Soundproofing floors – stops sound between rooms in industrial environments
Reduce noise and structure-borne sound via the floor construction in industrial premises
In industrial environments, the floor is one of the most critical paths for sound to spread between different spaces. Heavy machinery, internal transport, forklifts, pallet handling, and repetitive movements put strain on the floor construction and create vibrations that propagate through the building's structure. These vibrations can spread far from the sound source and be heard in adjacent production areas, offices, or staff rooms. Sound insulation of floors aims to limit this sound transmission and create clearer acoustic separation between different parts of the industrial premises.
What does sound insulation of floors involve?
Sound insulation of floors involves reducing both airborne sound and structure-borne noise that occurs when the floor is loaded. Unlike sound absorption, which is used to reduce echo and reverberation in a room, sound insulation focuses on stopping the spread of sound between different spaces. Vibration damping, in turn, is aimed at reducing the vibrations themselves from machines and equipment. When soundproofing floors in industrial environments, it is often the interaction between these principles that determines the end result.
Common problems associated with floor noise in industrial environments
Typical problems include noise from forklift traffic, rolling equipment, falling goods, and machines placed directly on the floor. Repetitive movements and loads can also create low-frequency sounds that spread through joists and foundation structures. These sounds are often perceived as particularly disturbing because they propagate effectively and can be felt rather than heard.
How sound spreads through floors in industrial premises
When the floor is loaded, vibrations are generated that are transmitted through the building's frame. Floors, joists, walls, and ceilings are interconnected, which means that sound can spread between multiple spaces and floors. This means that sound insulation of floors is often crucial to limiting structure-borne noise and unwanted sound propagation in industrial buildings.
Movement and internal transport
Noise from forklifts, trolleys, and other internal logistics is effectively transmitted through the floor structure.
Machinery and equipment
Machinery standing directly on the floor can transmit vibrations to the entire building if the floor is not sufficiently insulated.
Relationship to sound absorption in industrial environments
Sound insulation of floors should not be confused with sound absorption. While floor insulation stops sound between rooms, sound-absorbing solutions are used on walls, ceilings, with sound-absorbing curtains or room dividers to reduce echo and reverberation within the same space. In industrial environments, these measures are often combined to both limit sound propagation and improve the overall sound environment.
Why choose sound insulation for floors in industrial environments?
Floor sound insulation provides clear improvements by reducing noise that would otherwise spread uncontrollably between different parts of the business. The measure contributes to a better working environment, clearer zoning, and reduced disturbance in sensitive areas. In many cases, floor insulation is a basic prerequisite for other acoustic measures to work optimally.
Well-considered advice for best results
For best results, it is important to view the floor as part of a larger whole. A common mistake is to focus solely on the surface layer, even though sound often spreads throughout the entire structure. By analyzing how loads, vibrations, and sound spread in the building, the right insulation principles can be selected. The result is a more controlled and long-term functioning sound environment.
Sound insulation of floors is therefore a key measure for stopping disturbing noise between rooms and creating better structure, working peace, and function in industrial environments.