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Noise Insulation

Home > Floor Buying Guides > Floor Features > Noise Insulation

Noise insulation, also known as soundproofing, refers to the ability of a flooring material to absorb or reduce noise transmission between floors. Noise insulation is important in residential and commercial buildings because it can reduce the impact of sound on the inhabitants of a space, enhance privacy, and reduce noise pollution.

In situations where the occupants of a building need to maintain a certain level of quiet, such as in a multi-story apartment building or in certain commercial spaces, noise insulation becomes a crucial factor when selecting a flooring type. For example, in a multi-story apartment building, noise from upper floors can travel down to lower floors and cause disturbances for the occupants. Therefore, a flooring material with high noise insulation is essential in such scenarios.

Ways Of Improving Noise Insulation

There are several ways to improve the noise insulation of flooring. One way is to install an underlayment between the subfloor and the flooring material. Underlayment materials can be made of foam, cork, rubber, or other sound-absorbing materials. The underlayment creates a barrier that helps to dampen sound and reduce the amount of noise that travels through the flooring.

Another way to improve noise insulation is to choose flooring materials that naturally absorb sound. For example, carpet and cork are both known for their sound-absorbing properties, and can be effective at reducing the amount of noise that travels through the floor.

In addition to underlayment and flooring material, adding area rugs or sound-absorbing curtains to a room can also help to improve noise insulation. These items can absorb sound and reduce the amount of noise that bounces off hard surfaces like floors and walls.

How different floor types score on noise insulation / absorption

When comparing the most common flooring types, they range significantly in regards to their noise insulation / absorption properties.

Carpet

Carpet is the best flooring option for sound insulation, as it can absorb and dampen noise effectively. Its soft texture and fibers absorb sound waves and reduce echoing, making it ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and other areas where noise reduction is important.

Cork

Cork flooring also offers good noise insulation. Its unique cellular structure helps to absorb sound and minimize noise transmission between floors. Cork is a popular choice for apartment dwellers, as it can help reduce noise from neighbors above.

Luxury Vinyl

Some luxury vinyl flooring products have a sound-dampening underlayment built in, which can help reduce noise transmission. However, not all luxury vinyl floors have this feature, so it’s important to check with the manufacturer.

Engineered Hardwood

Engineered hardwood floors have some sound-dampening properties due to their layered construction, which can help reduce noise transmission to some extent.

Solid Hardwood

Solid hardwood floors offer the least amount of sound insulation among these flooring types, as they are thin and dense and do not absorb much sound. However, adding a sound-absorbing underlayment can help improve their noise insulation properties.

Laminate

Laminate floors are among the least effective at sound insulation. They are made of a hard, dense material that doesn’t absorb sound well, which can result in more noise transmission between floors.

Tile

Tile is generally considered one of the least effective flooring types for sound insulation or absorption. It has a hard surface that reflects sound waves, which can cause echoes and make a room feel noisier.