Soundproof Flooring Underlays

Noisestop Systems provide a range of soundproof flooring underlays. Floor soundproofing for concrete and timber floors, soundproof underlays will help stop impact and airborne noise between floors.

The best method of soundproofing a floor to stop impact noise is to stop the impact at the source. Block and absorb sound before it transfers through the floor’s structure with soundproof flooring underlays. The best way of doing this is by using a floor soundproofing underlay. Acoustic mats will reduce the energy generated when an object hits the floor. This soundproofing flooring combines mass-loaded barrier mats and acoustic-grade foams. This combination of materials will block, absorb and reduce noise through all types of floors.

Floor soundproof underlays are designed to reduce impact and airborne sound transfer through timber and concrete floors. The way they do this is due to the composition of the materials. An effective soundproof underlay will combine mass and absorption. This will reduce impact and airborne sound transfer between floors.

Acoustic underlay mats combine mass-loaded vinyl sheets with acoustic absorbent foam. Most soundproofing underlay mats have a layer of foam laminated to one or two layers of mass-loaded vinyl. The mass-loaded vinyl will reduce airborne sounds due to the density of the material. The foam layer absorbs impact sounds, reducing the sound of footfall transferring into the floor.

Noisestop Systems provide a range of soundproof flooring underlays, Noisetop Acoustic Underlay, Noisestop F7 and Noisestop F7+, all of which can be used below the most common floor finishes, including carpet, laminate flooring, engineered floors, vinyl and tiles. If you are using a solid floor finish less than 15mm thick, you should combine the underlay with a 6mm ply sheet or MDF board to ensure a solid base for the floor finish to reduce the movement of the flooring.

Building regulations require new build and conversion projects to meet certain impact and airborne requirements; see the table below. To ensure floors meet the regulations, you will need to use an acoustic underlay as part of the solution. If the separating floor is timber, you will have to combine the underlay with 100mm of acoustic insulation at a density of 60kg/m³ between the floor joists. The ceiling below should be double-boarded using two layers of acoustic plasterboard hung from an acoustic hanger, attach soundbreaker bars to the ceiling joists to isolate the plasterboard from the ceiling joists.

Soundproof concrete sub-floors with acoustic underlays absorb impact sound transfer that occurs through this type of construction. The concrete density normally means that the sub-floor blocks airborne sound, but impact sounds will still vibrate through the concrete flooring.

Part E Building Regulation Requirements

Floor Soundproofing

Make sure you are getting the right soundproofing for your needs. Understanding the most common types of noise and how to stop them will help you decide the right solution.

Different Types of Sound

• Airborne sounds – Conversation, TV noise and radios are examples of airborne sound. The best way to stop airborne sounds is to add mass/density to the walls or ceilings.
• Impact/vibration sounds – Footfall and moving furniture across a floor are examples of impact sounds. The best way to reduce these sounds is to create separation.

In summary, the best way to reduce airborne sounds is by increasing the mass of the area you would like to soundproof. Reducing impact/vibration sounds is achieved by creating separation within the structure.

Reducing Impact and Airborne Sounds

By following some of these steps, you will ensure you get the best level of soundproofing for your room.

• Mass/Density – Increasing the mass and density of the area you are soundproofing will block airborne sounds from transferring between rooms. You will increase the mass of walls and ceilings using materials such as soundproof panels or high-density acoustic insulation slabs.
• Separation – Incorporating separation within the structure will reduce vibration and impact sounds transferring between rooms. Achieve separation by building independent stud walls and ceilings. If you don’t have the space in the room, you can use acoustic clips and resilient channels to decouple the wall and ceiling.
• Absorption – Use materials that are going to absorb sounds. Acoustic insulation is suitable for sound absorption as it converts the sound waves into heat as it passes through the insulation. Dense mass loaded barriers will also dampen and absorb sound.

For help and advice, get in touch, speak to an adviser, call 01423 339163. Alternatively, please send us your enquiry.

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