Acoustic Underlay FAQ — 25 Questions Answered by Our Experts
Our acoustic insulation specialists answer the 25 most common questions about acoustic underlay. If your question is not covered here, contact our team for a free personalised answer.
Performance Questions
1. Does acoustic underlay actually work?
Yes. Independently tested acoustic underlays provide genuine, measurable noise reduction. Our 6mm rubber underlay achieves up to 74dB ΔLw impact noise improvement — a significant, noticeable reduction in footstep noise.
2. How many dB does acoustic underlay reduce noise by?
Our range: 3mm = 54dB, 6mm = 74dB, 12mm system = 30dB impact + 58dB airborne. These are independent test values.
3. Will I notice the difference?
Yes — especially with the 6mm and 12mm products. 10dB reduction is perceived as roughly half as loud. At 74dB, the impact from footsteps is dramatically reduced.
4. Can acoustic underlay achieve Part E compliance?
No single product achieves Part E alone. You need a complete system. Our 12mm acoustic flooring system is designed for Part E compliance as part of a correctly specified assembly.
5. What is ΔLw?
ΔLw (Delta Lw) is the weighted impact sound improvement index — it measures how much the product improves impact noise isolation. Higher numbers are better. See our technical guide for full explanation.
Installation Questions
6. How do I install acoustic underlay?
Lay over clean dry substrate, butt joins tightly, tape all joins, turn up 10mm at perimeters. Lay floor finish as floating floor — no rigid fixings through the underlay. See our full installation guide.
7. Can I lay acoustic underlay myself?
Yes — it is a straightforward DIY task for most applications. The key requirements are proper surface preparation, tight joins, and no sound bridges.
8. Does acoustic underlay go on top or under the floor?
Under the floor finish — between the subfloor and the hard floor above. The floor finish floats on top of the acoustic layer.
9. Can acoustic underlay be used with underfloor heating?
Yes. Our rubber underlays are UFH compatible. Check the product specification for thermal resistance values.
10. How long does installation take?
A typical bedroom (12-15m²) takes 30-60 minutes to lay the underlay. Add time for floor preparation and trim installation.
Product Selection
11. Which acoustic underlay is best?
For most applications: our 6mm rubber (74dB). For Part E compliance: 12mm system. For budget: 3mm rubber (54dB). See our full ranked guide.
12. What is the difference between 3mm and 6mm acoustic underlay?
54dB vs 74dB performance. The 6mm is significantly more effective for serious noise problems. For flats and compliance: 6mm minimum.
13. Is cork or rubber better for acoustic underlay?
Rubber outperforms cork on acoustic metrics (74dB vs 12-20dB typical). Cork has better thermal insulation. For acoustic priority: rubber. For eco/thermal: cork-rubber composite.
14. How much acoustic underlay do I need?
Measure floor area (length × width) and add 10% for wastage. A 20m² room needs approximately 22m² of underlay.
15. Can I use acoustic underlay under carpet?
Yes. Our rubber underlays work excellently under carpet. See our guide to acoustic underlay under carpet.
Specific Applications
16. What acoustic underlay is best for a flat?
Our 6mm rubber (74dB) for most flats. For Part E compliance: 12mm system. See our flat soundproofing guide.
17. Does acoustic underlay work under LVT?
Yes — choose a firm, dimensionally stable rubber underlay. Soft foam is not suitable under LVT. Our 3mm and 6mm rubber products are both compatible with LVT.
18. Can acoustic underlay be used in a commercial space?
Yes. Our 12mm acoustic system and SilentMat 15mm are suitable for commercial applications. Contact our team for commercial specifications.
19. Does acoustic underlay help with bass noise?
Partially. Our rubber underlays provide moderate low-frequency attenuation. For serious bass problems, a complete system including ceiling treatment is required.
20. Is acoustic underlay suitable for a baby's room?
Yes — our 3mm rubber under carpet is ideal for nurseries. For upper-floor nurseries, treating the floor below is more effective than treating the nursery floor itself.
Technical and Compliance
21. What is Building Regulations Part E?
The UK mandatory acoustic standard for separating floors and walls in residential buildings. See our complete Part E guide.
22. How is acoustic underlay tested?
In ISO-accredited laboratories to BS EN ISO 10140. Results expressed as ΔLw for impact performance. See our technical guide.
23. What does 74dB mean?
Our 6mm underlay achieves ΔLw 74dB — the improvement in impact sound isolation it provides to a standard floor construction. Higher is better.
24. How long does acoustic underlay last?
Quality rubber acoustic underlay should last the lifetime of the building — 25+ years. It does not compress or degrade under normal residential use.
25. Where can I get technical advice?
Our acoustic specialists offer free technical consultations. Contact our team or visit our expert page. We typically respond within one working day.