What soundproofing underlay for vinyl flooring?

Hello,

I like to replace my carpet in the living and bedroom area with Senso Self Adhesive Vinyl Planks in my unit in a strata building.

Currently there is a foam type of underlay under the carpet on the concrete floor. Picture attached.

What is the best underlay to use with self adhesive vinyl planks, which acts as acoustic barrier, and won't cause any issues if I want to change the flooring in the future (such as the rubber materials which disintegrate)?

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Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Mariam27

Most self adhesive flooring dosnt need extra padding and should not have an underlay as it may not stay in place if stuck onto an under lay. They will take a bit of getting back up yes thats true off solid floors.

In the shop can you test the sound of the tiles you want maybe they are already suitably soft and quite to your needs.

I think you might need to reseach the ultimate best self adhesive tile that goes onto solid floors and meets your specifications as to sound and removability as you wish to have OR

Maybe you can keep the carpet under felt on the floor and use a full vinyl roll to cover the floor so many nice ones to choose from? I only Say this as it meets your goals more easialy.

Mariam27

Hi Jewell

thank you for your reply.

I need the layer for soundproofing as it is a strata unit on the higher floors.

Could I glue the layer to the concrete to stop it moving?

Regards,

Mariam

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Mariam27

I follow your logic re sound proofing and agree why you want this.

Like I first said there are no underlays for stick down vinyl this is a new application for them to answer your question.

Well I cant begin to know if this plan will work at all but in general if you lay new or even repurpose the current carpet under lay that may suffice. I can only hope the carpet underlay has 100% coverage as vinal tiles on an uneven surface will crack and perish faster. I would not glue the under layer down at all this wont help us here , if it is in large pieces it wont move. So If you want try a test area see if the tiles stick to underfelt and perform in the way you want ? Probably in a walk area for faster testing.

Now my general opinion of flooring is it normally stays in place once laid.

So if you where to stick the vinal tiles to the under felt they should stay in place. My main concern would be the flexable under felt will depress as you walk on it and the corners/egdes of the vinal tiles can lift up. But they can be reglued down with liquid nails at need. And the flex of the vinyl if it does that may lead to faster wearing.

Another way Leave the carpet felt down and lay 3-5mm plysheet on the underfelt to preserve your sound proofing and at the same time give the vinyl tiles some thing to solid glue to as they usually are mounted.

You have those thoughts, your the boss what do you think now.

Mariam27

Hi @Jewelleryrescue

Thank you for your advice on the vinyl option.

It seems a bit complicated and not guaranteed to work or last long.

What other options do I have if I like to have a hard flooring with wood textured look, which suits apartment (have enough sound barrier) , and durable and no need for any difficult preparation on the concrete it will be laid on?

I though that vinyl is less noise when walked on than laminate, but it seems that the thickness what counts not the material.

Thanks,

Mariann

EricL

Hello @Mariam27

It's great that you've received excellent advice from @Jewelleryrescue. The explanation of why it won't stick to underlay is correct. Vinyl stick on tiles are too soft and not rigid enough like hybrid flooring. I propose thinking about installing laminate flooring instead. These products require the use of underlay, I suggest using Qep 2mm Ixpe Acoustic Pro Underlay to reduce the transmission of noise to your neighbour below.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Jewelleryrescue

Hi @Mariam27

Senso placed directly on a smooth clean concrete floor The manufacturer SAYS

A. Yes. Senso is much quieter than timber floors, laminates and tiles, therefore ideal for apartments, multi-storey dwelling and corridors. Senso is perfect for re-covering hard and noisy floors.

So If you like the timber style Senso range it will suit your purpose without the need for any under lay lay directly on concrete. This will save you money to.

Maybe a bunnngs near you has a flooring display you can test the senso for noise before you buy.?

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