A SOUND CHOICE
Soundproofing a building is a fundamental part of a development and yet can be easily overlooked. Russ Merrick, at CCF discusses.
Poor flooring performance is responsible for ongoing tension in residential premises, with the impact of general movement around a property affecting neighbouring residents. With a growth in high-rise premises, this issue is likely to continue to grow.
Flooring specification can help minimise noise, but the options depend on a number of key factors; flooring type – concrete, timber or block floors, through to underfloor heating applications as well as uneven floors requiring a service void. Numerous products are available to contractors and flooring specialists to address impact and airborne noise, including plasterboard layers, acoustic desks, underlay, screed and dry screed board.
THE KEY FACTORS TO CONSIDER There are many potential variables when considering the ideal solution for a property, but the following come top of the list: the decibel (dB) reduction requirement and the specification for the property/development, linked to this is the price bracket. This can be a determining factor in the flooring specification and therefore can majorly impact the final acoustic performance.
The floor height build-up or thickness has to be accounted for and therefore the density of the product in question. It is then possible to begin the specification process, bearing in mind other factors such as what floor finishes can be installed over acoustic flooring and underlay.
Sound flanking must also be addressed. Providing a room-by-room solution for example, may not create the acoustic performance desired and has the potential to fail acoustic testing. The solution therefore must be holistic and organised between the design team and a reputable acoustic manufacturer or consultant.
UFH CONSIDERATION The trend for minimalistic design and comfort in our homes
30 | UNDERLAY & ACOUSTIC SOLUTIONS
and work spaces, has seen an uplift in underfloor heating (UFH) and yet, this can pose problems when used in tandem with acoustic solutions. The inclusion of acoustic layers between floors, in order to reduce airborne and impact noise can present two key issues. Firstly, incorrect product choice or placement could stop the UFH from performing at the optimal level, reducing or even preventing the transfer of heat.
The second biggest factor is the penetration of the acoustic materials during the UFH installation, therefore reducing its sound deadening performance. The two can work in harmony, but it’s important to ensure correct product choice at the specification stage.
Under-screed products are a potential solution here, offering the ability to reduce airborne sound between floors by isolating the screed from the building structure.
SCREEDING AND FLANKING Screeding as an acoustic flooring solution, when combined with a resilient layer, is rapidly being recognised as the ideal solution for the newbuild and refurbishment market. The decision to choose between wet or dry screed often comes down to build speed as much as acoustic performance, due to the ability for dry screed to be worked on much quicker than wet screed.
In addition, there are now a number of products that reduce the impact of sound flanking, including a range of perimeter and acoustic jointing tapes on the market which are lightweight, easy to cut and have impact sound deadening properties reduce the transfer of sound between walls and the acoustic flooring being laid.
www.ccfltd.co.uk
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