We’ve all experienced it at some point – loud noise coming from a road, neighbour or party when all you want is a few minutes of peace. If it’s becoming a constant problem, however, then you need to take action and this often means taking steps to soundproof your home.
Though you can hire professionals, soundproofing can be can a relatively easy DIY project, especially if you’re tackling a floor. Alternatively, if doing the work yourself seems a little daunting, you should head online to a website like Quotatis to find contractors in your local area who can help.
Why Should You Soundproof Flooring?
Soundproofing your flooring can be an excellent way of reducing the amount of noise coming into your home. It’s particularly beneficial if you’re living in a block of flats where the neighbours below might be a little louder than you’d like.
Alternatively, you might want to insulate the bedrooms in your house so when the kids are downstairs with the television blaring, you’ve still got a peaceful place to relax in. On the other hand, maybe you’re a budding drummer or musician and want to soundproof your home for the good of your loved ones and neighbours.
Either way, soundproofing a floor can be a good start in reducing the flow of noise through or into your home.
Soundproof Above Existing Floorboards
If you really don’t want to lift your floorboards, you can add a layer of insulation on top of them, though you need to remember the level of your floor will rise as a result. One of the most cost-effective strategies for this method is to use SBx Boards.
These block both airborne and impact noise and also improve the acoustics of a room. They’re also extremely easy to fit, and you simply butt the pre-cut boards together before covering the entire area with tiles, carpet or laminate.
Unlike solid or rubber boards, SBx boards have a loose core that has an irregular arrangement. This means sound can’t simply pass straight through the material. With the average room size in the UK being 16m², it would cost around £689 to completely soundproof a room, including the boards and the mastic required to seal gaps in the floor and around the perimeter.
Soundproof Below Existing Floorboards
If you’d prefer to add the soundproofing insulation in the dead space under your floor, you’ll need to lift the floorboards first. Despite the work, it can be worth the time and effort as under-floor soundproofing with an acoustic membrane and mineral wool can be extremely good at reducing airborne sounds.
Once back in place, the original floorboards will also provide some insulating properties of their own. If you’re limited to only working beneath the floor, this system is ideal, and is relatively easy to install. And, if you want to get really good results, you can apply two levels of membrane; one below and one above the floorboards.
In an average sized room of about 16m², costs will be around £410. This includes one layer of membrane, acoustic wool and the mastic required to seal any gaps.
Soundproofing Laminate
Laminate flooring has become very popular in recent years thanks to its affordability. Modern products look better than ever, and you can easily get a wood-effect of tile-effect floor on the cheap. However, it leaves little to be desired when it comes to soundproofing. Therefore, if you want to reduce noise levels, you’ll need to put some form of rubber matting down.
One such product is the Isosonic mat which can be easily installed and is a cost-effective option to use beneath laminate floors. It can also be used under screed to reduce impact sounds from concrete, and below engineered floors to create a floating floor with low impact.
Made from recycled rubber, Isosonic mats are dense, tough and easy to cut, and won’t result in a spongy-effect floor either. Acoustic membranes can also be combined with rubber matting to increase soundproofing.
If you’re looking to use such a method, allow around £220 for the materials.
Other Cost Considerations
The main other cost factor to consider when you’re soundproofing a floor is labour. Though doing the work yourself is fairly easy, it can be time consuming, especially if you’ve decided to pull up the floorboards. Hiring a contractor can be another option, and though it will cost a lot more for the project, it will be completed quickly and efficiently.
Overall, there are numerous options when it comes to soundproofing, meaning there’s always a project to fit your budget. One way or another you’ll be able to drown out the noise for a quiet and peaceful retreat.