Are you experiencing difficulties due to a loud environment? The neighbours in the apartments above or below you might be causing noise with their heavy footsteps, leading to a miserable living situation. To overcome this problem, it’s important to soundproof the apartment floor and eliminate the bothersome and irritating unwanted noise.
As per World Health Organization, excessive noise leading to more than 70 decibels may cause hearing loss. Further, it can lead to cardiovascular diseases, sleep disturbance and tinnitus. Hence, it is necessary to soundproof the room. It enhances your privacy and improves overall comfort.
And also in the wacky world of marriage, one thing’s for sure: soundproofing is the secret to a healthy relationship and your well-being! I mean, imagine the horror of serious health problems caused by excessive
noise.
Plus, let’s not forget the real concern here: if all that blabbering noise damages your precious ears, who on earth will tolerate the incessant ramblings? Certainly not your loving wife, my friend! So, for the sake of
your health and my uninterrupted monologues, let’s get some soundproofing in place, shall we? It’s a win-win situation!
So therefore, in this article, we have covered the benefits of soundproofing, different types of noises and methods to overcome the noisy situation and suggested thoroughly researched products which can be helpful for the soundproofing process.
So how to soundproof the apartment floor?
There are various ways to soundproof the apartment floor. By placing a rug, adding mass-loaded vinyl or interlocutory acoustic rubber mats on the floor, one can remove the noise from the floor.
Does Soundproofing the Apartment Floor Really Work?
There are mixed reviews when it comes to how to soundproof the apartment floor. Some people say that it really works and makes a big difference, while others claim that it does not work at all.
Here are some sound parameters that you should keep in your mind when determining whether or not the soundproof floor will work for you.
1. STC (Sound Transmission Class)
The STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating provides an indication of the effectiveness of a floor or wall in preventing sound from passing through it.
The STC rating assesses the sound attenuation or absorption capabilities of a particular material. A higher STC rating signifies superior sound absorption qualities.
It is important to note that the STC rating is a singular value and does not provide comprehensive insights into real-life performance. Nonetheless, for floors, the STC rating serves as a reliable gauge of their ability to block sound transmission.
2. IIC (Impact Insulation Class)
The Impact Insulation Class (IIC) is a metric used to assess the ability of a substance to effectively absorb impact-related sounds like footsteps. The IIC rating is determined by measuring the level of sound pressure caused by impact noise transmitted through the material. A higher IIC rating indicates superior sound absorption capabilities.
It is important to note that the IIC rating specifically pertains to impact noise and does not encompass airborne noise. Nevertheless, the IIC rating remains a reliable gauge of a material’s overall noise reduction capacity. When seeking soundproofing materials, prioritize those with elevated IIC ratings.
3. NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient)
The abbreviation NRC stands for Noise Reduction Coefficient, which is a measurement of a material’s ability to absorb sound. A higher NRC rating indicates better sound absorption. Typically, soundproofing materials have an NRC rating of 0.5 or higher.
To effectively soundproof an apartment floor, it is important to select a material with an NRC rating of 0.5 or higher. This is crucial because impact noise from the upstairs apartment can easily pass through the floor.
It is important to note that even with a soundproof floor, complete elimination of all noise is not possible. However, it will significantly reduce the amount of noise transmitted through the floor.
Types of Sound
The objective of any soundproofing endeavour, such as the one for apartment floors, is to minimize the transmission of noise through a particular surface. To accomplish this objective, it is essential to grasp the principles of sound propagation and must know the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption enabling the identification of the specific type of sound involved and the implementation of suitable techniques to resolve the problem.
On the floor, people (and pets) walking overhead, objects falling, conversations, music, and televisions are just some of the different types of sound that can cause noise pollution on the floor. Scientifically, within a residential environment which affects the apartment floor, there are two types of categories: airborne sound and structure-borne sound.
1. Airborne Sound
To put it in simpler terms, airborne sound refers to any sound that travels through the air. This includes familiar examples like people talking, music playing on the radio, TV shows, and dogs barking.
When an object produces a sound, it generates sound waves. These soundwaves travel through the air until they encounter a solid object, causing the object to vibrate. The vibration then travels through the solid object and continues to radiate on the other side.
That’s why you might perceive the music, conversations, or barking of your downstairs neighbour as if they are coming up through your floor and into your apartment.
2. Structure Borne Sound
Structure-borne sound also referred to as “impact noise” or “impact sound,” differs from airborne sound in that it arises when an object makes contact with a solid structure. This contact causes vibrations on both sides of the structure, leading to the generation of sound waves.
These soundwaves then propagate through the solid structure. To illustrate, if someone hits a ball against the ceiling below you, you can perceive the resulting noise through your floor. Similarly, if your neighbours downstairs complain about being able to hear your footsteps through their ceiling, they are referring to the transmission of structure-borne noise.
How to Identify the Category of a Sound
Identifying the specific kind of noise passing through the floor of your apartment can be done through a straightforward examination. When you perceive a sound, place your hand on the floor; if you sense vibrations in the floor, it indicates structure-borne noise, whereas the absence of vibrations indicates airborne noise.
