Category: acoustic floating floor

Introduction

Floating floors have gained popularity among homeowners because they are easy to install, cost-effective, and visually appealing. Floating floors are not glued or nailed to the subfloor like conventional flooring; they “float” across the subfloor based on an interlocking system. However, most homeowners find that their floating floors creak when walked upon, and they wonder if this is normal or a sign of an issue. This blog discusses why floating floors creak, if it is something to worry about, and how to minimize or eliminate these sounds for a more peaceful and comfortable home.

Why Do Floating Floors Creak?

It’s standard for floating floors to produce sounds like creaking, clicking, or popping when walked on. Here are some of the main reasons why this happens:

1. Subfloor Imperfections

An uneven subfloor is the most typical cause of Noise in floating floors. If the subfloor is not level, the floating floor panels will not lie flat and will shift back and forth when you walk upon them. This shifting can create creaking or clicking sounds.

2. Incorrect Installation

If the floating floor is not installed correctly, there is almost no way to avoid Noise. Inadequate alignment of the planks or insufficient expansion gaps can result in friction and pressure between the boards, making them creak when compressed.

3. Insufficient Underlayment

Underlayment is a buffer and cushion between the subfloor and the floating floor. Without underlayment or the improper use of underlayment, the floor will sound hollow or click when it is walked upon.

4. Moisture and Temperature Changes

Wood and laminate flooring shrink and expand with temperature and humidity changes. In doing so, the boards will slightly shift and create sounds such as cracking or popping. Without proper control of the room’s humidity levels, the incidence and volume of these sounds will intensify.

5. Wear and Tear

With time, floating floors inevitably undergo wear and tear. The locking systems between the planks tend to loosen, leading to the boards’ movement and making sounds. This happens particularly in high-traffic conditions.

Is It a Problem?

In most situations, Noise from floating floors is not a problem. A slight creaking or clicking occurs due to normal expansion and contraction or slight faults in the subfloor. However, if the sound is persistent or preceded by visible movement or gaps in the floorboards, it may be a more significant problem that requires attention.

How to Reduce Noise in Floating Floors

If your floating floor noise annoys you, here are a few valuable solutions to consider:

1. Acoustic Floating Floor

An acoustic floating floor has a special underlayment that dampens Noise and minimizes sound. An acoustic floating floor is perfect for a space where noise reduction is a concern, like apartments, offices, or multi-level homes.

2. Level the Subfloor

If the subfloor is not level, you can repair it by installing a self-leveling compound or sanding the high areas. A level subfloor will minimize movement and be less noisy.

3. Employ High-Quality Underlayment

Having a high-quality underlayment installed for floating floors will decrease Noise to a large extent. Foam or cork underlayment is a good choice for sound absorption and cushioning.

4. Maintain Correct Humidity Levels

Maintaining indoor humidity between 30% and 50% helps to avoid the over-expansion and contraction of floorboards, thereby minimizing Noise. A humidifier or dehumidifier can be used to ensure a consistent humidity level.

5. Secure Loose Boards

Loose or misplaced boards can be secured using adhesive or replacing the defective planks. This will remove creaking and make the floor more stable overall.

Conclusion

Yes, floating floors are expected to be noisy, mainly if they are new or laid over a subfloor with irregularities. Low-level creaking, popping, or clicking noises are generally not an issue and may often be sorted out by minor adjustments. Having an acoustic floating floor, installing it with proper underlayment, and keeping humidity levels consistent will also minimize Noise and enhance comfort levels. If the sound continues or worsens, a flooring specialist can be consulted to identify and resolve any problem.

Excessive noise has become one of the emerging issues shaping modern architecture, particularly concerning multi-storey buildings, offices, and apartments. A good strategy for eliminating noise transfer is the acoustic floating floor. This innovative flooring system plays a key role in reducing sound vibrations between floors and rooms. Let’s explore how a soundproof floating floor works and helps create quieter, more comfortable environments.

What is an Acoustic Floating Floor?

Acoustic floating floor is one of the soundproofing flooring systems that can minimise noise transmission. It consists of a combination of materials arranged in layers that work together to minimize sound vibrations. The most notable feature of a floating floor is that it is not directly attached to the structural elements of the building. Instead, its “floats” above the subfloor, with soundproofing materials between them to absorb and dissipate sound energy.

How Does a Soundproof Floating Floor Work?

