Test ratings have confirmed that acoustic laminate subfloors can significantly reduce noise in a room when used under wood and laminate floors. This is due to its high mass, stability, and “permanence” qualities, which help absorb acoustic energy. Impact noise can spread more easily through some finishes and floor structures, causing different levels of impact noise in the lower space. That's why it's important to know that the right base coat can reduce noise in your home and soften the sound of your steps.
There are two types of sound insulation: Transit Sound, which reduces the noise of steps when entering the room, and Drum Sound, which actually calms your steps in the room you're in. Carpets can also help reduce impact noise due to two factors: the fluffiness of the base layer and the thickness of the bottom layer. The fluffier and thicker the base, the more effective it is at muffling the sounds of footsteps. According to figures, Noisestop acoustic base reduces airborne and impact sounds by 48 dB for sounds suspended in the air and 46 dB for impact sounds.
Not only does this solution meet Part E compliance standards, it also effectively blocks clear airborne sounds and impact noises. Our range of acoustic bases is designed to offer the easiest solution to sound impacts, regardless of the floor covering you use. Impact noise is often a problem in homes (hotels, residences, student accommodation, nursing homes, etc.) and this is where an underlying acoustic layer is usually installed. The MuteMat 3 is the best acoustic base to comply with building regulations included in Part E without needing any other material.
The science behind acoustic foundations can be complicated, but the main factors for reducing sound come down to three components: mass, damping, and decoupling. The GenieMat RST is a revolutionary acoustic coating that offers high-level sound reduction for multi-family homes, skyscrapers and commercial structures. The best acoustic base on its own is the MuteMat 3, which helps reduce impact and airborne sound. A rubber base is ideal, as products such as Silentfloor Gold or Timbermate Excel have been shown to significantly reduce the acoustic noise levels of wood and laminate floors in tests.
The mat actually transforms the acoustic qualities of a laminate floor and also improves the room's internal acoustics. The Noisestop acoustic base coat is compatible with most types of floors, including those made of artificial wood, laminate, tile and LVT. Companies that sell carpet coverings for their soundproofing qualities quote a figure in dB. However, this only indicates how much airborne noise is blocked on a concrete floor, of which the bottom layer of carpet represents only 5%.
By having several layers of different thicknesses and densities, you can smooth out this decrease in performance and achieve the best soundproofing with your acoustic base layer. Therefore, it is essential to remember that what works to control impact noise in heavy buildings need not work in lightweight buildings, and that the performance of the acoustic base will differ from structure to structure. In all of the acoustic layers and acoustic mats mentioned above, a carpet can easily be placed directly on them. Acoustic underlay has become an increasingly popular solution for reducing noise levels in residential and commercial spaces alike. It provides an effective barrier between floors that helps absorb sound waves before they reach other rooms or floors below.
This type of underlayment also helps improve insulation by providing an extra layer between floors that helps keep heat from escaping or entering a space. When selecting an acoustic underlayment for your project, it's important to consider factors such as thickness, density, material type (rubber or foam), installation method (glue or floating), cost effectiveness (price per square foot), fire rating (Class A or B), sound transmission class (STC) rating (the higher the better), and environmental friendliness (VOCs). Additionally, you should consider whether you need an underlayment specifically designed for wood or laminate floors or one that works with both. No matter what type of flooring you have installed in your home or business space, using an acoustic underlayment can help reduce noise levels significantly. It's important to do your research before selecting an underlayment so you can find one that meets your needs while providing maximum sound reduction benefits.
