Acoustic Flooring is a flooring system designed to reduce the transmission of sound through a separating floor. It is usually specified within apartments and hotels but can also be utilised with houses. It can be a timber flooring solution like an acoustic deck comprising chipboard and foam or an acoustic batten system like the JCW 80T. It can also be a screeded solution made up of a sand cement screed and a resilient layer.

There are a number of systems that can be considered when installing an acoustic floor within a commercial building. Each one is dependent on the building and its use as well as other specific factors like the subfloor construction and ceiling detail. An acoustic consultant should be contacted to ensure that the correct system is used. With over 15 years of experience, JCW Acoustic Flooring have the knowledge required to ensure that all projects are carried out to the highest standard.

There are a number of factors that need to be considered when trying to reduce noise through floors. The system proposed will depend on; the use of the building, the construction of the subfloor, the ceiling treatment below, and the type of noise that you are trying to reduce. Acoustic floors are primarily used to reduce impact sound but can also be used to reduce airborne sounds.

Pre-completion testing is often required for houses and apartments to be signed off by Building Control. The test must be conducted by either a UKAS accredited or ANC registered acoustic consultant. Sound testing should only be carried out by a qualified individual or company, a list of ANC (Acoustics & Noise Consultants) members can be found here http://www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk/members-search/

Mineral wool is often used as insulation between separating floors, it can be used between joists, or within a floating floor or ceiling void. Part E of the Building Regulations should be referred to for performance requirements as this covers the passage of sound between walls and floors.

Acoustic flooring is designed to reduce the passage of sound from one compartment to another, through a separating floor – be that from one floor to another, or from one flat to another.

Acoustic flooring is built into properties under the finished flooring, such as your laminate, tile, or carpet, and reduces the transmission of both impact and airborne sounds.

Impact sounds are things like footsteps, slamming doors, and moving furniture, while airborne sounds include music, the noise of TV, and laughing.

It is suitable for use in buildings of all types, from domestic properties like flats, houses, and residential homes, as well as non-residential locations, like schools, hospitals, and hotels – limiting the spread of noise wherever they are used.

Depending on what you need from soundproofing and the particulars of your building, you can choose between the following acoustic flooring options for your flat or apartment:

• Acoustic Battens Designed for timber and concrete subfloors in both new build or refurbishment projects.

• Acoustic Cradles Suitable for timber and concrete subfloors in new build or refurb projects, the acoustic cradle system also helps to level uneven subfloors.

• Acoustic Decking Acoustic decks come in a range of sizes and can be used on a range of subfloor types, including concrete and timber floors.

• Cellecta Screedboard Cellecta Screedboard 28 is a single-layer solution for timber frame buildings, but especially apartments.

Having completed many previous flat or apartment projects, including Park Hill in Sheffield, the Albert Dock in Liverpool, and Brierley Hill in Dudley, no matter what you need from acoustic flooring or what complications you are working with structurally, JCW Acoustic Flooring can help.