Soundproofing floors – stops sound between rooms
Reduce disturbing noise and vibrations via the floor construction in houses and homes
In houses and homes, the floor is one of the most common ways for sound to spread between rooms. Footsteps, furniture being moved, chairs scraping against the floor, and everyday movements create vibrations that travel through the building's structure. Soundproofing floors aims to limit how these sounds spread to adjacent rooms and floors, and is an important measure for increasing comfort in the home.
What does soundproofing floors involve?
Floor soundproofing involves reducing both airborne sound and structure-borne noise that occurs when the floor is loaded. Unlike sound absorption, which reduces reverberation in the room, soundproofing focuses on stopping sound transmission between rooms. The measures are directed at the floor construction and how vibrations are transmitted via joists and adjacent surfaces.
Common problems associated with floor noise
In homes, floor noise is often experienced as footsteps from upstairs, thumping when moving around, or scraping noises from chairs and furniture. Washing machines, furniture on wheels, and children playing can also cause disturbing noises that spread to other rooms. This type of noise is often perceived more clearly than airborne noise because the vibrations are transmitted directly through the building's frame.
How sound spreads through floors
When weight is placed on the floor, vibrations are created that are transmitted through the joists, walls, and ceiling. This means that the sound can be heard in several rooms, even if the actual source of the sound is in a different location. Floors are therefore a critical surface to work with when dealing with structure-borne noise and footfall noise in houses and homes.
Impact sound and movement
Sounds from walking, running, and movement are effectively transmitted through the floor structure.
Furniture and furnishings
Chairs being dragged, furniture being moved, and other loads on the floor can create recurring disturbances.
Why choose sound insulation for floors?
Floor sound insulation significantly improves the living environment by reducing noise that would otherwise spread uncontrollably between rooms and floors. This measure contributes to better privacy, lower perceived noise levels, and increased comfort in everyday life. In some cases, floor insulation can be combined with vibration damping or complementary measures in walls and ceilings for a more comprehensive result.
Well-considered advice for the best results
For the best effect, it is important to view the floor as part of a larger structure. A common mistake is to focus only on the surface layer, even though sound often spreads through the entire floor structure. By identifying where the sound originates and how it propagates, the right insulation principles can be applied. The result is a quieter and more comfortable living environment over time.
Soundproofing floors is therefore a key measure for stopping disturbing noise between rooms and creating a quieter house and home.