Comments on: Sound Transmission and Flooring Types

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 22:20:32 +0000

In reply to Valerie Erickson. Hi Valerie, As long as the underlay specifies it can be used with a floating vinyl plank it should be perfectly fine. Most underlay will be made with the amount of compression in mind. Don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions!

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 22:14:37 +0000

In reply to Sandie. Hi Sandie, Sorry to hear about the noise! Even with a sound-dampening underlay any solid floor would be quite loud for the space beneath. Unless they are willing to take up the floor and add a better underlay there isn't much you can do about the sound. I don't have any direct information about soundproofing a ceiling but you should be able to do a quick google search or at least find a contractor in your area to ask their expertise. Good luck!

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 22:11:14 +0000

In reply to Lily. Hi Lily, You will need to take up the laminate and install a full underlay that offers cushioning and moisture barrier. A moisture barrier alone will not be enough for the floor over concrete and the laminate could get small cracks in it over time. This underlay should also help with the noise. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 22:09:13 +0000

In reply to Careen. Hi Careen, The decision to install ProFlex 90 really is up to your building association. While the vinyl may not sound noisy to you, it will create a bit of noise for the people below you if anyone is there. It also may be in the building code that you need a certain sound barrier down. Please let us know if you have any other questions!

By: BuildDirect Product Expert Team

BuildDirect Product Expert Team — Wed, 12 Jul 2017 22:06:19 +0000

In reply to John Colin. Hi John, Unfortunately we don't have any statistics on noise level but you may be able to find some. If you switch from carpet it will definitely increase the noise level though. You can always look into a cork floor, that may be the best option other than carpet for sound.

By: Valerie Erickson

Valerie Erickson — Fri, 07 Jul 2017 02:05:06 +0000

We are installing Coretec Plus LVP on concrete in second floor condo. We plan to use Proflex 90 or better as an underlayment . Getting different advice…is it too “Cushy ” for the vinyl ?

By: Sandie

Sandie — Thu, 29 Jun 2017 03:25:34 +0000

Hi,
I have a 2nd floor condo that I rent out for the summer season. Over the winter months, my 3rd floor neighbors had their carpet removed and luxury vinyl plank flooring installed. When they had the carpet down, I heard only typical condo noises. Now I hear every single foot step. It’s quite loud even if its just 1 person up there. I asked her to at least put down some large area rugs with thick pads. She put down a 5×7 without a pad mostly under the coffee table. Which did nothing. I hear everything, I suggested maybe the floor was not installed correctly. I know they had to put down a self leveling compound, pretty sure no sound barrier was used and I believe it was glued and is not floating. In just the first few weeks of renting, I have had complaints and a very bad review posted about the noise from upstairs. I have a beautiful place and am heartsick over the whole thing. I will probably have to somehow sound proof my ceiling after the season. But for right now, do you have any suggestions? Could you tell me how her floor should have been installed? And where I can find info about soundproofing my ceiling?
Thank you!

By: Lily

Lily — Mon, 15 May 2017 22:30:32 +0000

Hi, we currently have floating laminate floors with no underlay just a moister barrier on the entire first floor of the house open floor plan. The subfloor is concrete. We got a new refrigerator and the noise/low humming/vibration is loud and we can hear it downstairs and upstairs in every room. Do you think I should add an underlay to the laminate floors to reduce noise? Or redo kitchen to tile floors with soundproofing underlay? I feel like the floating laminate is causing the sound of the frig to echo everywhere. Thank you.

By: Careen

Careen — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 03:56:10 +0000

Howdy! I installed 5.5 thickness vinyl planks (looks like fake hardwood flooring) in a villa with moisture barrier underneath. It’s on a concrete floor. Nobody lives above or below me. The association is insisting I tear up the floor and buy and install expensive ProFlex 90 sound barrier. This vinyl is very quiet and not noisy at all.

May I please have your thoughts as to whether or not you think ProFlex 90 is really necessary, and if you don’t think it’s necessary, will you tell me why. Thanx a million in advance.

By: John Colin

John Colin — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 16:16:25 +0000

Our church is considering new flooring in the Narthex. We currently have a direct glue down broadloom over concrete. The noise level in the adjacent sanctuary is very high when services are being held and there is a reception in the Narthex. Some want the carpet replaced with a “hard surface”. Are there any statistics about how much more noisey a hard surface is over carpet?
Thanks!