How to Soundproof a New Build Floor

Soundproofing a New Build Floor

Soundproofing a new build floor is traditionally more straight forward than a refurbishment project. The type of construction type is easily identifiable on a new build project and there is last chance of building irregularities.

Depending on the type of construction there are various sound insulation options for floors. Products include acoustic chippanels, dry screed panels, acoustic battens and underscreed foam.

All new build floors must meet specific acoustic values to meet Part E Building Regulations and provide satisfactory living and working conditions for occupants.

Timber Floor Soundproofing

Timber frame developments typically lack sufficient mass to meet the demands of Part E Building Regulations. Therefore, soundproofing products must add mass to deal with impact and airborne noise. Here is an example of a possible acoustic flooring build up for timber floors:

• Soundproofing quilt between timber joists to help deal with impact sound transmission
• A high density dry screed acoustic floor panel laid on the timber sub-deck. Acoustic battens may also be used in this application.
• Acoustic edge strips installed around the floor perimeter to prevent acoustic flanking.

It is also appropriate to install resilient bars and acoustic plastered panels below the timber joists to deliver maximum acoustic performance.

Steel Floor Soundproofing

Steel floors have similar lightweight properties to timber floors. This makes it necessary to install soundproofing solutions that deal with both impact and airborne noise to meet building regulations. The following combination of acoustic products is suitable in this application:

• Soundproofing quilt between the steel joists to help deal with impact sound transmission
• A high density dry screed acoustic floor panel laid on the timber sub-deck.
• Acoustic edge strips installed around the floor perimeter to prevent acoustic flanking.
• Resilient bars installed below the timber joists, in addition to acoustic plasterpanel layers.

Concrete Floor Soundproofing

Concrete floors have greater mass than timber floors, which makes it easier to achieve Part E Building Regulations. The concrete floors mass is effective at eliminating impact noise, which means soundproofing products are only required to deal with airborne noise transmission. It is common that a screeded floor finish is chosen on concrete floor applications. In this situations the following combination of soundproofing is appropriate:

• Rubber soundproofing rolls laid below the concrete screed
• A acoustic edge strip installed around the perimeter to prevent acoustic flanking

Where a screeded floor finished is not selected, an acoustic floor panel and edge strip combination is also appropriate.

New Build Floor Soundproofing

Having trouble identifying the best acoustic combination for your project?For expert guidance on the best soundproofing solution for your new build development speak to our technical team.