How to Soundproof the Apartment Floor
There are various ways how to soundproof the apartment floor. I have discussed some methods which have their own advantages and disadvantages. They are as follows:
1. Place Carpet/Rugs on the Floor
If the flooring of your apartment is made of hard material, such as tile, laminate, or wood, placing a carpet or rug would be a good option. Because sound travels more easily through solid objects because there are no barriers to block it. On the other hand, carpets and rugs made of wool, nylon, or synthetic fibres make the floor softer and thicker, which can make it harder for sound to pass through.
Further, for better soundproofing, it’s a good idea to put a unique material called sound-deadening underlayment under your carpet. This underlayment, which can be made of different things like cork, rubber, or foam, makes your floors more solid and helps soak up soundwaves. It’s a great way to make your space quieter and more peaceful.
Also, floors may have sometimes gaps in between them, so sound can pass through easily. And if you put carpets on those floors, they might not be smooth and even. But if you use thick sound-deadening underlayment below the carpets, you can solve both issues at the same time.
When picking out a carpet or rug to make your apartment floor quieter, go for ones that are made of wool or nylon. Also, look for ones that are thicker because the thicker it is, the better it will be at absorbing sound.
I recommend searching Amazon for the best Soundproof Rug because I found one which is Hudson Shag Collection Rug or you can also look for other stylish options.
2. Acoustic Rubber Mat
A rubber mat is a thick and bouncy material that you can place on your floor to protect it from damage. It’s really handy because it can also help make your place quieter by soaking up sounds. Rubber mats come in different thicknesses and can be cut to fit any size floor.
The thickness of the mat you need depends on what kind of floor you have underneath. If you have a concrete floor, you’ll want a thicker mat to absorb more sound. So, before you buy a rubber mat, measure how thick your floor is.
If you want to make your place even quieter, you can use more than one mat. By layering them, you’ll improve their ability to soak up sound and reduce noise. Just remember to attach the mats firmly to the floor, or else they’ll move around and not do much to reduce noise. Keep in mind that rubber mats may not be the best choice if you have hardwood floors in your apartment.
Another option you can consider is using special rubber mats made for soundproofing. Or, you can mix and match different types of soundproofing materials to create a personalized solution for your apartment.
I would recommend TroyStudio Thick Sound Absorbing Floor Mats as it has superior sound absorption and vibration dampening. It would be a perfect fit for your floor.
3. Hang Soundproof Curtains
Soundproof curtains are thick and heavy curtains that are designed to block or minimize noise from going in or out of a room. They are made with special materials like velvet or acoustic foam that can absorb sound.
You can hang these curtains from the ceiling or walls to create a barrier that stops noise from getting in or out. The way they’re designed also helps to soak up the sound.
The weight of the curtains also helps to lessen vibrations and make the noise even quieter. However, covering all the windows in an apartment with soundproof curtains can be expensive. Plus, the curtains might make it harder to open and close the windows because they’re heavy.
Still, soundproof curtains are a great way to reduce noise in an apartment. They’re easy to put up and don’t require any permanent changes to the place, which is good for people who are renting.
Windows are usually the main source of noise leakage in an apartment. By hanging soundproof curtains over the windows, you can really cut down the amount of noise coming in and soundproof the window also.
I would recommend you to RYB Home Soundproofing Curtains. It is a 3-layer dense blackout curtain which will be best while soundproofing the apartment floor.
4. Mass Loaded Vinyl
Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a special material that can help make your space quieter. It’s basically a heavy vinyl sheet that you can use to reduce noise by soaking up sound waves and stopping them from bouncing around.
MLV works really well when it comes to reducing low-frequency noise, like the sound of footsteps. You can easily stick or tape it to the floor, or even put it under a carpet. Just make sure you have a layer of MLV that’s about 1/8-inch (3.2 mm) thick.
To make it even more effective, you can add another layer of material on top of the MLV. This could be something like thin drywall or acoustical tile, as long as it’s heavy and dense.
It’s important to choose a material that’s not too thick or heavy because the dense material will block some of the sounds from passing through. Also, make sure the surface is smooth, so the sound waves can’t bounce off of it.
Now, it’s worth mentioning that MLV isn’t great at reducing high-frequency noise, such as voices or music.
But if you’re mostly bothered by the sound of your neighbour’s footsteps, MLV is definitely a good choice for you. I would recommend Soundsulate Mass Loaded Vinyl made with the highest quality materials for superior strength, durability, and flexibility.
5. Soundproof Underlayment
Underlayment is a special material that goes under the floor before you put down the actual flooring. It helps make the floor quieter by absorbing the noise from footsteps and other sounds.
Different types of underlayment come in various thicknesses and materials. It’s essential to pick the right one for your situation. The best underlayment depends on the type of support beams (called joists), the layer under the floor (called subfloor), and the kind of flooring you’re going to use.
Joists are like the skeleton of the floor, holding everything up. They’re usually made of wood, but they can also be made of steel or concrete. The subfloor is the layer that sits on top of the joists and provides a sturdy base for the floor.
The type of flooring you want to install also affects the underlayment you should choose. For example, if you’re putting in hardwood floors, you’ll need a different underlayment than if you’re installing carpet.
