Acoustic Underlay
Our range of acoustic underlay products is suitable for various flooring types, including carpet underlay and options compatible with underfloor heating. By addressing airborne and impact sound, underlay solutions help prevent noise from transferring between floors and flank through adjoining rooms. This makes acoustic solutions perfect for multi-storey homes, apartments, and office spaces where sound reduction is key.
Explore our selection of high-quality acoustic underlay to improve the soundproofing of your flooring and achieve superior noise reduction throughout your property. Whether you're working with laminate, carpet, or chipboard, we have the right underlay to meet your needs and enhance acoustic performance.
Acoustic underlay is essential for soundproofing floors and reducing noise transmission in homes and commercial spaces across the UK. Whether you are installing carpet, laminate, or engineered wood flooring, choosing the right acoustic underlay can significantly improve sound insulation and enhance comfort. This guide explores the benefits, applications, and key considerations when selecting acoustic underlay for your project.
What is Acoustic Underlay?
Acoustic underlay is a layer of material installed beneath flooring to reduce airborne and impact noise. It acts as a soundproofing solution for hard floors, carpets, and laminate flooring. Acoustic underlay helps to minimise airborne sound, such as voices, and impact sound, like footsteps, by absorbing and dissipating noise vibrations.
Benefits of Acoustic Underlay
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Soundproofing – Acoustic underlay reduces both airborne and impact noise, creating quieter environments.
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Improved Comfort – It adds a cushioning layer beneath floors, enhancing comfort underfoot.
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Thermal Insulation – Many rubber underlays offer thermal insulation, helping to retain warmth and improve energy efficiency.
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Compliance with Building Regulations – Acoustic underlay is designed to meet Part E building regulations for soundproofing in residential and commercial buildings.
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Versatility – Suitable for use with laminate, engineered wood, carpet, and hard floor finishes.
Types of Acoustic Underlay
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Acoustic Carpet Underlay
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Designed specifically for carpeted floors, this underlay enhances sound reduction and adds luxury underfoot.
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Acoustic Rubber Underlay
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Ideal for hard floors, 6mm acoustic rubber underlay is known for its durability and soundproofing properties. It can reduce impact and airborne noise while offering excellent acoustic performance.
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Acoustic Mat Underlay
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Acoustic mats are made from recycled rubber or mass-loaded vinyl and are used under laminates, engineered wood, and vinyl flooring (LVT). These mats are highly effective in reducing noise transmission.
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Foam Underlay
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Lightweight and easy to install, foam underlays are popular for laminate and engineered floors. Although not as dense as rubber, they provide moderate soundproofing and thermal insulation.
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Applications of Acoustic Underlay
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Laminate and Engineered Flooring – Acoustic underlay is laid over the sub-floor to reduce impact sound from footsteps and furniture movement.
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Carpeted Floors – Carpet underlay enhances sound insulation, making rooms quieter and more comfortable.
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Concrete Floors – Acoustic underlay on concrete floors helps reduce impact noise and provides a soft surface for laminates and engineered wood.
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Underfloor Heating – Some acoustic underlays are compatible with underfloor heating systems, ensuring no disruption to heat flow.
Key Considerations When Choosing Acoustic Underlay
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Flooring Type – Ensure the underlay is suitable for the flooring material (e.g., carpet, laminate, or engineered wood).
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Sound Reduction Requirements – Consider the level of noise reduction needed. Rubber underlays typically provide the best acoustic performance.
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Building Regulations – Choose underlay that complies with Part E building regulations to ensure the highest standards of soundproofing.
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Thermal Conductivity – If underfloor heating is present, select an underlay with high thermal conductivity.
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Ease of Installation – Look for underlays that are easy to cut and fit, ensuring seamless installation.
Installation Process
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Preparation – Clean and level the sub-floor before laying the underlay.
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Cut to Size – Cut the underlay to fit the perimeter of each room.
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Lay Over the Floor – Place the underlay across the sub-floor, ensuring a snug fit against walls and edges.
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Secure the Flooring – Lay laminate, engineered wood, or carpet over the underlay, securing the flooring material as per manufacturer guidelines.
Popular Acoustic Underlay Products
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Knauf Acoustic Underlay – Offers excellent sound absorption and is easy to install.
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Ikoustic Soundproofing Mats – Known for high performance in reducing airborne and impact noise.
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Mass-Loaded Vinyl (MLV) Mats – Provide superior noise reduction and are suitable for a wide range of flooring types.
Why Choose Acoustic Underlay for Your Project?
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Noise Reduction – Reduce unwanted noise from adjacent rooms or floors.
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Comfort and Warmth – Enjoy added comfort underfoot and improved thermal insulation.
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Regulation Compliance – Ensure your project meets UK building regulations for soundproofing.
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Versatile Applications – Acoustic underlay can be used in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.
Conclusion
Acoustic underlay is a vital solution for reducing noise and enhancing comfort in homes and commercial buildings across the UK. Whether you are installing laminate flooring, carpet, or engineered wood, acoustic underlay significantly improves soundproofing and complies with Part E building regulations. By selecting high-quality products like acoustic rubber underlay or Knauf acoustic underlay, you can create a quieter, more comfortable space that meets the highest standards of acoustic performance.
