Everyone strives for perfection in their home, all looking for new ways to improve. Every home deserves to be of the highest quality and secure from head to toe, and that is why people choose to soundproof.
Soundproofing is a great way to feel comfortable and ensure that you have a private space.
There are a number of ways you can go about soundproofing, but in this article, we will be referring to the soundproofing of floors. So, what is the best way to go about this?
The Two Types Of Noise
There are two main things that create noise. This noise can disturb the people below you (if you are living in an apartment) or create unwanted noise disturbing the comfort of your home.
Impact Noise – Impact noise is the noise created by a force hitting the floor.
This can be anything from moving furniture along the floor to a person’s footsteps on the carpet. The vibrations made from these impacts naturally carry through the house, allowing neighbors below and above to hear.
Airborne Noise – Airborne noise is just as it sounds. This is the noise that travels through the air and through floors. The sound could come from anything as simple as flushing the toilet or leaving the radio on.
In order to prevent either of these two disturbances, it is important to know the correct ways to soundproof your floor.
This is not only beneficial for yourself but for the people working/living amongst you on other floors. By installing a soundproof floor you will be guaranteed satisfaction (and there will be fewer complaints for sure!).
Below we have listed some of the best ways you can soundproof your floor to feel comfortable in your own home.
Rubber Floor Mats
One way to prevent your noise from traveling is to use rubber floor mats.
Simply lay these mats on your floor and live life comfortably. This is a great tool to have for those who have received complaints about their loud vacuuming or tumble dryer. What this rubber floor mat does is muffle the vibrations, lowering the noise drastically.
Carpet Padding
Carpet padding is another suggestion. This padding is placed underneath your current carpet and helps to absorb noise. Not only this but with carpet padding your floor will feel as soft as ever.
Choose what thickness you want (we personally believe the thicker the carpet the better!) and watch how the loud noises clear up.
Rugs
It may sound simple but try using a rug.
This choice is ideal for those living in an apartment with hardwood flooring. It is amazing how a simple rug works to soundproof a floor whilst adding some style to your home too! And remember, the thicker the rug, the better. Try opting for a thick rug or add some padding underneath it for that added quality.
Noise Proofing Compound
Another option is to use a noise-proofing compound.
This compound is used to reduce noise from either side of the floor. With a compound such as this one, you are bound to get great results. Not only is it easy to install but it guarantees the reduction of 90% of noise.
Does Your Type Of Flooring Make A Difference?
When it comes to soundproofing, you don’t always have to rely on the work of added features to reduce sound.
For many people purchasing a home, they have to decide what flooring they want, however, what not everyone knows is how the flooring you choose can be the difference between a well-soundproofed and badly soundproofed house.
It is important to choose wisely because if you choose the wrong type you will have to search for added accessories – this means more money to spend.
To help, we have come up with a list of flooring suggestions to get you started on your search.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a great option for those who are wanting guaranteed reduced noise at a respectable price. For the best quality result, don’t forget to purchase a foam pad along with it.
Carpet
The classic carpet is a great choice, especially compared to other flooring options such as hardwood. With carpet, the noise will be reduced and its thick layer helps to muffle the sound of roaming footsteps. To thicken your carpet, feel free to add some padding to sit underneath it.
Laminate Flooring
Try something different with this laminate flooring. This is an ideal choice with a handful of benefits including being very economically friendly.
Choose Your Property Wisely
If you are someone moving into a new property, there can be so much to choose from, but what we all seem to do is skim past the important long-term scenarios and look at houses on a surface level.
Our tip is to look for a modern build and avoid old builds.
Although there is plenty of charm to old builds, those properties were not built with soundproofing in mind. This means that there is a high chance that you will always be disturbed by some unwanted noise.
Instead, choose a new model where soundproofing is on top of the priority list. This will make the living space more comfortable and soundless.
Final Thoughts
Overall, soundproofing is important for anyone whether you are living noisily above a neighbor in an apartment complex or are constantly interrupted by outside noise in the office.
Whatever the case may be, just know that there is always a way to help.
To reduce any unwanted sounds entering your property and to consider those around you, look into soundproofing your floor.
This is an easy process and can easily be done on your own once knowing what supplies to get.
Purchase some padding to place under your carpet or do something simple by adding a rug to lay above your hardwood floor. In order to soundproof your floor, the most important thing is added material.
This helps to muffle out any noise as well as guaranteeing a comfortable living space.
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