Footstep insulation is important in multi-unit dwellings.
Foot step sound insulation minimizes the sounds of walking between an upper floor and a lower floor. It is used in buildings such as apartments or office buildings or buildings in which a business establishment has living quarters above it. In private residential applications, minimizing noise between floors creates a more pleasant living arrangement. Insulation that blocks the sound of foot steps will not necessarily eliminate the flow of other noise through the floor and ceiling.
Flooring
The type of flooring you choose for a room makes a huge difference in how insulated the room underneath is. Carpet with padding is perhaps the most effective sound insulation. The combination of the cushioned padding with an overlay of carpet both absorbs the shock of walking and muffles sound. It is the easiest and most cost effective method of soundproofing in an existing home.
Damping
Another method, often used in new construction, is the use of damping materials such as plywood, gypsum concrete or specially designed caulking. These materials create extra mass between the outer layers of the floor and ceiling. This mass absorbs and redistributes sound so it does not reach the lower level of the building.
Floating
Floating floors creates an empty space between the floor on the top and the ceiling on the bottom. This empty space absorbs the energy - sound - that is produced by foot steps and other impacts to the floor. The space is created using resilient underlayments like rubber mats, corks, foams or rigid fiberglass. For a truly empty space, resilient mounts are used. They act like a spacer within the ceiling/floor construction.
Insulation
Any type of insulation that is installed to conserve heat also absorbs sound. Thicker insulation does not show increased soundproofing qualities, therefore a homeowner need only use one layer of insulation, rather than packing the cavity full.
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