Manufacturer Misrepresentation

Look to see how they are rated for example AAMA American Architectural Manufacturer Assc. Then visit these Assoc which will list how the test was preformed.

Hello jimray50,

A IIC 50 is about the minimum allowed in many metro multiple housing units. You can achieve it using rolled vinyl flooring then cover with 1/4" hardboard or vice versa.

Suggest you peruse: www.toolbase.org/casestudies/stc_icc_ratings.pdf to gain a working knowledge of the classifications and what materials can be used to attain.

"Would a company fudge their numbers just to make sales?"

Oh, boy, would they ever! I have no special knowledge of any certifying agencies, but it would seem to me there would be something in the Uniform Building Code on the materials. At least that's where I'd start the search. I'm sure others will have better clues though, we have some pretty sharp members here...

No not knee jerk time.

ANSI, ASTM-E989-06; Standard Classification for Determination of Impact Insulation Class (IIC)

There are many materials which having different fibers or additional additives are assigned various ratings.

http://webstore.ansi.org/RecordDetail.aspx?sku=ASTM%20E989-06

Wish I knew what "knee jerk time" meant. There is so much at stake with these numbers and most websites only make the claim not publish the actual test results (which I have seen some from, for example, Intertek). Why not publish the actual test results. I think in CA this false representation constitutes a so-called "unfair business practice" and some plaintiff's lawyer should see a few class action opportunities here.