How to reduce noise through the floor

One of the most stressful factors today is noise pollution. Whether you are awake or not, every hour of the day makes noise. The greater the noise, the greater the pressure. Many flooring vendors claim that laminate wood flooring, cushioned vinyl flooring, composite wood flooring and other functional floor can absorb noise. The easiest way to reduce noise is to do it from the source. In this article, we will detail the best floor solutions to reduce floor noise.

How do we measure noise

We can measure noise through the impact resistance class (IIC) and the noise reduction coefficient (NRC).

Impact insulation class (IIC)

IIC measures the propagation of sound waves from the floor to the room below. IIC 50 has the lowest sound-absorbing impact quality. In this category are stones and tiles. IIC 60 represents the average or moderate impact on sound absorption. Wood, laminate and some vinyl fall into this category. Finally, IIC 65 has high sound absorption properties, and carpets and cork fall into this category.

Noise reduction coefficient (NRC)

NRC measures the sound energy absorbed when hitting a specific surface. The value is between 0 and 1 (including 0 and 1). 0 means perfect reflection, and 1 means perfect absorption.

Sound Transmission Level (STC)

STC is the ability of a specific building component measured in the laboratory to reduce aviation noise such as voice and television.

Floor solutions that reduce noise

Carpet

Carpets are powerful sound-absorbing materials. In a test conducted by the Carpet Society, the NRC of a carpet directly laid on concrete was between 0.15 and 0.55. The average NRC value of loop carpet is 0.20 to 0.35. The bubble-supported loop structure results in a higher NRC value.

Cork floor

The cork floor or solid wood flooring are made from the bark of the Mediterranean cork tree. The actual bark is harvested and dried in the forest itself, and then transported to the factory to become wine corks. What was left was crushed and turned into floor tiles.

Due to the composition of the cork, the porous nature of the sound wave is easily absorbed. Once inside the cell structure, the wave is absorbed and broken down. Not surprisingly, rooms designed to produce high noise like recording studios are usually soundproofed with cork. The IIC value of cork is usually very strong. Cork flooring (such as cork) also has a higher NRC rating.

Vinyl flooring

Patterned vinyl sheet flooring looks great, as a resilient floor, it can effectively absorb sound. Vinyl generally has a medium to high NRC grade. High-quality vinyl will help reduce the transmission of sound, while the appearance can provide you with the best effects in the world.

Vinyl cork flooring

A synthetic material of vinyl and cork flooring, vinyl cork flooring is extremely absorbent and may be the best choice. They are comfortable, durable and quiet.

Different floors have different characteristics. Pay attention to Power Dekor to learn more about best engineered wood flooring and marble vinyl flooring.

Reference list:  diverseflooring- The Best Flooring Solutions for Noise Reduction