Soundproofing concrete floors

Sound Insulation for Concrete Floors
In general, concrete floors insulate well from airborne and impact noise. In some cases, however, for example with constructions that contain large spans or hollow floors, both types of sound can still be heard. Impact noise is a problem, especially in flats, such as the noise caused by the tapping of high heels, slamming of doors and walking from the stairwell. Impact noise is best tackled at the source. By contrast, this does not necessarily apply to airborne noise, which can be reduced both at the source and at the receiving side.

How to soundproofing concrete floors
Impact noise is insulated by means of a decoupled or 'floating' floor. Regupol Comfort is such a flooring product. Regupol is an acoustic underlay that isolates the new floor soundproofing from the building. Place at least one layer of Regupol Comfort on a clean and smooth concrete floor. Cut strips of Regupol and mount these amongst the walls. These strips ensures that the next step of materials cannot touch the walls. The new insulated cannot touch the walls.

Regupol Comfort is an acoustic underlay, this means it needs to be covered with something. First the Regupol needs to be covered with a foil, to avoid the intrusion of moisture. Ideally the next step woould be pouring concrete of about 50 mm, or more. The strips we cut before, which are also covered by foil, are there so concrete cannot touch the walls. On the Regupol page you can read more about how to use this acoustic underlay.

Instead of concrete you can also use a double or triple layer of reinforced plasterboard. This will also soundproof the concrete floor. Keep in mind that for this method the plasterboard may not touch the wall to avoid impact noise via the floor to the walls.

Soundproofing walls in addition
When the concrete floor is soundproofed it might be necessary to also soundproof some walls. Sound or noise can also travel to adjacent rooms, houses or flats in a flanking fashion. Thin or light walls can transport vibrations and noise up- or downstairs. You can find the solution on the page Soundproofing for Walls.

Products to soundproof concrete floors

Soundproofing Concrete Floors