ACOUSTIC  MAT

The acoustic mat is designed to significantly improve sound isolation and reduce impact noise in wood, beneath laminates and structural engineered floors. Generally, a noise reduction mat adds a layer of soft material between noise sources and the buildings structure, helping to reduce transmission. They are typically made from fibres which are compressed and treated with heat, so as to form a dense sound absorbing material. In fact, soundproof floor mats deal with noise by dampening or absorbing it. It can be used as a method of improving the impact qualities of any carpeted floor acting as an impact resisting layer to go under existing carpet underlay. This versatile product can also be laid under screed to isolate a cement subfloor. It comes in a selection of thicknesses depending on available floor height. Mats are more effective against impact noises than airborne noises. Impact noise also known as footfall noise happens when an object makes contact with a surface such as foot steps on the floor. Airborne noise happens when sound travels from the source through the air. A soundproofing mat is therefore more effective against impact sounds because it adds a layer of soft material between the object such as a foot and the surface – the floor. Acoustic mat so called Noise Barrier will simply increase the density of an area with minimal space loss, increasing the soundproofing performance to the area it is used. The most effective mat will have a rubber bottom and a felt or fabric top.

SOUNDPROOFING REGULATIONS

Part E (Resistance to Sound) of the Building Regulations sets out the soundproofing standards for new homes and conversions. The aim of the regulation is to protect residents from the noise of activities in other rooms or adjoining properties. Once buildings or conversions are completed you have to provide building control with proof of meeting part E building regulation or the building will not pass building regulations, so it is always best to plan soundproofing at the start of the project. To pass, sound insulation tests must meet the required airborne and impact noise insulation levels. Sound tests are carried out on both airborne noise (sounds transmitted through the air, such as talking and TV noise) and impact noise on floors (structurally borne noise, such a footsteps and moving furniture).
As mentioned, the soundproofing regulations simply divide sound into airborne sound and impact sound:

• Airborne - the minimum level of airborne sound resistance for dividing walls or floors between homes is 45dB (decibels) in new builds and 43dB in conversion projects. This level should easily cut out normal levels of speech, TV and music playing. Under the regulations, the internal airborne sound resistance inside any dwelling must be a minimum of 40dB. It applies to walls and upper floors between bedrooms and other rooms.
• Impact sound - for impact sound such as footsteps, jumping and dropped objects, a maximum impact sound transmittance level of 62dB is set for floors and stairs in new builds. A maximum of 64dB is set for conversion projects.

You may also need to consider Part E2 and Part E3 requirements:

• Part E 1 – Provides protection against sound from separating walls and floors from other parts of the same building and adjoining buildings.
• Part E 2 – Provides protection against sound internally within a dwelling-house, for example internal walls between a bedroom or a room containing a water closet and other rooms, and internal floors.
• Part E 3 – Provides protection against reverberation sound in the common internal parts of buildings containing flats or rooms for residential purposes.

ACOUSTIC MATT SOUNDPROOFING PERFORMANCE

Soundproofing Mat gives significant sound reduction through lightweight structures when used as a sound barrier. One layer of Soundproofing Mat has an sound isulation value of 24dB. Two layers have value of 29dB. Three layers have an acoustic insulation value of 32dB. Normally, a 3dB improvement is equal to a 50% loss in the volume of noise depending on where you are standing. With floors, the more layers that are added the more efficient the sound loss becomes whereas with stud walls, just one layer sandwiched between the plasterboard decouples the mass of the plasterboard therefore, enhancing the soundproofing properties of the wall. Remember, the more layers that are installed the better the soundproofing of the floor will become. The thicker the floor mat, the more sound absorption the mat will have.

ACOUSTIC MATT INSTALLATION

All floorboards should first be screwed tightly down so they do not squeak. It is most important there are no holes or gaps in the floor that would allow noise leakage. Soundproofing mat is a very simple product to fit. It is easy to install, easy to cut and flexible enough to be shaped to fit the required space. Mat is not normally glued to the sub floor, as it lies in place under its own weight. The mat can be turned up at the perimeter of the room if required to act as an integral flanking band and excess trimmed off. This is normally only necessary where a chipboard floor is being laid over and high traffic is expected. It can be cut with a sharp knife to form any shape.

ACOUSTIC MAT APPLICATIONS

You will want to soundproof your floors if you have frequent creaking, squeaking and popping coming from the floor joists in your home. By adding soundproof floor mats, you will be able to notice a substantial difference in the reduction of sound coming from your previous loud floors. When used in the correct application, Mat can be installed to ensure compliance to all UK Building Regulations.

 Applications:

• over timber, 
• staircase to minimise the noise of someone going up or down the stairs,
• concrete and screeded floors,
• suspended timber/metal ceilings, 
• beneath and inside machinery and appliances,
• resilient bar ceilings,
• timber joisted floors and stud walls,
• soundproof cars.

Picture credit:isomass.co.uk