Would you like to learn how to successfully soundproof a wooden floor? Even if it is naturally impossible to escape all impact noises, it is possible to reduce them. Sound insulation under a wooden floor greatly reduces the range of:
- Heel noises
- Falling objects
- Furniture movements
You also reduce airborne sounds such as television, music, or voices. Having control over the noise level at home is an undeniable asset. It allows you to preserve your peace and relax without being disturbed by noise. Our wood flooring installation specialists are happy to share their expertise with you. Here are some wise tips for successful insulation.
What is sound insulation?
Sound insulation is the method of making your floor soundproof. While it’s important to know how to make a wooden floor waterproof, it’s also advantageous to control the noise level at home. It’s good to note that sound insulation can be interior or exterior. Par exemple, l’installation d’un isolant phonique pour plancher de bois se fait à l’intérieur de la maison. Certaines toitures végétalisées permettent également a reduction of sounds coming from outside. Although noise doesn’t cause any material damage, it has the potential to become a major inconvenience in the enjoyment of your property. Considérez l’isolation phonique du plafond et sous votre plancher de bois.
Why soundproof a wooden floor?
The purchase of a wooden floor is a good investment from the start. The wooden floors are durable; you won’t have to replace them regularly. By investing in sound insulation under the floor, you guarantee your peace for many years.
How to soundproof a wooden floor?
The sources of noise can be very different from one another. However, all noises generally spread through the floor and through wall vibrations. They therefore lead to the transmission of noise throughout a building. To soundproof a floor, you must then take into account its structure. This is what will help you determine which method of wooden floor sound insulation to use. It will be insulation through the floor structure, on the ground or sound insulation of the wooden floor of the lower floor. Here’s how to install a floor with sound insulation :
Sound insulation for a new wooden floor
If you want to soundproof your wooden floor at the same time as its installation, it’s possible to have an insulating underlay laid directly on the ground.
For soundproofing an existing wooden floor
In the case of floor renovation, it’s important to think about avoiding excess thickness. Excess thickness will require adjusting the baseboards or door thresholds. To avoid this, it’s possible to have installed:
- A resilient underlay under a wooden floor
- A dry screed on underlay
- Mineral wool panels
In both cases, it’s important to call on professionals specialized in wooden floor installation. This will ensure that the sound insulation of your old or floating wooden floor is effective and durable.
Indeed, this will depend on compliance with certain rules, such as not allowing any point of contact between the circulation layer and the floor construction elements. Depending on the type of flooring, it is also necessary to choose the insulation carefully to ensure that the work will effectively insulate against all airborne noises, as well as impact noises.
What is the best sound insulation for a wooden floor?
If there is no framework in your floor, it is possible to install joists. These allow you to place sound insulation for parquet flooring. It is also possible to install a special decoupling underlay film for parquet, ranging from a few millimeters to a few centimeters thick. You will also need to add a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from rising and allow the insulation to breathe. Underlays can be made of different materials. You can therefore insulate your wooden floor for both sound and heat at the same time.
The different types of sound insulation for parquet floors
– Mineral insulation: this type of insulation is used for insulating through the floor structure. Among mineral insulations, we find glass wool and rock wool, which are very efficient. These insulations can be harmful to the environment and to humans if handled without gloves. They constitute the spring in the mass-spring-mass principle of sound insulation.
– Plant-based insulation: natural and healthy, plant-based insulation is generally made with cork or hemp. It is often more expensive than other types of insulation, but it is an almost perfect sound insulator.
If your floor has a framework, you can opt for sound insulation in rolls of mineral or plant-based wool or for expanded polystyrene panels or granules. For the sound insulation of your parquet floor, you need to call on a flooring professional and request a quote. The price depends on the configuration of your floor, whether it’s a first-time installation (new parquet) or renovation project, as well as the type of insulation you choose.
If sound insulation is not possible at floor level, it is possible to opt for insulation at ceiling level by installing a false ceiling with sound insulation behind it, although this is slightly less effective than floor insulation.
