Acoustic insulation involves using sound-attenuating systems like low-profile gypsum concrete subfloors and mats. Installing a sound mat below the floor finish helps minimize vibrations and noise transmission between floors. The mats feature unique fibers, fabrics, and materials like recycled rubber or mass-loaded vinyl. Here is the role of sound mats in acoustic insulation:
Dampening Sound Vibrations
High-quality sound-attenuating mats feature dense, flexible rubber and other fibers that absorb sound waves and vibrations. The sound mat prevents sound waves from bouncing off the floor’s surface and creating reverberations. By absorbing sound waves, the mats prevent noise from passing through structures into adjacent rooms and floors. Mats are usually installed as an underlayment above the subfloor and below the flooring finish to reduce sound transmission between floors.
Acoustic sound mats absorb impact noise from footsteps, dragged fixtures, and dropped objects. They can be installed beneath appliances, machinery, and studio monitors to dampen vibrations. When installed in ceilings, they also prevent airborne noise from transmitting to rooms above. Floor and ceiling mat installations help create quiet rooms in multi-story buildings and complexes. The mats can also be used to insulate recording studios, movie theatres, showrooms, business offices, and other spaces.
Separating Floor Layers
Sound mats provide an extra layer of fabric, foam, cork, or recycled rubber between the flooring and subfloor. This layer features materials known to dampen sounds, reducing the transmission of structural vibrations. Without this separation, vibrations can travel freely through the flooring, subfloor, joists, and ceiling boards into rooms above or below. Separating the layers alters the course of sound waves, hindering their transmission. Some sound energy is also lost in the mat’s thermal mass, resulting in reduced noise levels.
You can find mats with mesh and fibrous constructions that spread vibrations between the mat’s layers rather than through floors. Thick, continuous recycled rubber also halts the spread of sound waves. Some mats feature multiple layers with extra fabric for enhanced sound muffling. Leading underlayment providers offer various mats, including thin profiles for low-hanging ceilings and dense constructions for applications requiring thicker options.
Meeting IIC and STC Requirements
Sound muffling efficiency is usually assessed using sound transmission class (STC) and impact insulation class (IIC) ratings. STC ratings show how well a mat absorbs airborne noise from televisions, radios, chatter, and speaker systems. An IIC rating shows the mat’s efficacy in reducing impact noise from foot traffic, dropped objects, and dragged furniture. Look for mats with the right STC and IIC rating that comply with building codes and regulations regarding noise transmission.
Consult an underlayment provider to determine suitable matting materials, designs, and thickness based on your needs. Some mats feature advanced engineering to isolate low-frequency vibrations from subwoofers, nearby construction work, or traffic. These mats are ideal for buildings near quarries, developing areas, highways, stadiums, and other noise-prone locations. Thicker mats also increase the flooring system’s mass, muffling airborne and impact noise.
Improving Privacy
Sound-attenuating mats help create quiet, private spaces by preventing outside noise from entering your room. They also muffle and contain noise produced inside the room. You can find multi-layered mats with various constructions that isolate and dampen specific vibrations and frequencies.
The mats break direct transmission and distribute sound in different directions to lower the decibels. Mats made with rubber usually have superior vibration dampening and are used for recording studios and other rooms where silence is required. Pairing your mats with other sound-attenuating solutions like acoustic gypcrete subfloors can increase indoor silence.
Find a High-Quality Sound Mat Today
Sound mats utilize different materials, constructions, and dimensions to fit unique applications. A professional can help you determine suitable mats for your soundproofing needs. Contact a reputable underlayment provider today to compare high-quality sound mat options.
