Laminate flooring is a popular choice for many homeowners due to its durability and attractive appearance. However, it can be prone to damage and wear over time. To ensure that your laminate flooring lasts for years to come, it is important to consider the use of acoustic underlay. This thin, padded layer of material is placed underneath the laminate floor and provides protection from damage, as well as other benefits such as noise reduction, comfort, and insulation.
The primary purpose of soundproof underlay is to reduce the amount of impact noise that travels through the floor due to falling objects, footsteps, and the movement of furniture on hard surface finishes. This layer of padding absorbs sound and minimizes the echo of footsteps, which can be a nuisance for those living in apartments or other multi-level dwellings. Additionally, soundproof underlay can help to improve the performance of a lower quality laminate floor, making it more comfortable and durable. When selecting a soundproof underlay for your laminate flooring, it is important to choose one that is of good quality. This will help to prevent the carpet from flattening and ensure that it retains its appearance for longer.
Felt underlay is an environmentally friendly option that provides additional soundproofing when replacing a floor. It is relatively dense, meaning it effectively absorbs impact noise. In some cases, such as when soundproofing an apartment floor, you may need to select an acoustic base with an AAAC rating equal to or greater than five in order to meet relevant acoustic standards set out in the National Building Code. High-density, high-strength synthetic rubber-based products such as XPS base layers from the Secura family can provide very good parameters for IS soundproofing up to a level of 22 dB. It is important to remember that soundproof underlay is not just for carpets and should not be considered optional.
It is an essential part of any laminate flooring system and can help to increase its durability and comfort. You can find a subfloor for laminate floors in a variety of different materials, from basic foam and sponge rubber to fiberboard. In situations where acoustic standards must be met, it is almost always necessary to use an acoustic floor layer.
