Floating floors are the only type of flooring that require a base layer. If you're installing solid wood with direct adhesion to the subfloor, a base coat won't be necessary. This is often the case when installing solid wood with glue in an apartment, as the strata don't allow for nails to be hit noisily. The base layer (with floor covering) must be acoustically tested to determine how much impact noise it reduces.
It's important to note that not all underlays are created equal, so you can't assume that a 5 mm underlay will work the same as another. You may be wondering if investing in an acoustic base or soundproof mats will restrict the type of final floor finish you can use. The answer is no, you won't be restricted. Soundproof base layers can be equipped with all types of floor finishes.
The only caveat is that some finishes require a stabilizing layer before the final floor finish. Below, we'll indicate which floor finishes this applies to. Additionally, we have a wide selection of Transit sound-insulated base layers. This is very useful for installation above the ground floor and can give you peace of mind if you live in an apartment.
These lower layers will dull any foot movement. If you want to know how much sound the base will absorb, we've included traffic sound reduction with each product in the list below. We've discussed the importance of knowing if the floor to which the acoustic base is being added is made of wood or concrete and the importance of the final finishes of the floor. If you're installing a new floor in your home or office, building codes will require the use of an acoustic subfloor.
Because tiles can be small and fragile, it's not advisable to place them on soft, padded bases (as is the case with acoustic bases), as this increases the chance of them cracking and breaking. Take a look at FloorMuffler's list of acoustic subfloors and find the one that best suits your floor. It can be difficult to find a subfloor that meets the strict acoustic requirements set by homeowners' associations. The acoustic layers add enough mass and density to prevent sounds from music, television, and conversations from disturbing those below.
In these situations, it's almost always necessary to use an acoustic floor layer to meet these standards. Now that we've explained the basic aspects of soundproof floor subfloor products, it's time to decide which one is best for your acoustic treatment application. You can expect a floor system with a premium acoustic subfloor to achieve an STC rating of more than 60 degrees.
