When attempting to soundproof a floor there are many considerations unique to each installation that will need to be addressed in order to achieve a significant reduction to the level of unwanted noise. These include the type of noise, is it impact noise or the transfer of airborne noise, the amount of space available in which to install the floor soundproofing materials and the overall budgetary restrictions.
Where space is at a premium, an excellent alternative to complete floor soundproofing can be provided through the use of acoustic underlay; special mineral foam mats that can be laid under carpet or wooden floors and dramatically reduce unwanted impact and airborne noise.
There are many benefits from using acoustic underlay including:
Improved floor sound insulation properties
An acoustic underlay provides a significant reduction in impact noise, especially when caused by footfalls on a wooden floor and can also help reduce the transfer of airborne noise to the supporting structure. As with any soundproofing product, it is only as good as the weakest link, so it is always worth ensuring that the walls are suitably soundproofed to prevent any unwanted flanking.
Minimal Increase in floor level
As the underlay is of a comparable thickness to standard carpet underlay, and can in some circumstances act as a direct replacement, it is possible to add an additional level of soundproofing without having to significantly increase the height of the floor.
Easily Installed
Acoustic underlay can be directly laid onto the sub-floor in certain domestic situations, or alternatively fixed down with a bonding adhesive. Where there is likely to be heavy traffic, it is often advisable to add an additional layer of acoustic MDF board on top of the underlay to ensure less wear to the acoustic underlay as well as eliminating the risk of the carpet rucking under wheeled furniture.
Can be used to help meet Part E Regulations
In flat conversions a simple acoustic underlay can drastically reduce both impact noise and airborne noise which helps the development to meet Part E of the UK building regulations.
100% recyclable
Some acoustic underlay products like Acoustilay are 100% recyclable once their working life is finished helping to reduce landfill waste and the environment.
100% manufactured in the UK
By using products that are completely sourced and manufactured in the UK, the fewer miles the acoustic underlay will have had to travel and will therefore have a significantly lower carbon footprint than its imported Equivalent. It also directly benefits the UK economy and supports local manufacturing.