Laminate Floor Underlay

telsokari

Hi there,

I'm looking to soundproof my living room floor

It currently has laminate laid with the green underlay sheets underneath sitting on the actual floorboards.

With my baby crawling (less than hour a day while they're home 6-7) the impact noise is quite loud for the ppl downstairs banging and threatening so i'm looking to reduce the impact noise.

Does anyone know the best underlay to use? I've seen things like Sonic Gold which claims to reduce up to 23DB, the same as the green sheets claim. Would it be ok to lay something like the sonic gold on top of the existing underlay or would it be too spongy?

Also, would it actually work, where by reducing the impact noise? as well as the noise from their late night parties which actually shake my couch due to the vibrations from their bass.

also, what would happen if i sandwiched the underlay between the floorboards and ply-wood with another layer of the underlay ontop of the ply and the laminate ontop of that?

Thanks

T

avantra

Baby crawling? and they can actually hear it? How big is your baby?!

There are many vinyl products out there that have noise insulating properties.

telsokari

he's 20 months. just started walking properly a couple of months ago, but he still enjoys a good crawl as i think he thinks its faster.

too many issues to leave it for further, especially their banging on the ceiling quite hard and scaring him. they've also been quite aggressive towards the nanny, but it's not easy to reason much with a child.

just looking to nip this in the bud to be honest

Norman_Castle

You could fit foam type underlay on top of the green underlay,this may help. Before you do that check all around the edge of the floor to ensure the floor is not touching the wall. If it is noise will be transmitted through the walls.

Your neigbours sound great.

telsokari

the floor has a gap of 12mm from the skirting. been meaning to put the beading down to close this gap but haven't had a chance

the foam underlay, is that this one http://www.simplyunderlay.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=87

Norman_Castle

I have got similar, from Ikea under my floor and I am sure it helps compared to having no underlay, however I am not sure how much it would benefit you. Especially considering you will need to remove and refit the floor. With the foam underlay the floor is quite springy so it may help. The best noise insulator for your floor will be carpet and a good quality underlay.However this will benefit your neighbours far more than you.Your flat sounds similar to mine with noise travelling through the walls and floor. Could you try a large rug on the most crawled on area?.I have had both carpet and laminate floor in my bedroom and the amount of noise I could hear was similar. Whatever floor you put down you will not stop their loud bass from coming through the floor. It was normal for me to watch the tv with the volume at 90% and still hear (and feel) the music from below me. The tenant underneath me finally got the message when I connected my TV to my stereo and changed my attitude. Why should I keep quiet when they don't!.
Your neighbours sound like selfish idiot's. Anyone who complains about a babies noise while having loud late night parties themselves must be stupid.
Buy a few rugs,try to keep quiet,beyond that ignore them. And if you feel threatened by them again call the police.
Hope you get sorted soon.

Edit:If you do try sandwiching multiple layers of flooring please tell us how succesful it is.