Five Essential Floor Soundproofing Tips
Soundproofing Essentials
Soundproofing a floor is simple, but there is more to it than simply laying an acoustic floor board and hoping for the best. This approach may improve the acoustic performance of the floor but it won’t guarantee your project will pass Part E Building Regulations or provide the best living conditions for occupants. Here are five things that you must not forget when soundproofing a floor.
5 Essential Soundproofing Tips
- Install Acoustic Flanking Strips around the Floor Perimeter
When installing an acoustic floor board it is important to leave sufficient space around the floor edge. This is easily achieved by placing packing shims around the edge of the floor as the acoustic floor board is laid. Once the floor is completely covered with acoustic floor boards, remove the packing shims and install acoustic edge strips. The acoustic edge strips will prevent acoustic flanking, which can lead to a project failing Part E Building Regulations. - Lay soundproofing material in-between the joists on timber and steel floors
Mineral wool is an essential component when soundproofing timber and steel joist floors. The material will add significant mass to the floor and help improve the floors acoustic performance. Soundproofing rolls are a great way to upgrade existing or new build floors. - Ensure the entire floor is Soundproofed
When soundproofing floors it is essential that the entire floor is covered with soundproofing material. Where applicable soundproofing materials should be fully fixed to one another
(acoustic floor boards) or correctly overlapping using a suitable joining tape (under screed soundproofing). - The Type of Construction
All buildings are different making it important to give careful consideration to the type of construction when soundproofing floors. For example there are likely to be more pitfalls to consider when soundproofing an existing building compared with a new development. In addition a timber frame building will require different soundproofing materials than a concrete floor development. - The Intended Purpose
The type of room (bathroom, bedroom) and the occupants should also be considered when soundproofing. For example a bathroom should be soundproofed with careful consideration of high levels of moisture on these floors, whilst a bedroom should provide good sleeping conditions. These factors in addition to the need to meet Part E Building Regulations will weigh heavily on what type and how much soundproofing is installed.
Additional Resources:
– How to Soundproof a Bathroom
– How to Soundproof a Bedroom
Soundproofing Your Floor
For expert advice on how to soundproof the floors on your next project or more information on our range of soundproofing products speak to our team of technical experts today. Call us today on: 0116 464 7212 or send us an email here.
