What are the best acoustic underlays for timber and concrete floors?
There is nothing worse than spending time in your own house or flat and being aware of unwanted noise from above. Whether this be children running around (which can sound like a herd of elephants), moving furniture, shouting, music or TV noise. This is also magnified by the popularity of hard floor finishes such as laminate, tiles and hard wood floors within our homes, which also results in increased levels of impact noise (nothing to absorb the noise like carpet) and airborne noise.
The good news is that peace and quiet can be resumed by investing in a soundproofing underlay flooring solution.
In this blog we hope to answer some of the questions you might have when choosing the right acoustic underlay solution.
Soundproofing underlay versus Carpet underlay
It's important not to confuse carpet underlay with soundproofing underlay. Carpet underlay is fitted to add comfort to carpets, allowing a more precise fit and to help against heavy wear. Carpet underlays, although they can claim to offer soundproofing properties won’t perform anywhere near the level that specific soundproofing underlay and soundproofing mats do. Carpet underlays also aren’t tested for their soundproofing qualities in the same way soundproofing underlay and mats are. Be wise to a top trick, whereby companies selling carpet underlay as having soundproofing qualities quote a dB figure, however this only shows how much airborne noise is blocked on a concrete floor, of which the carpet underlay is only 5%. If you are looking to soundproof under a carpet, then we will cover the best products on the market below.
Are you soundproofing against Airborne or Impact noise?
Sound is broken down by
airborne noise (transmitted through the atmosphere) talking, TV noise, dogs barking etc and
impact noise
(the physical impact of two solids hitting one another, footfall, doors banging,walking, furniture moving etc).
Whether the noise is airborne noise, impact noise, or a combination of both will determine the soundproof flooring underlay you will need. To find out more about airborne and impact noise
click here.
4 key questions before adding acoustic underlay to your floor:
1. Is the floor a solid concrete floor or timber joist floor?
2. Where is the noise coming from? The room above, or below?
3. Is the noise vibration impact, airborne, or a combination of both?
4. How loud is the noise you are experiencing on your side of the floor?
5. What is the final floor finish? (Different acoustic solutions are more suited to different final floor finishes)
How to soundproof a floor?
- Improve the mass of the floor for airborne noise, achieved by adding high mass/density products
- Improving the ability of the floor to absorb sound energy and vibration (footsteps). Without this, the addition of the mass will have very little effect on impact noise
- Use acoustic insulation between the timber joists to eliminate sound resonating and amplifying in sealed chambers
- Use different materials of high mass. Different materials perform better for different sound frequencies, so using a combination of high mass materials will perform better than simply using more of the same material
Insulate cavities
Firstly, it is important to consider voids between the floorboards and the ceiling. Any noise that gets into this sealed chamber will echo resonate and amplify the noise, (we call this the drum effect). To combat this we recommend filling between the timber joists with
acoustic mineral wool.
This is the equivalent of shouting down a cardboard tube and it amplifying your voice. If you then fill some of the cardboard tube with cotton wool and do the same and the noise will be absorbed.
Acoustic mineral wool and its use in soundproofing
The 3 best ways to soundproof a timber floor
The
Reverso SoundMat is a slim system with a built in stabilising layer ideal for hard floor finishes.
3 different soundproofing layers of mass coupled with an impact dampening layer are cleverly combined in one easy to install product which greatly improves the soundproofing capabilities of timber floors.
The built in stabilising layer makes the Reverso SoundMat particularly suited to hard floor final finishes, as the majority of all hard floor finishes can be installed on top. This removes the need of a stabilising layer, which reduces time and costs.
The Reverso SoundMat's unique reversible design means it is suitable for hard and soft floor finishes at the exact same height.
- Dimensions: 1200mm x 600mm x 18mm (0.72m²)
- Ideal for airborne and impact noise, such as conversation, TV noise and footsteps
- Installation: Can be applied directly to any level/flat surface. Easy DIY installation, without the need of adhesive
- Reversible: Suitable for hard or soft floor finishes
- Unique in that no over boarding is needed for most hard floor finishes
Reverso SoundMat Product Overview
How to soundproof a floor with the Reverso SoundMat
The SoundMat 3 Plus is an unrivalled soundproofing mat designed to reduce unwanted impact and airborne noise, particularly suited to carpet final floor finishes.
