Do you want to reduce the amount of noise in your home? If so, then soundproofing your floors with an acoustic carpet base is an effective way to do so. This sound-absorbing layer helps to reduce both airborne and impact noise, which can seep through the floor into the rooms below. Not only does this create a barrier against unwanted noise, but it also helps to extend the life of your carpet by providing an extra cushion between it and the floor. Installing an acoustic subfloor in the busiest rooms of your home can help keep noise away from places where you relax. The base layer (with floor covering) must be acoustically tested to show how much impact noise it reduces.
However, even in places where there are no requirements or local legislation, having an acoustic base for floors is still beneficial. A floor system with a premium acoustic subfloor is expected to achieve an STC rating of more than 60 degrees. It can be difficult to find a subfloor that meets the strict acoustic requirements set by a homeowners' association. But you don't need to live in a multifamily home to enjoy the performance of a premium acoustic subfloor. FloorMuffler offers a list of acoustic subfloors that can help you find the one that best suits your floor.
The only purpose of an acoustic floor base is to reduce the amount of impact noise that travels through the floor due to falling objects, steps and the movement of furniture on hard surface finishes of any type of building. It's important to note that not all underlying layers are created equal, so one 5 mm base layer cannot be assumed to have the same performance as another. In these situations, it is almost always necessary to use an acoustic floor layer in order to meet certain standards. Read on to learn everything you need to know about soundproofing a room with an acoustic carpet base.
