Floor sound insulation, what it is for and how to do it

Hey there, DIY enthusiasts!

Daniela here, ready to dive into the world of floor sound insulation. If you’re tired of hearing every footstep from upstairs or want to keep your own noise contained, this guide is for you.

Floor sound insulation is designed to reduce noise transmission between floors in multi-story buildings. It’s essential for:
– Improving acoustic comfort
– Enhancing privacy
– Meeting building code requirements

Here’s a quick how-to:

1. Clear the floor area
2. Install a layer of underlayment
3. Add soundproofing mats or boards
4. Install a layer of plywood or OSB
5. Finish with your chosen flooring material

Pro tip: Use acoustic caulk around the edges for best results.

Did you know? According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, proper sound insulation can reduce noise levels by up to 50 decibels!

Remember, the key to effective sound insulation is creating multiple layers with different densities. Happy soundproofing!.

Noise pollution is one of the biggest problems of our century. We are constantly exposed to noise, even in our own homes, where, however, we can opt for cutting-edge technologies to protect ourselves. In fact, sound (and thermal) insulation is usually addressed in relation to windows and doors. But how many of us have had to listen to our neighbors’ footsteps? Or perhaps music that is too loud? For home life, a solution exists: it is called floor sound insulation. Let’s see what it is, what it is for and what the benefits are.

What is floor sound insulation

Much depends on the context in which we live: those who live in the city center knows very well that noise can be quite problematic, especially during certain time slots. Not only that, there are those who make smart working at home, so he is eager for quiet hours to perform his tasks without being disturbed. And to noises, if any are heard: the classic trampling, the falling objects on the ground, the moving a piece of furniture. All this negatively affects work performance, but it also disturbs those who simply want to rest.

Acoustic well-being, however, depends on us and the choices we make. There is one strategy-that of floor soundproofing-that allows us to solve the problem upstream. This technical operation varies in complexity and invasiveness, as first there is always the need to understand the type of noise.

We have to divide them into two types: there is the airborne noise, which is related to voices, music, television, or even the structural noise, so those noises that are caused on the structure. Taking a simple example: do we want our rooms to be acoustically isolated from the upper floor? Then we fall under “airborne noise.” But that is not to say that we cannot be disturbed by structural noise.

To achieve a good result, it is necessary to use accessories, materials and operations that avoid noise pollution. All soundproofing interventions, in any case, must refer to the Law No. 447 of 1995 and requirements found in the Ministerial Decree of December 5, 1997, since it is the regulations that indicate the minimum performance to achieve acoustic efficiency of buildings (which may be different depending on the type itself, such as apartment buildings or offices).

What is the purpose of floor sound insulation

By floor sound insulation, in any case, we are talking about different strategies and measures: we need to create a protective layer for limit the propagation of noise. As we have said, during our daily lives we are constantly affected by sound emissions: both at home and outside. Of course, these noises, over time, can turn into actual discomfort, if not disturbance. The acoustic well-being of a home is also a legal matter: with new technologies, we can achieve many benefits.

Among the benefits of floor sound insulation, in fact, we find a marked improvement in the quality of life, as reducing noise from other floors increases the tranquility within living spaces, making them more comfortable. When it comes to privacy, we can also observe benefits, because soundproofing not only protects us from noise from neighbors: it prevents sounds and conversations from being heard from nearby or below.

Who, then, has never had problems with neighbors because of noise? In condominium buildings, floor sound insulation often becomes matter of discussion: Preventing situations like these should be among our main goals. At the same time, if the property is ours, we can observe an increase in the value of the property: potential buyers or tenants, nowadays, attach great importance to the sound comfort.

Floor sound insulation, how to do it?

Usually can be used of the sound-absorbing panels o anti-impact mats: they are ideal both during renovation and during the construction of a new building. The techniques are different, also depending on the result we want to achieve: for example, we can block the spread of soil using a soundproofing material, or by acting on the absorption of sound energy with sound-absorbing material. There are two characteristics to keep in mind, namely sound insulation and sound absorption.

As for the insulation materials, there is a focal point: the reverberation time and the sound absorption coefficient. If we want to evaluate insulating solutions, the materials as a point of reference are those based on polymer, or lead and rubber. The latter is particularly cheap, especially when compared with lead (which, however, provides high insulation).

Of course, there is often a “limitation”: demolishing the floor, especially if it is well-maintained, in order to soundproof it, is not always the most chosen move. Therefore, people often lean toward overlaying a floating floor, also serving as an insulating layer. Useful for those with PVC, parquet or laminate floors. This noise barrier does not compromise the existing pavement in any way while providing excellent protection: the floating installation Is also quite fast.

Types of sound insulation

What are the main techniques to achieve a good result? We find acoustic mats and carpets, or rolls made of sound-insulating materials, such as, for example, rubber or fiberglass, or even the floating floors, which we mentioned earlier. This solution creates an insulating layer between the finished floor and the subfloor, and in this case elastic materials are used (high-density wood fiber boards, or rubber layers). Finally, options such as floating floors, heavy screeds, sound absorbing panels e composite insulation layers. The advice we give is to listen to expert advice and seek targeted advice before proceeding with any of the techniques, as there is an absolute need to understand the solution “tailored” to one’s needs.

How to choose the most suitable solution?

Clearly, not all options are “tailor-made” for everyone. There is the choice of material, the intervention itself, or even compatibility with the existing structure, and finally, one must necessarily consider the budget and all those long-term costs (such as those related to maintenance). If you want to, this is the perfect time to consider the environmental impact and the safety of materials we chose: for example, preferring environmentally sustainable and non-toxic solutions. In any case, the great advantages of this solution remain certain: goodbye, noise!