solution, but only for non-structural, non-moving cracks.
Should I install the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat over the entire floor?
Yes—full coverage is recommended to maximize both sound control and crack isolation performance.
Installation
Can I use the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat in commercial projects?
Yes. The 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat is ASTM C-627 rated and meets ANSI 118.12 and 118.13, making it suitable for a wide range of commercial and institutional flooring applications.
Can tile be installed directly over the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat?
Yes—tile or stone can be bonded directly using appropriate LATICRETE mortars (e.g., 254 PLATINUM™, MULTIMAX™ LITE).
What substrates are acceptable?
Suitable substrates include:
- Concrete
- Mortar beds
- Exterior glue plywood (interior use)
- Cement backer board
- Cement terrazzo
- Ceramic tile and stone
What substrates are NOT allowed?
Do NOT install over:
- Particle board
- OSB / luan / Masonite
- Hardwood flooring
Can it be used on walls or exterior?
No—interior horizontal applications only.
Can I use it with radiant heating?
No, the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat is not suitable for radiant heating.
Can I use it in a bathroom?
Yes, see Data Sheet 65495 for installation instructions.
What is the minimum tile size?
Minimum recommended tile size is 4" x 4" (102 x 102 mm).
Moisture & Waterproofing
Is the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat waterproof?
No—it is not a waterproofing membrane.
How do I waterproof the system?
Install a LATICRETE® waterproofing membrane (e.g., HYDRO BAN® )
Is it affected by moisture?
No—it’s made from rubberized recycled materials and will not absorb water.
Product & Performance
What thickness options are available?
Multiple thicknesses (e.g., 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, 12mm) are available to meet varying acoustic and project needs.
What thickness should I choose?
The 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat is available in 3mm, 5mm, 10mm, and 12mm. Thicker profiles provide greater sound attenuation and are ideal for multifamily and commercial applications where impact noise reduction is a priority. The 3mm option is well-suited for residential projects where floor height buildup is a concern.Does thickness affect performance?
Yes—thicker mats generally provide higher sound reduction (higher ΔIIC).
What standards does it meet?
- ANSI A118.12 (crack isolation)
- A118.13
- ASTM sound testing standards (E2179, E492, E989)
- ASTM C627
Applications
Where is the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat most commonly used?
The 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat helps with reducing sound in acoustic spaces. This includes multifamily housing (condos/apartments), hotels, and office spaces with occupied floors below.
Why is sound control important?
It reduces occupant complaints, helps meet building codes, and can increase property value and comfort.
Best Practices
Can it be used over movement joints?
No—it is not designed for expansion or structural movement joints. These joints must be honored through the floor covering assembly.
Does it replace proper substrate prep?
No—the substrate must still be flat, structurally sound, and meet deflection requirements (L/360 or L/480).
Is it load-bearing?
Yes—rated for light to moderate service depending on thickness.
Sustainability & System Benefits
Is the 170 Sound & Crack Isolation Mat sustainable?
Yes—made with 94% post-consumer recycled content.
Is it part of a system warranty?
Yes—eligible for LATICRETE system warranties (up to 25 years) when used within a full system.
Glossary of Terms
IIC: Impact Insulation Class
ΔIIC: The difference in the IIC rating of an assembly before and after an underlayment is installed.
STC: Sound Transmission Class
L/360: The accepted minimum requirement for floor rigidity for ceramic tile and brick installation. The L/360 standard means that the floor should not deflect more than the “span” divided by 360.
L/480: The accepted minimum requirement for floor rigidity for stone installations. The L/480 standard means that the floor should not deflect more than the “span” divided by 480.
ANSI A118.12: American National Standard Specifications for crack isolation membranes for thin-set ceramic tile an