Need help with soundproofing underneath new hardwood flooring

11 years ago

Hi all-- I'm not sure this is a design dilemma, per se, but it's a dilemma nevertheless. I just purchased a top floor condo in a converted 1898 row house. Thinking I'd be free of neighbor noise, I've since learned that I won't be. Argh. Lucky (?) for me, I hate the current flooring (looks plastic; feels flimsy) and have the chance to rip it up and put in new floors and soundproof (I hope)

I realize that I have both "impact" and "airborne" noise issues. Unfortunately, I won't be able to rip out my downstairs neighbors drywalled ceiling to sound insulate it so I'm stuck working from above (my floors) down. Would be a horrible and expensive way of introducing myself.

There is much on the web about the best materials, etc-- e.g., mass loaded vinyl, Quiet Rock. I'm not having as much luck finding contractors with experience doing it, or people with experience having had it done.

Please empower me with your thoughts, ideas, and experiences.

Thanks mucho!

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Comments (2)

vincentview
11 years ago
Cork flooring
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Acoustical Solutions
11 years ago
There are floor underlayments designed to address these issues. It is kind of unusual that you are the one complaining of noise as it's usually the neighbor below wanting to reduce the transmission of footfall impact noise coming from above. Regardless, look for an acoustical floor underlayment that has an STC rating (airborne sound blocking - and probably your concern unless your downstairs neighbors are banging on the ceiling) as well as an IIC rating (reduction in impact noise like footfall). Look at IsoStep here, an example of a good acoustical underlayment you can install under your new flooring: http://www.acousticalsolutions.com/33~iso-step-floor-underlayment

Need help with soundproofing underneath new hardwood flooring

Comments (2)

vincentview

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