Different layers of mass are cleverly combined with a layer of closed cell foam in one easy to install product which greatly improves the soundproofing capabilities of existing floors.
- Dimensions 1200mm x 1200mm x 15mm (1.44m²)
- Ideal for
airborne and impact noise,
such as conversation, TV noise and footsteps
=
- Properties: 3 layers of 2 different soundproofing technologies laminated together for easy installation
- Installation: Can be applied directly to any level/flat surface
- Suitable for all final floor finishes:
Thin floor finishes such as laminates, vinyl and tiles will need a board on top of the ProSound SoundMat fixed with adhesive.
Carpets finishes will not need a carpet underlay, additional gripper rod risers will be needed for the perimeter.
Why use SoundMats when soundproofing a floor
How to soundproof a floor with SoundMat 3 Plus
SoundScreed WF28 is a high mass floor soundproofing solution used to reduce high levels of airborne noise, helping to create peace and quiet within your home.
Its high density screed and wood fibre (WF) resilient layer offer a perfect combination for reducing unwanted noise.
Designed to be overlaid on existing floorboards it provides a strong, level and stable base for hard floor finishes. This removes the need for a stabilising layer, helping to reduce installation time and costs.
Ideal for new builds, conversions and refurbishments when needing to improve the airborne soundproofing capabilities of floors.
- Dimensions 1200mm x 600mm x 28mm (0.72m²)
- Superior airborne noise performance
- Properties: 2 layers of sound reduction engineering. An 18mm Dry Screed Panel which adds more mass to the floor to help block airborne noise with a 10mm Wood-fibre Resilient Layer to add resilience to the floor to help reduce low levels of impact vibration
- Installation: Designed to be overlaid on existing floorboards providing a strong, level and stable base for hard floor finishes. An overlap join on all four sides means it is extremely straightforward to install.
SoundScreed WF28 uses and overview
Comparison Chart for Timber Floor Soundproofing Systems
What soundproofing underlay works best for a concrete floor?
Highlighted above are the different options when looking to soundproof a timber floor. So what if your floor is a concrete floor?
For concrete, or beam and block floors (with screed finish) airborne noise isn't usually an issue. This is because the mass of the concrete floor is normally high enough to block airborne noise extremely well. However, if you are experiencing airborne noise please contact us to discuss potential weak points.
To limit the transfer of impact noise through a concrete floor, use a soundproofing solution which adds a cushioning layer to absorb impact vibration. Proven soundproofing insulation like the SoundMat 2 Plus acts like a floating floor, which helps to absorb impact vibration before it enters the structure of the floor.
SoundMat 2 Plus is a slimline system with a cushioned layer ideal for carpet finishes and which can be easily installed directly to an existing concrete floor.
- Dimensions 1200mm x 1200mm x 12mm (1.44m²)
- Superior airborne noise performance
- Properties: 2 layers of sound reduction engineering. 3mm Mass Loaded Vinyl - high mass acoustic barrier to help block airborne noise with a 9mm Closed Cell Foam, which dampens sound energy and vibrations
- Installation: The SoundMat 2 Plus has been designed as a direct to floor solution which means it is extremely straightforward to install.
ImpactoMat 5 is a cost effective and ultraslim system, to help reduce unwanted impact noise on concrete floors. Commonly used in multiple level concrete buildings such as offices, apartments, hotels and commercial premises. ImpactoMat is incredibly easy to install by simply adhering to the concrete subfloor.
Suitable for all final floor finishes and can be used above and below underfloor heating.
- Dimensions 1220mm x 9140mm x 5mm (11.15m²)
- A tough, resilient acoustic underlay
- Installation: Designed as a direct to floor soundproofing solution and extremely straightforward to install.
