Soundproofing Floors: Acoustilay

Acoustilay is a unique acoustic flooring underlay. It is designed to be installed as easily and quickly as a conventional carpet underlay but with the additional benefit of acoustic insulation. Acoustilay is ideal for use in domestic applications where privacy and comfort are important. Acoustilay provides the easiest and most convenient method of improving both the airborne (TV, music, speech) and impact sound insulation of an existing floor.

Acoustilay offers the economy of easy installation and reduced disruption. It is flexible and easy to cut with a standard trimming knife. Ideal for installation on existing timber floors, Acoustilay can be used to upgrade many floor / ceiling constructions to meet Approved Document E (2003).

Usage

Acoustilay is used in both commercial and private contracts by housing associations, property companies, developers, builders and private householders. It is ideally installed by carpet or flooring companies.

Benefits

• Improves airborne sound insulation
• Reduces impact noise
• Simply laid under a carpet
• minimizes increase in floor level
• Easily cut and shaped
• Easily and quickly installed
• Butts tight up to perimeters
• Allows access to existing floor
• Tested to BS2750. Conforms to Building Regulations Approved Document E

Acoustilay 15

Acoustilay 15 is for use where both airborne and impact noise insulation is required. It is constructed with a resilient foam core bonded between two flexible attenuating surfaces and has an overall thickness of 15mm. It meets the requirements of Building Regulations Approved Document E.

Acoustilay 8

Acoustilay 8 has the same resilient base bonded to one attenuating layer, giving a thickness of only 12mm. Impact noise performance is similar to that for Acoustilay 15 but airborne noise insulation will depend to a greater extent on the existing structure.

Acoustilay 3

Acoustilay 3 is for use where only impact noise insulation is required, it has the same resilient base but the attenuating layer is reduced to a thinner flexible membrane. The overall thickness is only 1Omm. Acoustilay 3 offers very high impact noise insulation and is suitable for both timber and concrete floors.

Acoustilay is supplied in 1200 x l200mm pieces which may either be loose laid or bonded to the floor. It can be fitted tight up to the perimeters without the need for an isolating strip. Acoustilay will not transmit vibrations into the walls. Sheets should be laid in a brick pattern, with staggered joints, and butted tight together. Carpet grippers are ideal for use with Acoustilay. Perimeter Strips are used for installing these

Gripper Method

An perimeter strip is installed around all perimeters. The gripper is then nailed onto this. The Acoustilay is installed butted tight up to the perimeter strip. For Acoustilay 3 the gripper is nailed directly to the floor and Acoustilay 3 butted up to it.

Carpet, MDF and plywood can be bonded to Acoustilay using adhesive. If using another adhesive it must be suitable to use with PVC and not affected by plasticiser migration, otherwise shrinkage of the Acoustilay may occur. When bonding carpet to Acoustilay, the Acoustilay must be bonded to the sub floor. All loose floorboards should be secured prior to installation.

Cupboards and Wardrobes

The floors of built in cupboards or wardrobes should also be treated to prevent flanking of airborne sound.

1. Acoustilay Description
2. Acoustilay Installation
3. Acoustilay Specification

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