The only purpose of acoustic underlay is to reduce the amount of impact noise that is transmitted through the floor due to falling objects, footsteps, and the movement of furniture. This type of material, which is often composed of several layers of soft material, provides family members with a comfortable surface to walk on. Installing an acoustic underlay can make a big difference, especially when placed beneath a solid wood floor. Not only does it provide a softer surface, but it also helps to extend the lifespan of the floor.
In addition to reducing impact noise, acoustic underlay layers can also provide other benefits. For example, they can increase the thermal insulation of the floor and provide a softer surface for the floor covering. This makes it more comfortable to walk on. An acoustic underlayment may consist of a polyester layer that absorbs sound between two layers of rubber sheets, which dampens vibrations.
When installing an acoustic underlayment, it is important to ensure that it is sealed against the wall. To do this, place the acoustic underlay at wall height and use a washer to draw a line across the carpet by dragging it across the wall. This will create an exact replica of the shape and curve of the wall. The MuteMat 3 is one of the best acoustic underlays available and allows you to meet Part E construction standards without needing any other material.
When installing carpets, you need an acoustic underlay that is soft but does not hit the ground. Cork, rubber, or foam are all good options for this purpose. Acoustic underlays are capable of preventing a good amount of sound from passing through floors, but they may require a greater thickness to be truly effective. The most common reason for installing an acoustic underlay is its ability to reduce noise levels and vibrations caused by footsteps.
Specialized acoustic underlays can reduce sound transmission between floors by 13 dB-25 dB, exceeding BCA requirements. The MuTeMat range provides the highest-performance combination of acoustic underlays while keeping build-up as thin as possible. For those who are installing new floors in their home, consider placing acoustic underlays first, especially if they are thinking about hardwood floors. It is rarely possible to add more layers of acoustic underlay as this would make the floor too unstable and raise it too much with respect to the subsoil.