Physical Properties

Kinetics^® Fiber Glass isolation Pads consist of a high density matrix of precompressed molded glass fibers coated with a flexible moisture impervious membrane. Various densities and spring rates are available to provide load bearing capacities ranging from 1 to 500 pounds per square inch as required to support the imposed load.

The outstanding isolation capability of Kinetics^® Isolation pads is the result of the combined deflection of million of leaf springs of annealed glass fibers which are bonded to each other with a water resistant resin. The fiber glass is stabilized during manufacture by precompression to provide uniform dynamic properties. The process of precompression repeatedly loads the material in excess of 3 times the maximum design load to assure consistent stress-strain characteristics.

The pumping action of the air within the flexible moisture impervious membrane provides viscous damping which reduces motion during transient shock and vibration and rapidly dissipates vibratory energy.

Kinetics Isolators^® are non-combustible, non-corrosive, and resist ozone, mildew, and fungus. They are vermin, insect and rodent proof. The isolation efficiency is constant over a temperature range of -40º F to +250º F.

The natural frequency as well as the isolation efficiency of Kinetics^® Fiber Glass isolation pads remains essentially constant whether the material is lightly or heavily loaded - a unique, highly desirable feature in building construction.

Kinetics^® fiber-glass isolators are manufactured under one or more of the following: U.S. patents: 3,095, 187-3,201, 109-3,239, 185-3,120,381-3,203,654.

Good Design Practice

The following items should be considered in order to achieve full benefit from Kinetics Floating Floors, Resiliently Suspended Ceilings, and Resiliently Supported Partitions:

1. Holes or openings through partitions, ceilings, or floors should be caulked or sealed. Sound leaks of any kind will significantly reduce the effectiveness of the noise isolation barrier.

2. Doors, windows, and other such openings in the structure should exhibit a very high STC rating.

3. Electrical outlets, thru-the-wall cabinets, etc., should not be placed back-to-back in order to prevent excessive transmission of noise.

4. Partitions and floors should be non-porous; masonry walls should be plastered or sealed with a hard coating.

5. Acoustical treatment and absorptive finishes should be used in noisy rooms to reduce the reverberation and overall noise level within these rooms.

6. Construction errors such as rigid ties, short-circuiting, improper reinforcing, etc., should be avoided. Supervision by a representative of the isolation material manufacturer can minimize field errors.

7. All floating floors and partitions should be designed with care:
   a.) Floating floor concrete should have a well-graded aggregate, with a low water-cement ratio. Curing should be slow to prevent curling at the corners.
   b.) Where heavy live loads are to be applied, floating slab reinforcing should be sufficient to prevent potential concrete cracking.
   c.) Sufficient waterproofing should be provided between the isolation system and the floating slab to prevent concrete and water seepage thru to the structural floor.

8. An acoustical consultant should be retained whenever very noisy areas are to be located adjacent to quiet spaces in order to recommend a complete noise and vibration control treatment for the project.

Kinetics Noise Control provides layout drawings and installation instructions to enable the Kinetics Floating Floor System to be installed quickly without special tools.

Kinetics can also provide onsite factory supervision to assure proper installation of the floating floor.