What is a Floating Floor?
An acoustic floating floor is a specialized floor system designed to reduce the transmission of vibration & sound between floors, especially in multi-story buildings (eg hotels, hospitals) or music studios. It essentially “floats” over the structural floor and is not directly connected to the subfloor or building frame. This isolation helps to decrease the travel of vibrations and sound, especially impact noise like footsteps, furniture movement, or dropping objects.
How It Works?
The operating principle of the floating floor is at its base very simple, in essence it is the analogue of a car suspension. The floating floor system decouples the floor from the underlying structure. This is usually done by laying the floor on a thickness of resilient materials such as rubber or polyurethane foam, such as Regufoam, which take in and dissipate sound energy. Floating floor construction typically consists of several layers like:
– Underlayment: A soundproofing material like Regufoam is placed between the subfloor and the floating floor. It acts as a buffer and diminishes impact noise.
– Structural Layer: The upper layer of the floating floor is typically made of plywood, concrete, or engineered wood.
– Surface Finish: The uppermost layer is the finished floor surface and can be hardwood, carpet, vinyl or tiles, depending on the desired look and function.
Advantages of Regufoam Floating Floor Constructions
- Sound Insulation. Regufoam provides excellent sound insulation by absorbing impact noise. The material’s unique properties help reduce both footstep noise (impact noise) and structure-borne sound (vibrations). This makes it particularly effective in multi-story buildings, where noise transmission between floors is a common issue. It helps meet acoustic performance standards in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings by lowering sound transmission levels (STL) and improving overall acoustic comfort.
- Vibration Damping. The elastic semi-closed cell foam nature of Regufoam allows it to effectively absorb vibrations, preventing them from traveling through the structure. This is especially valuable in spaces with machinery, heavy equipment, or other sources of vibration that could disrupt occupants. It is particularly beneficial in studio environments, home theaters, and office buildings, where high-quality acoustics are essential for performance and comfort.
- Durability and Long-Term Performance. Regufoam is made from high-density, semi closed-cell foam, which provides long-lasting performance even under heavy loads. It does not compress or degrade over time, ensuring that the floor’s acoustic benefits remain effective for years. It’s resistant to moisture and mold growth, making it suitable for a variety of environments, including areas with high humidity or varying temperatures.
- Ease of Installation & Eco Friendly. Regufoam underlays for floating floors are relatively easy to install and can be incorporated into both new builds and renovations. What is more, Regupol products are made from recycled materials, contributing to more sustainable construction practices.
Step-by-Step Construction for the Floating Floor Installation
A floating floor can often be constructed with relative ease, depending on the specific requirements of the project. The process involves building a new floor layer over the existing building slab, following several key steps outlined below.
Step 1: Slab Preparation
The process begins with a thorough cleaning and inspection of the existing slab to ensure its structural integrity. This step is crucial to guarantee that the foundation is stable and free from debris that could interfere with the installation of the floating floor.
Step 2: Impact Noise Insulation Underlay
Next, a basic impact noise insulation underlay is installed. In our case, we use Regufoam. The underlay is typically applied in standard shapes, such as strips or squares, and comes in various thicknesses depending on the project’s needs and the results of the acoustic study. This layer plays a key role in minimizing sound transmission through the floor.
Step 3: Perimeter Insulation
Simultaneously, we insulate the perimeter of the floor to avoid creating an acoustic bridge. This step is essential as it prevents the transmission of vibrations through the edges of the floor. Without this perimeter insulation, vibrations could travel through the sides, undermining the effectiveness of the floating floor.
Step 4: Construction of Plywood Formwork
Next, we build a provisional permanent plywood formwork to support the new floating slab. At this stage, a PVC protection membrane is also applied to prevent moisture infiltration and protect the underlying layers.
Step 5: Creation of the New “Slab”
The next step is the creation of the new slab that will distribute the load. This can be done using various materials, such as plywood or concrete, depending on the specific requirements. In our case, we use concrete for its durability and ability to effectively distribute weight.
Step 6: Final Flooring Installation
Finally, the surface is finished with a final flooring layer, which can include options such as parquet, vinyl, or tile. It’s important to note that the anti-vibration element must also be applied to the skirting board to ensure that the entire flooring system remains vibration-free.
An indicative section for the Vibration Isolation Floating Floor application is provided below:
For a more detailed acoustic study or additional information, feel free to contact us. We are happy to provide the complete study and support tailored to your specific needs.
