Flower on Flooring
by Dennis Flower
Sound advice for health and happiness! The New Year again signals that Domotex is very nearly upon us.While readers can find more general information elsewhere in this month's magazine, the reason for mentioning the event in this column is that the forthcoming show will feature a special focus on the acoustic properties of a room. The two day programme on 19 and 20 January will include lectures, workshops and best practice presentations, combined with practical simulations and experiments looking at how to create attractive room settings that also take acoustics into account.The intention is to promote the message that consideration of sound reflection and absorption can create a healthier and happier environment.
Suppliers of flooring products are taking this into account when designing their products, especially in the area of sound absorption. An example of this is Sonic Gold Excel underlay from Novostrat, delivering a noise reduction of 22dB in a light weight format.The company states that a roll will only weigh a fraction of that of a roll of traditional underlay, making it easier to store, handle, deliver and, of course, to lay. To the user, the range of underlays delivers the required level of cushioning under a laminate floor, says Novostrat, even levelling out minor underfloor imperfections. Other properties include high impact resistance, damp-proofing and, because of their low tog rating, the underlays within the range will not reduce the efficiency of underfloor heating systems.
The company has found that developers are now specifying Novostrat products because they contain no harmful HCFCs, halogens or heavy metals used in their manufacture and, at the end of their working life, can be fully recycled and reused in the manufacture of other primary commercial or domestic products. The company states that it is the largest manufacturer of polyethylene foam in Ireland and its range of insulation products for domestic and commercial applications is growing steadily. From its economy underlays to its highest performance products, Novostrat says that it markets on price as well as performance and thinks this is probably the most important of the boxes to tick given the current economic situation.
Another supplier that has given thought to this subject is Interfloor, which states that all its Duralay and Tredaire products offer sound insulation when used with carpet. It has also developed three underlays for use with wood and laminate, potentially the floorcoverings known for being the noisiest.
The advanced noise reducing benefits of two of the company's Timbermate underlays also feature a built-in damp proof membrane, eliminating the need for extra moisture protection such as polythene sheeting. The three Timbermate options include Silentfloor Gold (53 SONE tested), offering the highest specification acoustic performance and built-in damp proof membrane. A high density, 4.2mm gauge underlay, it is designed as a superior product where top performance is demanded, says Interfloor. Timbermate Excel (56 SONE tested) is the original ‘all in one’ rubber underlay with a built-in damp proof membrane. A 3.75mm gauge high density resilient rubber underlay, it meets most domestic and contract needs.
Last but not least,Timbermate Duratex (57 SONE tested) is the traditional high density rubber underlay, designed for wood-based suspended floors where moisture is not an issue.This is a 3.75mm gauge, high density resilient rubber underlay suitable for domestic and contract installations, the company states. In addition to their acoustic properties, Interfloor reports that the underlays can also be used as a sub-floor where there are surface imperfections, act as a dust stop and help prevent overstraining of wood and laminate boards and are also quick and easy to install.
Richard Bailey, managing director of Floorwise, says that underlay is essential for wood and laminate floors, as they are the largest single surface within a home and therefore have the greatest impact on noise. 'These floorcoverings are renowned for their noise transmission and reflection and by using Floorwise’s Acoustica underlay products, the consumer can drastically improve their performance,' he said. Each is subject to a number of sound tests, resulting in SONE ratings of 53 for Acoustica Best, 54 for Better and the same score for Good, says Bailey. Impact noise is also considered, and the Acoustica products have achieved noise transference ratings of 24dB for Best, 23dB for Better and 22dB for Good. Both tests should be taken into account before choosing an underlay, says Bailey. He also advises retailers be aware that some manufacturers may test products without floor coverings on top and these results are of little meaning – for example a foam or rubber-based product without a wood or laminate floorcovering on top will drastically reduce the sound of a falling object, but with a floorcovering on top and under compression, the results will be very different.
Novostrat Sonic Gold Excel and product range
from The Stocklists
January 2009
43