If you are planning to upgrade the floors in your apartment, there is one critical step you cannot afford to skip: acoustic underlay. Beyond just providing comfort underfoot, acoustic underlay is often a legal or building requirement designed to maintain peace and quiet between floors.
In a recent demonstration by LKV Flooring, experts walked through the process of preparing for an acoustic test and explained why this layer is so vital for high-rise living.
What is Acoustic Underlay?
Acoustic underlay is a specialized material installed beneath your flooring to dampen “impact noise”—the sound of footsteps, dropped objects, or moving furniture. Without it, these vibrations travel directly through the concrete slab and into the apartment below [00:18].
Common materials include:
- Rubber or Foam: Available in various thicknesses like 3mm or 5mm [00:25].
- Cork: A natural alternative with excellent sound-dampening properties [00:31].
Why Do You Need an Acoustic Test?
Most apartment buildings are managed by a Body Corporate, which sets strict standards for noise reduction. Before you can install your permanent flooring, they may require an acoustic test to ensure your chosen materials meet their “star rating” or decibel requirements [00:45].
Pro Tip: Always check with your Body Corporate first. You might get lucky—if a neighbor in your building has already passed an acoustic test with the same flooring, you may not need to perform your own [08:09].
The Installation Process: A Step-by-Step Look
In the video, the team demonstrates how they prepare a sample area for a sound engineer to test.
1. Area Preparation
The first step involves removing existing carpet and underlay. It’s important to note that carpet underlay is designed for softness, whereas acoustic underlay is designed for sound absorption [03:01]. Once the concrete is exposed, it must be cleared of debris like plaster or nails. If you are doing a “glue-down” timber floor, the concrete would need professional grinding to ensure the adhesive sticks properly [03:44].
2. Creating the Test Sample
For an acoustic engineer to perform an accurate test, a sample area (usually about 1 to 1.2 square meters) is installed in the center of the room, typically at least one meter away from the walls [02:27].
3. Layering the Floor
The demonstration shows a “sandwich” of materials [01:44]:
- The Slab: The bare concrete floor.
- The Underlay: A 5mm acoustic layer laid flat.
- The Flooring: In this case, a high-quality “Easy Plank” hybrid flooring was used [05:05].
How the Test Works
Once the sample is ready, an acoustic engineer brings in a specialized machine. This device uses a series of mechanical hammers to strike the floor at a consistent force [07:25].
The engineer then goes to the apartment directly below with a sensitive microphone to measure how much noise is transferring through the ceiling. If the noise levels are within the building’s limits, the installation is cleared to proceed [07:35].
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your floors is exciting, but navigating building regulations can be a headache. Whether you are choosing a floating hybrid floor or a glue-down timber, the right underlay makes all the difference for your neighbors—and the value of your home.
If you’re unsure about what your building requires, reach out to your Body Corporate or a flooring professional to get a recommendation tailored to your space [08:27].
