Soundproofing in Multi-Level Building for Laminate Flooring (subfloor, foundation, ceiling)

[slim04]

I am going to install some laminate flooring in my unit in a multi-level condo. I don't really get along with my downstairs neighbor and he has complained in the past of my use of treadmill being too loud for him.

I have ugly carpet that is killing me with allergies and am looking to install laminate flooring myself. I am confused about what type of underlayment or subfloor I should use. Every place I go for advice, it's always different and often contradictory. For example, I've been told:

1) 2mm or 3mm foam or felt is all you need.
2) 6mm foam
3) 3mm cork
4) 6mm or 12mm cork
5) 3mm Silent Blue (or many of the other very expensive foams that with a Sound rating of STC70 or higher).
6) 3, 6, or 12 mm rubber
7) Nothing but a vapor barrier

The response I always get is you need X, without them ever really asking the circumstances of my condo and floor. I have concrete floors and other than the treadmill, I don't believe they can hear anything (as I never hear my neighbors above me).

I've also been told that either not to get any laminate with pre installed foam, or that it is OK if you put another layer of underlayment below it. And that anything with that is 6mm or larger will make the floor feel squishy or spongy. Does this seem accurate? I would prefer for that not to happen, but would be alright with that if it killed the sound.

Any thoughts or experiences?

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by slim04

I've also been told that either not to get any laminate with pre installed foam, or that it is OK if you put another layer of underlayment below it. And that anything with that is 6mm or larger will make the floor feel squishy or spongy. Does this seem accurate? I would prefer for that not to happen, but would be alright with that if it killed the sound.

Any thoughts or experiences?

Whatever your thoughts are now, you will not be alright with squishy floors after you've squished around on them for about an hour. I helped a neighbor install laminate flooring over a very thick, very spongy foam underlayment. He thought it would be necessary because we were laying the floor over bare concrete foundation and he didn't want the floors to be noisy or too cold. It was awful. Like being in a moonwalk. We re-did the work the next weekend with a 2mm hard foam "mesh" underlayment. Much better.

If you decide to put a foam underlayment in, make it as thin as is practical and make sure that it feels hard to the touch. You really don't want more give in the floor than what you feel with traditional hardwoods.

I wouldn't go too far out of my way for a downstairs neighbor's peace of mind, particularly if you are not bothered by the unit above you.

[Moth]

I think you should try to accomodate your neighbor's concerns. I have lived below noisy neighbors and it can be maddening. What goes on above you has nothing to do with what those below you hear from you. Your building is your community, no? Would you like it if the upstairs neighbors had a loud treadmill above you?

Anyway, my advice is to do it right- hire a soundproofing company to do the job. It will probably increase the value of your condo and will avert a wider war- remember, the fella downstairs need only turn up the bass and point a speaker upwards to make your life miserable.

They might tear up your floor and put insulation between the joists and then cork. Or maybe something else. Go for it.

[jimboburnsy]

Originally Posted by Moth

I think you should try to accomodate your neighbor's concerns. I have lived below noisy neighbors and it can be maddening. What goes on above you has nothing to do with what those below you hear from you. Your building is your community, no? Would you like it if the upstairs neighbors had a loud treadmill above you?

Anyway, my advice is to do it right- hire a soundproofing company to do the job. It will probably increase the value of your condo and will avert a wider war- remember, the fella downstairs need only turn up the bass and point a speaker upwards to make your life miserable.

They might tear up your floor and put insulation between the joists and then cork. Or maybe something else. Go for it.

Wile I would normally agree, I think he said the floor and ceiling were concrete. Unless he has some very unusual habits it seems like he probably has a hyper-sensitive neighbor.

[Mjames]

Originally Posted by slim04

I am going to install some laminate flooring in my unit in a multi-level condo. I don't really get along with my downstairs neighbor and he has complained in the past of my use of treadmill being too loud for him.

I have ugly carpet that is killing me with allergies and am looking to install laminate flooring myself. I am confused about what type of underlayment or subfloor I should use. Every place I go for advice, it's always different and often contradictory. For example, I've been told:

1) 2mm or 3mm foam or felt is all you need.
2) 6mm foam
3) 3mm cork
4) 6mm or 12mm cork
5) 3mm Silent Blue (or many of the other very expensive foams that with a Sound rating of STC70 or higher).
6) 3, 6, or 12 mm rubber
7) Nothing but a vapor barrier

The response I always get is you need X, without them ever really asking the circumstances of my condo and floor. I have concrete floors and other than the treadmill, I don't believe they can hear anything (as I never hear my neighbors above me).

I've also been told that either not to get any laminate with pre installed foam, or that it is OK if you put another layer of underlayment below it. And that anything with that is 6mm or larger will make the floor feel squishy or spongy. Does this seem accurate? I would prefer for that not to happen, but would be alright with that if it killed the sound.

Any thoughts or experiences?

It seems to me it would make more sense to put some sort of sound insulation (rubber or dense foam padding) underneath the treadmill after the laminate is installed. This would help absorb the vibration from the treadmill and prevent it from being transmitted through the floor and ceiling to your downstairs neighbor.

[Moth]

Originally Posted by jimboburnsy

Wile I would normally agree, I think he said the floor and ceiling were concrete. Unless he has some very unusual habits it seems like he probably has a hyper-sensitive neighbor.

Believe it or not, concrete can be problematic when it comes to noise. It often serves to enhance rather than subdue sound. I picked an apartment building because it had nice floors with concrete underneath. Big mistake.

I like not knowing my neighbors exist and they not knowing I exist. Its what finally motivated me to buy a house.