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Following on from a previous question about installing wood floors where it's not strictly allowed, I am wondering which underlay to use to give a good level of sound insulation so I don't get complaints from below. The one recommended by the shop is called "Technics 6" and quotes a 31db reduction in transmitted impact noise. I have no idea if this is good or bad, or if that is a good way to choose, or what the alternatives are! Any knowledgeable comments gratefully received !!
I used fibreboard, which works well at smoothing out uneven floorboards and damping down footsteps. That was under laminate but I assume would work for wood?
What's your subfloor DrJ?
It is wooden floorboards.
What state are they? Level or a bit uppydowny? Will you be running the floor parallel with them or can you go perpendicular?
I have only seen a bit of them, in a cupboard where there is no carpet, so I'm not 100% sure but I think they are a bit uneven probably. I don't know if I would have the floor parallel or not. Is one way better than the other?
EDIT - just Google'ing, it seems that to increase the sound insulation you need to double the thickness of the underlay from 6mm to 11 or 12mm. I am concerned that this makes the floor too spongy, and allows too much play between the boards?
How old is the building then? Are we talking Victorian floorboards or 20s/30s?
It is built in about 1930
Hmm...30s boards are generally ok. They may even be t/g. Google Sika Acoustilay to see the kind of system you should be looking at if you want it kosher. But of a faff but doable. As long as you guys wear slippers or just walk around in socks, you should be ok. If the floorboards are uneven, then consider a 6mm ply overlay before floating the floor. Any mega-thick bouncy stuff is going to give you a bouncy floor.
Thanks - I'll look into it!