Laminate Flooring Soundproofing How to Reduce Noise Between Floors
Laminate flooring transmits more sound than carpet. The hard surface reflects footsteps, dropped objects, and furniture movement. In multi story homes and apartment buildings, sound control is important. This guide covers how to reduce laminate floor noise.
Understanding Sound Transmission
Two types of sound affect flooring:
Impact sound: footsteps, dropped objects, furniture movement. This travels through the floor structure to the room below.
Airborne sound: voices, television, music. This travels through the air and through the floor structure.
Laminate flooring amplifies impact sound. The hard surface does not absorb footsteps. Sound travels through the laminate, through the underlayment, through the subfloor, and into the room below.
Underlayment for Sound Reduction
The underlayment is the most important factor for sound control. A good acoustic underlayment absorbs impact vibration before it reaches the subfloor.
Standard foam underlayment (2mm) provides minimal sound reduction. It is designed for moisture protection and minor subfloor smoothing, not acoustics.
For sound reduction, choose:
- 3mm to 5mm acoustic foam underlayment: reduces impact sound by 15 to 20 decibels
- Rubber cork underlayment: natural material with excellent sound absorption, reduces by 18 to 22 decibels
- Fiberglass underlayment boards: professional grade, reduces by 20 to 25 decibels
The thicker the underlayment, the better the sound reduction. But thicker underlayment can affect the locking mechanism stability. Check the laminate manufacturer's maximum underlayment thickness specification.
Building Code Requirements
Many municipalities require minimum sound transmission ratings for multi family buildings. The IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rating measures impact sound reduction.
Typical requirements:
- IIC 50 minimum for apartment buildings
- IIC 55 recommended for quality construction
Standard laminate with 2mm foam underlayment achieves IIC 45 to 50. With acoustic underlayment, IIC 55 to 60 is achievable.
Installation for Sound Reduction
Proper installation maximizes sound reduction:
1. Use a continuous underlayment with taped seams
2. Extend underlayment up the walls by 2 inches at the perimeter
3. Do not leave gaps between underlayment sheets
4. Install baseboards that do not touch the laminate surface
5. Use acoustic caulk at the perimeter gap
Gaps in underlayment or direct contact between laminate and walls creates sound bridges that transmit noise.
Area Rugs for Noise Control
Area rugs are effective for reducing impact sound in specific areas. Place rugs in high traffic zones, hallways, and under dining tables. Use rug pads underneath for additional sound absorption.
Rugs do not replace acoustic underlayment but they help in specific areas. A 70 percent floor coverage with rugs can reduce overall impact sound by 5 to 10 decibels.
Existing Floor Noise Reduction
If laminate is already installed and noise is a problem, options are limited. Add area rugs with thick rug pads. Use furniture pads on chair and table legs. Install acoustic wall panels to absorb reflected sound.
The only effective retrofit solution is to lift the floor and install proper acoustic underlayment. This is expensive but provides the best results.
About PROLEADER
PROLEADER recommends specific underlayment options for each laminate product. Contact us for acoustic underlayment specifications and sound test data.
