It is one of the easiest types of soundproofing to install while building the floor. The acoustic base comes in different brands, but most often it is a thick, flexible rubber layer that is placed under the floor, accompanied by a flanking strip around the edge to isolate the floor from the walls. In this blog, we hope to answer some of the questions you may have when choosing the right acoustic-based solution. It is important not to confuse the carpet base with the laminate underlay, which serves as a soundproof base for laminate flooring. The base of the carpet is adjusted to add comfort to the carpets, allowing for a more precise fit and helping to avoid heavy wear and tear.
Base layers for carpets, although they can be said to offer soundproofing properties, do not work anywhere near the level offered by base layers and specific soundproofing mats. The soundproofing qualities of the lower layers of carpets are also not soundproofed, in the same way as mats and soundproof mats. Beware of an important trick, according to which companies that sell a carpet base because it has soundproofing qualities quote a figure in dB, but this only shows how much airborne noise is blocked on a concrete floor, of which the carpet base represents only 5%. If you're looking to soundproof under a carpet, then we'll cover the best products on the market.
First of all, it is important to consider the gaps between the floorboards and the ceiling. Any noise that enters this sealed chamber will echo, resonate and amplify the noise (we call it the drum effect). To combat this, we recommend filling between the wooden beams with acoustic mineral wool. You may be wondering if you are investing in an acoustic base or in soundproof mats if, then, you will have restrictions on the final floor finish you can use.
The short answer is “no”, you won't be restricted. Soundproof base layers can be equipped with all types of floor finishes. The only caveat is that some finishes require a stabilizing layer before the final floor finish. Below, we indicate which floor finishes this applies to.
All of the above acoustic bases and sound mats can easily place a rug directly on them. Reverso (SoundMat, SoundMat 3 plus and SoundMat 2 Plus) will need lifting grab bars around the perimeter. Of course, the Reverso SoundMat can be used in most final hardwood floor finishes without the need for an additional top coat. If you use the SoundMat 3 Plus or SoundMat 2 Plus as an acoustic floor solution, any engineered wood floor, provided it is 18 mm or more thick, can be applied directly to the top.
For any finer hard finish, we recommend a 6mm hardboard to provide a flat, stable base. All of the above soundproof mats can be used as a soundproof laminate base. The same goes for vinyl or soundproofing with a padded vinyl base. We always recommend placing a minimum of 6 mm hardboard layer on the soundproof base before placing the laminate or vinyl to provide a flat and stable base.
Once again, when using the Reverso SoundMat, no additional layer is necessary. However, if tiles are used as the final floor finish, the board must first be primed and a thicker stabilizing board may be needed for some types of tiles. The answer is “yes”, they can be used to meet and even exceed building regulations as part of a complete system. The Reverso SoundMat and SoundMat 3 Plus not only meet the building standards required by Part E, but they exceed them (as long as they are properly fitted and sealed, as part of a complete system).
All of the Soundproofing Store acoustic flooring products mentioned above are easily installed by an experienced DIY enthusiast or professional. We have a library of comprehensive data sheets and installation guides for soundproof bases that you can download. Hopefully you now know how to check if the noise you want to soundproof against is airborne or impact noise. We have discussed the importance of knowing if the floor to which the acoustic base is going to be added is a wooden or concrete floor and the importance of the final floor finishes.
We let our customers do the talking and we will get back to you as soon as possible. The Noisestop Acoustic Underlay acoustic layer is a solution for overlapping floors that reduces airborne and impact sound through wood and concrete floors. A versatile product that is suitable for use in domestic and commercial situations. Easy to install and compatible with a wide range of floor finishes.
The Noisestop lower layers will ensure excellent performance against general household noises such as conversation noise and television due to its large mass while impact sounds such as footsteps general movement and fallen objects are absorbed thanks to its 9 mm polyethylene foam layer. Acoustilay is another great option when it comes to soundproof underlayment solutions; it's one of most versatile and easy-to-install acoustic flooring systems on the market suitable for use in domestic commercial and industrial environments and can be placed in a wide range of floor finishes. Acoustilay is manufactured in 3 different grades so you can choose one that best suits your needs; due to how small and fragile tiles can be you should not place them on soft padded bases (as are acoustic bases) as this increases their chance of cracking or breaking so if you're looking for carpets then you need something soft but doesn't hit rock bottom like many acoustic bases on market using closed-cell foam in your soundproof base means that you have denser material able better withstand everyday use while being more durable; The SoundMat 3 Plus is an unparalleled sound-absorbing mat designed reduce unwanted impacts and airborne noise especially suitable for final carpet floor finishes; if your soundproof mat has been applied first then Quietfloor PLUS edge strips must be placed against baseboards throughout room on soundproofing mat then QuietFloor Plus installed from edges.
