Soundproofing the floor: what to use to absorb noise
Hello!
I changed the floor in an apartment located in a panel house, parquet on wooden logs with sand, replaced it with: a rough screed with expanded clay (in some places up to 10 cm), a final screed (about 3 cm), two layers of cork underlay (4 mm total) , and 33 class laminate with a single coating over the entire area. From the neighbors below, complaints began to come of noise and amplification of sound from steps and falling objects. What could be the problem, and are there any ways to improve sound insulation with "little blood" without destroying the screed / replacing the substrate?
Oleg
Expert Answer
Good afternoon, Oleg.
To eliminate the described nuisance, as you yourself say, “little blood” can be done only in one way - lay on top of the laminate a thick carpet or other fleecy coating. With it, knocks, footsteps and crashing from falling objects will be muffled. However, all these phenomena may not be so significant. The problem is most likely due to the fact that previously sound insulation was provided both due to sand and materials from natural wood. Bulk substances, like wood, have excellent sound-insulating ability, so not the slightest rustle came from your floor. Now, every natural sound from the bottom neighbors is perceived as something unacceptable.
It is strange that in your case even a thick layer of cork substrate is not able to absorb sound waves from a laminate. Most likely, a resonance effect is observed in the base layer, due to which the amplitude of oscillations in the floor slab is amplified. However, the situation may not be so deplorable as your neighbors voiced in their claims. Perhaps you should go to them and simply check, the sounds coming from the side of the ceiling can interfere so much. In extreme cases, you can measure the sound pressure level with a sound level meter. Perhaps, even with the strongest stomp, his testimony will not go beyond the norms of sanitary legislation and you can, with a clear conscience, ignore any accusations in your favor.
