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Acoustic Insulation for Concrete Floors

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Soundproofing a concrete floor

Most buildings with concrete floors have enough mass and density to block the transfer of sound waves. Conversation and TV noises generally wouldn’t pass between the floors of buildings that use concrete. The only significant noise issue that you should expect is impact sound. This is generally when an object such as a chair or item is moved around the concrete.

 

The best way of soundproofing concrete floors to reduce impact sound is to use a layer over the concrete flooring. The soundproof layer is installed over the concrete and below the floor finish. The type of soundproofing you use to block impact sound through the concrete is made from materials that absorb impact sound before it transmits into the concrete.

 




How effective is concrete floor soundproofing?

Soundproofing a concrete floor will reduce impact noise, airborne noise, or both. Different systems offer different levels of noise reduction depending on the level of noise needed to be blocked and the current construction of the floor. No soundproofing will offer 100% reduction, however installing soundproofing will dramatically reduce noisy neighbour noise.

 

Does concrete floor soundproofing work both ways?

Soundproofing a concrete floor will block impact noise (footsteps) travelling from the room above to the room below. Floor soundproofing can also block airborne noise travelling from below to the room above or from the room above to the room below.

 


 

Once installed on a concrete floor, can I put any type of final floor finish down?

Yes, we would recommend carpet as the final floor finish for soundproofing as it’s the ideal floor finish and helps avoid impact noise. Thin hard floors such as laminate and vinyl can also be fitted on top of soundproofing. Wood floors can also be fitted on top of soundproofing providing as long as its thick enough to fit the criteria. Bathroom, and kitchen tiles will normally need a flat stable base on top of the soundproofing, depending on which floor soundproofing system has been selected.

 

Do I need to soundproof the whole concrete floor?

Yes, as soundproofing is like waterproofing and is only as good as its weakest point. Sound can travel through any gaps and any misjudgements in the installation period can render the installation useless. To be effective the whole floor should be soundproofed.


Key things to consider when soundproofing a concrete floor:


  • Impact vibration - using different types and thicknesses of high impact absorption (foam/rubber), helps to reduce different levels of impact noise

  • The mass of the floor - concrete is naturally high in mass and therefore is usually more effective than a timber floor at blocking noise waves.

  • Airborne noise through a concrete floor - If you are experiencing an airborne noise problem then this could indicate weak points


Buy your Soundproofing products with us today at www.insulationbee.co.uk or speak to one of our friendly staff on 02038839057

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