The key to the soundproof floating floor’s effectiveness lies in its structure and the materials used. The system typically includes the following components:

1. Underlayment: The first layer is often made from a dense, sound-absorbing material like rubber or foam. This layer helps to isolate the floor from the subfloor, reducing the transfer of sound waves.
2. Soundproofing Barrier: A second layer, often made of mass-loaded vinyl or a similar dense material, acts as a barrier to block airborne noise. This prevents sound from traveling through the floor to other levels of the building.
3. Floating Floorboards: The top layer consists of a floating floorboard system, which is laid on top of the soundproofing barrier. The boards are not fixed to the subfloor but instead rest on the soundproofing materials, further minimizing the amount of sound that passes through.
4. Decoupling: By using flexible, decoupling materials, such as rubber or felt pads, the floating floor is isolated from the structural elements of the building. This prevents vibrations from transferring through the floor and into the walls, reducing impact noise.

Benefits of Soundproof Floating Floors

The soundproof floating floor provides several advantages in soundproofing:

• Reduces Impact Noise: One of the primary functions of the system is to reduce impact noise, such as footsteps, dropping objects, or furniture movements. By absorbing vibrations, the floating floor prevents them from traveling to the floor below.
• Reduces Airborne Noise: It also helps reduce airborne noises like voices, music, or television sounds. The materials used to block sound waves help maintain peace and quiet in living or working spaces.
• Improved Comfort: By dampening noise, the soundproof floating floor enhances the comfort of a room, making it ideal for spaces where tranquility is important, such as bedrooms, offices, or music studios.
• Easy Installation: Soundproof floating floors are relatively easy to install and can be used in both new constructions and renovation projects. The system doesn’t require heavy construction or disruption, making it a practical solution for many types of buildings.

In Conclusion

Soundproof floating floor is a highly effective solution for reducing noise in various environments, providing peace and quiet while enhancing the comfort of any room. For the best results, it is important to choose a high-quality system tailored to your specific needs. If you’re looking for expert installation of soundproof floating floor, Akcoustic offers top-notch soundproofing solutions tailored to your needs.

Choosing the right flooring can significantly impact a space’s acoustics and overall comfort. While traditional flooring options have merits, acoustic floating floors offer unique advantages that make them ideal for various environments, mainly where sound quality is paramount. Here’s why you should consider floating floors over traditional flooring solutions.

Superior Sound Isolation

One of the primary benefits of an acoustic floating floor is its ability to isolate sound effectively. Unlike traditional flooring, which can transmit noise from foot traffic and other disturbances, floating floors are designed to minimize sound transmission. This is achieved through a suspended structure that creates an air gap between the floor and the subfloor, effectively dampening vibrations and airborne sounds. This feature is particularly beneficial in settings like recording studios, offices, and schools, where noise control is essential for productivity and focus.

Enhanced Comfort

Acoustic floating floors not only reduce noise but also improve comfort underfoot. The design typically incorporates resilient materials with a softer surface than traditional hardwood floors. This added comfort is especially advantageous in high-traffic areas such as dance studios or gyms, where users spend extended periods on their feet. The cushioning effect of the floating floor can reduce fatigue and enhance the overall user experience.

Versatility in Design

Another significant advantage of these types of flooring is their versatility. They can be installed over existing flooring materials without requiring extensive renovations or removal of old floors. This adaptability makes them suitable for various applications, from residential homes to commercial spaces like restaurants and theatres. Furthermore, they can accommodate different surface finishes, including carpet, hardwood, or tile, allowing for creative design options that align with the aesthetic goals of any project.

Cost-Effective Solution

While the initial investment may be higher than traditional flooring options, they often prove more cost-effective in the long run. Their ability to reduce noise pollution can lower energy costs by improving thermal insulation within a space. Additionally, since they can be installed over existing flooring without significant renovations, you save on labour costs for removing old floors.

Compliance with Regulations

Building codes often require specific sound insulation standards, especially in multi-use buildings or facilities like schools and hospitals. Acoustic floating floors are designed to meet these stringent regulations, ensuring that your space complies with local laws regarding sound control. This compliance not only enhances the functionality of your space but also protects your investment by avoiding potential fines or required renovations down the line.

Conclusion

In summary, acoustic floating floors present a compelling alternative to traditional flooring solutions. They provide superior sound isolation, enhanced comfort, design versatility, cost-effectiveness, and compliance with building regulations. Suppose you want to improve your environment’s acoustic quality while enjoying a comfortable underfoot experience. In that case, Akcoustic offers a range of products and services tailored to your needs. With our team of expert acoustic engineers and designers ready to assist you, choosing an acoustic floating floor could be one of the best decisions for your space. Reach out today to explore how we can help transform your environment into a quieter and more enjoyable place!