ImpactoMat 5: Concrete Floor Soundproofing Solution
Comparison Chart for Concrete Floor Soundproofing Systems
What final floor finishes can be used with acoustic underlays?
You might be wondering if you invest in acoustic underlay or soundproofing mats if you will then be restricted as to the final floor finish you can use. The short answer is 'no' you won't be restricted. Soundproofing underlays can be fitted with all types of floor finishes. The only caveat being that some finishes require a stabilising layer prior to the final floor finish. We have flagged up which floor finishes this is applicable to below.
The recommendation would be to always check the final flooring manufacturers guidance.
Can soundproofing mats or acoustic underlay be fitted underneath carpet?
Yes, absolutely. All of the above acoustic underlays and sound mats can easily have carpet fitted directly on top of them. (Reverso SoundMat, SoundMat 3 plus and SoundMat 2 Plus) will need gripper rod risers around the perimeter.
Can acoustic underlay can be used with engineered wooden flooring?
Absolutely, the Reverso SoundMat can be used under most hard wood floor final finishes without an extra over boarding layer. If using the SoundMat 3 Plus, or SoundMat 2 Plus as the acoustic flooring solution, then any engineered wood flooring as long as it is 18mm or thicker can be applied directly on top. For any thinner hard finish then we recommend a 6mm hardboard to provide a flat, stable base.
How to soundproof under laminate flooring?
All of the above soundproofing mats can be used as a soundproofing laminate underlay. The same is also true for vinyl, or cushioned vinyl underlay soundproofing. We would always recommend a minimum of a 6mm layer of hardboard to go on top of the soundproofing underlay, before fitting the laminate or vinyl to provide a flat stable base.
Unless the Reverso SoundMat is used, in which case most hard final finishes can be applied directly on top, without the need of a hardboard layer.
What soundproofing mats would I need if I wanted to fit floor tiles?
Again, any of our soundproofing mats can be used as a soundproofing floor tiles underlay. In this instance, you would need a 12mm layer of hardwood to go on top of the soundproofing underlay, before fitting floor tiles. Due to the nature of how small and fragile floor tiles can be, you shouldn't fit them to soft, cushioned bases (which indeed the acoustic underlays are), as this increases the chance of them cracking and breaking. By using the hardwood, a stable and firm floor is achieved for the tiles to then be fitted to.
Again, when using the Reverso SoundMat, no further over boarding layer is needed. However, in the instance of tiles being used as the final floor finish, the board should be primed first and a thicker stabilising board may be needed for some types of tiles.
Can you fit soundproof floor underlay on top of underfloor heating?
The
ImpactoMat 5 can be fitted on top of underfloor heating, as can the
ProSound™ SoundScreed 25. For all other Soundproofing mats, they need to be fitted beneath underfloor heating, due to their mass and the material they are made from. (Heat, like sound is an energy and the soundproofing mats if fitted on top of underfloor heating block not only sound, but also heat).
Find out more about
how to install underfloor heating.
Do acoustic underlays meet part E building regulations for Soundproofing?
The answer is 'yes', they can be used to meet and even exceed building regulations as part of a full system. The
Reverso SoundMat
and
SoundMat 3 Plus don't just meet the required
Part E Building Regulations, they exceed them. (Provided they are fitted and sealed correctly, as part of a full system).
Are acoustic underlays easy to fit?
Absolutely. All of the above
Soundproofing Store acoustic flooring products are easily installed by an accomplished DIYer or trades person. We have a library of comprehensive data sheets and soundproofing underlay installation guides which can be
downloaded.
Acoustic underlays overview
Hopefully you now know how to check if the noise you are wanting to soundproof against is airborne or impact noise. We've discussed the significance of knowing if the floor you are adding the acoustic underlay to is a timber or concrete floor and the importance of final floor finishes.
Highlighted are top performing soundproofing products to choose from. However, soundproofing can be complex and if there is any uncertainty as to which you think might be the correct soundproofing solution is for your individual noise issue, then our advice would be to always speak to an expert.
Our knowledgeable team are only a phone call away and are on hand to advise you on the best soundproofing underlay for your individual soundproofing problem.
