Laminated panel is a unique material that combines natural texture and a whole range of protective technical and physical properties. It organically enters both the residential area and utility rooms, maintaining resistance to negative influences of various kinds. However, improper laying without a backing nullifies all the benefits of the coating. At a minimum, effective sound insulation under the laminate is required, which will eliminate noise from hitting the panel during operation.
Noise Reduction Underlay Requirements
Sound insulation of the floor covering is only one of the conditions for the durable and comfortable operation of the laid material. The complex structure of the laminate causes a whole range of requirements for the substrate. Often, the leveling effect comes to the fore, when a rigid material createsa strong bearing base that does not allow the structure of the lamellas to deform. This is especially important if laying on a screed is planned. Sound insulation under the laminate in this case will act as a layer between the uneven concrete surface and the back of the panel. The purpose of the room in which it is planned to use the coating is also taken into account. For example, in the bathroom, emphasis is placed on the water-repellent function. Many of the natural materials with good noise suppression cannot be used in such conditions. If laying is planned in a room with a warm floor, then, on the contrary, some of the synthetic materials are excluded.
Soft fiber substrates
Sufficiently effective noise insulator, which is also distinguished by environmental friendliness and damping properties. Unlike many even natural substrates, coniferous panels can do without a bunch of artificial mastics and resins that emit harmful substances. From the point of view of leveling the rough base, this is not the best choice, but when buying panels of the greatest thickness (about 10 mm), small irregularities can also be eliminated. As for the direct function of sound insulation under the laminate, the coniferous panel provides an average noise barrier of 17-19 dB. Accordingly, the greater the thickness, the more effective the noise reduction will be. But it is important to take into account that such a substrate has an increased sensitivity to moisture and low biological stability - that is, without proper processing, the material is affected by fungi and mold.
Soundproofing under cork laminate
This is a substrate formed by small granules of natural cork, which are pressed or glued together. The material is supplied in sheets, rolls and panels. A feature of cork is the possibility of providing high noise protection with a small thickness. Specifically, the 3mm cork liner provides an 18dB barrier. But there is no point in acquiring thicker panels, since the structure is subject to compression and can deform under load. If you need soundproofing of the floor under the laminate in the apartment, this will be the best solution. In addition to good noise reduction, cork is environmentally friendly, spot-mountable and heat-saving. In residential areas, these qualities are especially valuable. But again, you should be wary of negative biological processes and consider waterproofing to protect against water.
Styrofoam underlays
Thin sheet material, the thickness of which is 2-5mm. Mechanical protective qualities are not the strong point of polystyrene foam. It should be purchased in cases where it is necessary to provide a comprehensive insulating effect - including steam and hydro protection. Also, extruded polystyrene foam can act as an effective heat insulator. As soundproofing under a laminate, this is not the best option. The noise reduction coefficient is only 15 dB with a thickness of 5 mm. But such an underlayrid of all the shortcomings of natural coatings. For example, expanded polystyrene is not afraid of either biological damage or thermal effects with high humidity. In terms of cost, this is also one of the most profitable solutions. If you need to smooth out or reduce excessive impact noise, this is the material to use.
PE foam insulation
Rolled underlay with elastic cellular structure. It also combines several effective properties of an insulator, protecting the decorative coating from moisture, high temperatures and steam. With a large thickness of 10 mm, the polyethylene foam soundproofing substrate under the laminate is able to limit high-frequency noise at a level of 35 dB. But, as in the case of cork bedding, the structure of this material is not sufficiently resistant to compression. Therefore, a thick substrate under high loads eventually sags and deforms. This effect can be eliminated in two cases:
- Using material in a nursery with minimal walking burden.
- Laying high hardness laminated boards. For example, you can use a model from a commercial wear series.
In general, polyethylene foam is a fairly practical material, easy to install and resistant to a wide range of negative influences.
Soundproofing works
Installation is carried out in several stages. First you need to make markings over the entire area where it is planned to lay the material. Next, pieces of the roll substrate are prepared,sheets or panels with the desired parameters. As a rule, several segments are laid, completely covering the target area.
The second step is isolation. This process is not necessary if the decorative material already has the necessary insulating layers in the structure. The same applies to the substrate. For example, the best sound insulation for a laminate from Tuplex, Isoplaat or Izolon contains a base with a sealed coating that protects against moisture. If there are no such layers, then film insulators are placed on both sides.
Direct fastening of panels can be done in different ways. Panels can be laid on an adhesive mixture, fixed with hardware or special brackets. Sheet and roll materials, in turn, may have self-adhesive strips. It is enough to remove the mounting tapes from them and attach them to the base in the desired position.
How can I do without a noise canceling underlay?
There are situations when laying the substrate is not allowed in principle. Such limitations may be related to the need to install an ultra-thin coating or to simplify the structure of the flooring in order to facilitate subsequent dismantling. In this case, you can pay attention to the built-in soundproofing under the laminate. Which is better? The most effective option will be with a multi-layered alternating structure of the noise barrier. Each technological layer of the lamella is followed by a special insulator for different types of noise - acoustic, spatial, structural, etc. However, the total thicknesslaminate in this design will be increased to 10-15 cm.
Conclusion
Significant reduction of unpleasant sound effects from the operation of laminated panels is impossible without a comprehensive consideration of the insulating properties of the room. At a minimum, one should keep in mind the state of the rough base, on which the decorative coating with the substrate is laid. What kind of soundproofing under a laminate works best in combination with a new screed? For such purposes, thick rigid panels with leveling qualities are used. You can use a natural but tightly compressed fiber backing, or rigid extruded polystyrene foam. If it is planned to design a wooden floor surface, then damping properties will come to the fore, smoothing both vibrations and impact noise. Cork thick panels cope well with this task. Also, do not ignore the secondary characteristics of the substrate, including environmental friendliness, fire resistance, moisture protection, resistance of the structure to biological destruction, etc.
