The installation of a subfloor (or acoustic membrane) blocks the cold of the concrete slab, reflects heat directly to the floor and reduces vibration. Therefore, it increases the performance of underfloor heating systems and reduces impact noises. There are several options for acoustic floor insulation, such as mass-charged vinyl, soundproof mats, green glue and acoustic subfloor. The acoustic base is another option for absorbing sound.
This product is usually made of compressed fibers that have been heat treated. For example, the acoustiWool acoustic base is available in rolls and is effective for most types of wooden floors. It also has a vapor barrier and is easy to install. The impact noise comes from something that comes into contact with the floor, such as when you step hard or when someone pushes a chair backwards, causing vibrations throughout the house.
Because this is related to the structure of the house, it can be a more invasive project to soundproof impact noise. However, it is possible to mitigate the problem even without a complete renovation. Thinner and less dense than other subfloor options, foam is not as effective at soundproofing. However, if you're already replacing the floor, this can be an inexpensive way to reduce some of the impact noise coming from the top.
As the name suggests, the acoustic subfloor is specifically designed for the purpose of soundproofing and can be very effective. However, it has a higher cost than most other soundproofing materials. There are acoustic subfloor options for all types of floors, including a rubber subfloor for tiles, cushions for carpets and cork for wood. Once again, this is not an easy process.
Ultimately, however, it can prove less expensive than replacing the floor on the upper floors of a home. Unfortunately, building floors with wooden beams is prone to causing noise problems, such as the sound of steps on a wooden floor or falling objects. Base layers with a higher density absorb more heat than those with a lower density, making them better for colder climates. It is the best base layer for underfloor heating, as it provides excellent levels of walking comfort with a thickness of 10 mm and ventilation holes for better heat transfer.
Green glue is a popular product used to reduce noise; however, it is not the most suitable as an acoustic floor insulator. If you want to increase the height of a floor, the cheapest and easiest way is to add a thick subfloor designed for the job. Hush acoustical technicians have designed sound insulation solutions for virtually any type of floor, wall or ceiling that requires soundproofing. There are a variety of felt base layers specifically designed to reduce noise, including some that have a moisture barrier and antimicrobial treatments.
TruHeat's high-quality 5 mm ThermaSoft acoustic subfloor is ideal for those looking for the best base layer for their floor. Some types are more acoustic, while others are better at preventing cold floors from penetrating the house. This material can be a great choice for your home because it offers sound reduction and can also be used for radiant heating. Felt underlayment, often used on engineered wood or laminate floors, is relatively dense, meaning it's effective at absorbing impact noise.
If you plan to install electric floor heating, ask the manufacturer to confirm that it is compatible with laminate floors. The higher the density, the more support the base layer will have underfoot, so you should look for a high-density base layer.
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