One of the most common questions I deal with is how to stop impact noise from transmitting from an upper unit to the unit below. It is an issue we contend with on a daily basis.
The soundproofing becomes much more critical when dealing with a hardwood or laminate flooring or when you are working with a tile or marble floor. These finished floor materials are hard and rigid and transmit sound readily.
There are products on the market that are extremely effective and reducing the Impact noise from transmitting between units.
We have discoverd that the most effective soundproof floor underlay's are general recycled tire rubber. One of our most effective products is called 'American Impact Standard". This is a 3/8" dense recycled rubber that comes in 4' X 25' rolls. The key with the recycled rubber underlays, is that they serve a 2 fold purpose. They help to reduce the impact noise that is transmitted from the unit above, but it also nearly eliminates the airborne sounds such as telephones ringing,TV's and stereos etc.
The Impact Standard is generally glued to the sub floor using a high quality sub floor adhesive. One of the best adhesives is called DA-5, which is specifically designed for the recycled rubber products.
In an optimal setting you would apply the DA-5 sub floor adhesive directly to the sub floor itself using a 3/16" notched trowel. This insures adequate coverage of the adhesive. Once the adhesive is applied, you would then roll out the Impact Standard over top of the adhesive. The rolls of the Impact Standard are 25' long and this material weighs about 1.3 Lbs per sq foot.
The manufacturer recommends adding a layer of either 1/4" plywood or Masonite over top of the recycled rubber, but your new finished floor can be adhered directly on top of the membrane.
It is essential that you caulk all of the seams as well as around the entire perimeter of the soundproof floor underlay. This insures that no airborne noise will be able to pass through the seams or gaps that may be in the underlay.
Now if you are installing a nail down hardwood floor, then the plywood atop of the Impact standard is necessary. If your floor is a floated snap together type such as Pergo, then it is not necessary to add the additional layer of Plywood or Masonite.
Once the Impact Standard is installed and sealed with the acoustical caulk, then you are ready to lay down your finished flooring.
You should experience some remarkable results from using the Impact Standard. keep in mind that 99% of the flooring contractors out these don't have a clue about soundproofing, therefore it will be your job to educate them. You need to find a flooring contractor who will listen to what you tell them, this is crucial if you want this to be effective.
Now if your finished floor is going to be carpet and pad, then the same installation applies, however, carpet and padding will add even more impact protection due to is resiliency and it's ability to absorb much if the impact noise the occurs from walking or dropping items such as plates of even silverware.
I hope this has helped you to better understand what it taked to soundproofing a floor from above. Please feel free to contact the professionals at Soundproofing America, Inc, for any soundproofing project you may encounter. Once again, this is Dr..Bob signing off.
The soundproofing becomes much more critical when dealing with a hardwood or laminate flooring or when you are working with a tile or marble floor. These finished floor materials are hard and rigid and transmit sound readily.
There are products on the market that are extremely effective and reducing the Impact noise from transmitting between units.
We have discoverd that the most effective soundproof floor underlay's are general recycled tire rubber. One of our most effective products is called 'American Impact Standard". This is a 3/8" dense recycled rubber that comes in 4' X 25' rolls. The key with the recycled rubber underlays, is that they serve a 2 fold purpose. They help to reduce the impact noise that is transmitted from the unit above, but it also nearly eliminates the airborne sounds such as telephones ringing,TV's and stereos etc.
The Impact Standard is generally glued to the sub floor using a high quality sub floor adhesive. One of the best adhesives is called DA-5, which is specifically designed for the recycled rubber products.
In an optimal setting you would apply the DA-5 sub floor adhesive directly to the sub floor itself using a 3/16" notched trowel. This insures adequate coverage of the adhesive. Once the adhesive is applied, you would then roll out the Impact Standard over top of the adhesive. The rolls of the Impact Standard are 25' long and this material weighs about 1.3 Lbs per sq foot.
The manufacturer recommends adding a layer of either 1/4" plywood or Masonite over top of the recycled rubber, but your new finished floor can be adhered directly on top of the membrane.
It is essential that you caulk all of the seams as well as around the entire perimeter of the soundproof floor underlay. This insures that no airborne noise will be able to pass through the seams or gaps that may be in the underlay.
Now if you are installing a nail down hardwood floor, then the plywood atop of the Impact standard is necessary. If your floor is a floated snap together type such as Pergo, then it is not necessary to add the additional layer of Plywood or Masonite.
Once the Impact Standard is installed and sealed with the acoustical caulk, then you are ready to lay down your finished flooring.
You should experience some remarkable results from using the Impact Standard. keep in mind that 99% of the flooring contractors out these don't have a clue about soundproofing, therefore it will be your job to educate them. You need to find a flooring contractor who will listen to what you tell them, this is crucial if you want this to be effective.
Now if your finished floor is going to be carpet and pad, then the same installation applies, however, carpet and padding will add even more impact protection due to is resiliency and it's ability to absorb much if the impact noise the occurs from walking or dropping items such as plates of even silverware.
I hope this has helped you to better understand what it taked to soundproofing a floor from above. Please feel free to contact the professionals at Soundproofing America, Inc, for any soundproofing project you may encounter. Once again, this is Dr..Bob signing off.
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