If you are looking for a new flooring option for your home, you may have come across the term “floating floor”. But what exactly is a floating floor, and how does it affect the noise level in your home?
What are floating floors?
The term floating floor refers to the installation method, not the flooring material.
Floating floors do not require nails or adhesives to attach the flooring material to the subfloor. Instead, the flooring planks or tiles are interlocked together by tongue-and-groove joints or click-lock systems, creating a single unit that “floats” above the subfloor.
This allows the flooring to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity, preventing gaps, buckling, or warping.
Types of floating floors
Many types of flooring materials can be installed as floating floors, such as:
Laminate
Laminate flooring is made of synthetic materials that mimic the look of timber. It has a wear layer that protects it from scratches, stains, and fading. It is one of the most affordable and easy-to-install floating floor options.
Hybrid
Hybrid Flooring is also made of synthetic materials, mainly plastic and limestone or wood composite, that can imitate the look of timber. Like laminate, it also has a wear layer that protects it from scratches, stains, and fading.
Engineered timber
Engineered timber flooring is made of real wood veneers bonded to a plywood or fiberboard core. It has the natural beauty and feel of solid timber, but with more stability and less susceptibility to environmental changes. It is more expensive than laminate or vinyl but less than solid hardwood.
Are floating floors noisy?
If you are worried about the possible noise coming from your floating floor, then you’ll be glad to know that floating floors, when properly installed, will not produce much noise. However, the noise level depends on several factors, such as:
The type and quality of the flooring material
Some materials are naturally quieter than others. For example, hybrid vinyl is softer and more sound-absorbent than laminate or engineered hardwood.
The thickness and density of the flooring planks
Thicker and denser planks or tiles have more mass and less air space, which reduces sound transmission.
The type and quality of the underlay
The underlay is a thin layer of material that goes between the subfloor and the flooring. It serves as a cushion and a moisture barrier for the flooring. It also helps to reduce the noise by absorbing some of the impact sound and preventing it from reaching the subfloor or the room below. Hybrid flooring has a pre-adhered backing that serves this purpose. For engineered timber and laminate flooring, a separate underlay should be installed.
The quality of the installation
The installation quality can affect how well the flooring planks fit together and how much they move when walked on. A proper installation should ensure no gaps or unevenness in the flooring surface, enough expansion gaps around the room’s perimeter, and no debris or dust under the flooring.
Why is my floating floor noisy?
If you have installed a floating floor in your home and you notice that it is noisy, there may be some possible reasons why:
The subfloor is uneven or damaged
An uneven or damaged subfloor can cause gaps or bumps in the flooring surface, creating noise when walking on. You should check your subfloor before installing a floating floor and repair any cracks, holes, or dips. A subfloor should be level and free from imperfections. Book a consult at Carpet One to get an idea of what is involved.
The underlay is missing or inadequate
A missing or inadequate underlay can cause the flooring to contact the subfloor, directly increasing sound transmission. You should always use an underlay compatible with your flooring type and recommended by the manufacturer.
The flooring planks are loose or misaligned
Loose or misaligned planks or tiles can create gaps or friction between them, which can cause squeaking or clicking noises when walked on. Ensure your flooring planks or tiles are securely interlocked and appropriately aligned during installation.
What are some other ways to improve sound insulation?
Besides choosing a suitable floating floor for your home, there are some other ways to achieve noise reduction in your home, such as:
Installing soundproof doors and windows
Soundproof doors and windows have thicker glass panes, tighter seals, and heavier frames than regular ones. They can block up to 90% of outside noise from entering your home.
Adding rugs or carpets
Rugs or carpets can add an extra layer of softness and thickness to your floor that can improve flooring soundproofing. They can also add warmth and style to your space.
Installing acoustic panels
Acoustic panels are specially designed materials that can absorb and reflect sound waves. They can be installed on walls, ceilings, doors, or windows to reduce noise and echo in your space.
Sealing gaps and cracks
Gaps and cracks in your walls, floors, doors, or windows can allow sound and air to leak in or out of your space. Sealing them with caulk, foam, tape, or weatherstripping can help block unwanted noise and improve energy efficiency.
Using soundproof curtains
Soundproof curtains are thick, heavy curtains that block light and sound from entering or leaving your space. They can be hung on windows or doors to reduce noise and create privacy.
Quality Installation
Floating floors are a good option in your home because they are relatively easy to install and maintain, and come in a variety of styles and materials. They also do not produce much impact sound if properly installed.
To prevent issues such as creaking floating floors, we highly recommend relying on the expertise of professionals with the knowledge and experience to get the job done right. It’s worth the investment for your floors’ long-lasting beauty and durability.
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