To soundproof multi-level buildings such as apartment buildings, hotels, condominiums and other places where people are wandering above and below, the subfloor of the floor blocks the transmission of structural and aerial sounds. You may be wondering if investing in an acoustic base or soundproof floor mats will limit the final floor finish that you can use. The answer is no, you will have no restrictions. The soundproofed 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 indicate which floor finishes this applies to. The GenieMat RST is a revolutionary acoustic underlayment that offers high-level sound reduction for multi-family homes, skyscrapers and commercial structures. At Pliteq we manufacture and sell acoustic floor layers, but the truth is that you may not need a base of acoustic floor. Ibari Body companies for multi-storey homes usually specify the specific soundproofing base required.
As for porcelain and ceramic tiles, all wood finishes would be suitable for their application and would provide the same soundproofing properties. The tiles will need to be fixed and installed and cannot be “placed loose”. You may be referring to some types of hybrid wood-like flooring systems that we don't specialize in. We recommend that you seek advice from your local carpet or hardwood flooring store for this specific product. Proven acoustic insulation, such as the SoundMat 2 Plus, acts like a floating floor, helping to absorb vibrations produced by impacts before they penetrate the floor structure.
The base will stick in place or be placed loosely, depending on the type of floor finish being used. The Noisestop acoustic base is compatible with most types of floors, including those made of artificial wood, laminate, tiles and LVT. If you need an acoustic base for the LVT, the best option is to place a 6-9 mm layer on one of the above acoustic insulation layers to provide a stable base on which to place the LVT. The rubber base not only contributes to soundproofing, but can also be used to insulate floors and keep them warm during the colder months. Brands like Kronoswiss, Roberts, Quick Step and Floor Muffler are the perfect base for your condo or apartment. However, soundproofing can be complex, and if you are not sure which soundproofing solution is most appropriate for your individual noise problem, we recommend that you always consult an expert.
My experience calling Soundstop for general help with soundproofing and specific help with their products has been a unique experience. The SoundMat 3 Plus is an unparalleled soundproof mat designed to reduce unwanted impacts and airborne noise, especially suitable for the final finishing of carpet floors. The soundproof floor base you'll need depends on whether it's airborne noise, impact noise, or a combination of both. This effect is especially noticeable in rooms located below the room where the subfloor and the laminated. We have talked about the importance of knowing if the floor to which the acoustic layer is going to be added is made of wood or concrete and the importance of the final finishes of the floor. In the case of other soundproof mats, it is necessary to place them under the underfloor heating due to their mass and material from which they are made.
The general rule is that if the finished floor is normally installed loose, then so can its base. As an expert in soundproofing solutions for multi-level buildings such as apartments, hotels and condominiums, I can confidently say that investing in an acoustic underlayment or soundproof mats will not limit your choice of final floor finish. Depending on your needs, you may require a stabilizing layer before applying your chosen finish. It's important to note that some types of hybrid wood-like flooring systems may require special attention when selecting a soundproofing solution.
When it comes to porcelain or ceramic tiles, all wood finishes are suitable for their application and will provide similar soundproofing properties. However, these tiles must be fixed and installed rather than placed loose. If you're looking for an acoustic base for LVT floors then it's best to place a 6-9 mm layer on one of our acoustic insulation layers to provide a stable foundation for your LVT. Rubber bases are also great for providing insulation against cold temperatures as well as soundproofing benefits.
Brands like Kronoswiss, Roberts, Quick Step and Floor Muffler are all great options when it comes to finding a suitable base for your condo or apartment. Soundproofing can be complex so it's always best to consult an expert if you're unsure which solution is best suited for your individual noise problem. At Pliteq we manufacture and sell acoustic floor layers but depending on your needs you may not even need one!.