So, when you’re picking an underlayment, think about how thick it should be, what material it’s made of, and the type of flooring you’re going to use.
6. Use Soundproof Insulation
Soundproof insulation materials are special materials that help reduce noise and vibrations. They’re usually made of foam, fibreglass, or rubber and can be used in many ways to make a floor quieter.
But these materials can be a bit expensive and might only be suitable for some. However, it’s important to install them before new tenants move in. If you skip this step, you’ll still hear the footsteps from upstairs.
Sometimes, people add a second layer of drywall on top of the first layer to make things even quieter. But doing this can make your ceiling lower, which is not ideal. It also means you’ll need special tools to attach the second layer, and that can be a bit tricky.
So, it’s a good idea to hire a professional to handle this task for you. Alternatively, you can try using soundproofing mats, which are easier to install and don’t require any special tools.
7. Lay Down Acoustic Tiles Floor
Using just acoustic tiles alone isn’t very effective for soundproofing. However, if you combine them with a mat and underlayment, it can really improve how well your space blocks out sound.
Having acoustic tiles will definitely make your floors better at absorbing sound and reducing noise impact. They’re commonly used in places like recording studios, gyms, and sports academies to minimize vibrations from things like machinery or loud equipment.
If you’re looking for a great product, I recommend the Blanace Foam Interlocking Tiles. They’re easy to set up and have excellent durability and resistance to moisture.
To summarize how to soundproof your floor, here are the steps you can take with your existing floor:
1. If your floor is made of wood, you might need to create a strong base using
joists.
2. Lift the existing floor until you reach the subfloor.
3. Place an underlayment on top of the subfloor.
4. Add a layer of plywood on top of the underlayment to create a sandwich effect.
5. Finally, finish it off with carpet, a mat, or any other decorative flooring materials you prefer.
Some Other Soundproofing Tips on How To Soundproof the Apartment Floor
1. If you don’t like carpets or rugs, try using cork tiles instead. Cork tiles are a type of material that can be placed directly on your floor to help reduce noise. They are easy to install by snapping them together on top of your existing floor. Cork tiles make your floor denser and are really good at absorbing sound, so they can help minimize unwanted noise.
2. You can also do some things at home to make it quieter and more peaceful. Let’s talk about your doors, for instance. They can let in a lot of noise, but there are some other easiest ways to soundproof the room. One effective method is to have double-glazed windows and use soundproof underlays. This can help to soundproof your window. This combination can keep out most of the street noise, noises from the neighbourhood, and even loud music.
3. You can also try using interlocking floor mats to make your room quieter. They come in all sorts of cool patterns and textures. Plus, they’re really easy to clean and they’re designed to keep away bacteria. If you’re looking for a specific brand, check out the ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat. It’s super simple to put together, and it’s actually pretty fun, like solving a jigsaw puzzle!
How to Soundproof Pre-Existing Floors
If you already have floors that you like and don’t want to go through the trouble of tearing them up to make them soundproof, there are still some things you can do. One option is to lay down a special soundproof underlay before putting down a new carpet, but if that’s not possible, you can use rugs to help reduce sound in areas where it echoes a lot. This not only helps with soundproofing but also adds a nice touch to your living space.
To make your floors even more soundproof, you can place rubber mats underneath the rugs. These mats will help muffle noises from footsteps and your TV.
Here are a few other tips to make your apartment quieter:
1. Add more furniture: An empty room tends to be noisier, so consider getting more furniture to help absorb sound.
2. Cover your windows: Curtains, drapes, or other window coverings can help reduce the amount of sound that comes in or goes out of your apartment.
3. Try door sweeps: A door sweep is a device that fills the gap between your door and the floor. It can significantly reduce noise transmission between rooms.
Wrap-Up On How To Soundproof the Apartment Floor
So, these are some of the ways that you can soundproof your floor in an apartment. We hope that this article was helpful and provided you with enough information to make a decision on which method is best for you.
If not, don’t hesitate to reach out for more advice. And remember, if there’s one thing that all of these methods have in common, it’s that they will work better when combined together!
FAQ: How To Soundproof the Apartment Floor
Soundproofing the floor in an apartment can be pretty difficult. That’s why many people just like you have lots of questions. That can be solved easily. That’s why I have added some of them in this article to provide appropriate answers.
Q1. How Much Does It Cost To Have A Soundproof Floor In An Apartment?
Ans: The cost of soundproofing the floor in an apartment can vary depending on the type of material used and the size of the area to be soundproofed. But usually, an average cost for this would be around $500.
Q2. What Soundproofing Materials Should I Use To The Soundproof Floor?
Ans: There are a lot of different soundproofing materials that can be used to soundproof floors. Some of these materials include carpets, rugs, foam mats, cork tiles, and acoustic panels.
Q3. What Are Some Downsides Of Soundproofing The Floor In An Apartment?
Ans: Soundproofing the floor in an apartment comes with some notable drawbacks. Firstly, it can substantially raise the expenses for heating and cooling the living space. Secondly, the presence of soundproofing materials can complicate the process of cleaning the floor.
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