Loud noise is always a problem in houses, apartments, and office buildings. Usually noise is more evident in homes in the late evening and at night when normal daytime hustle and bustle subsides. The first step in trying to deaden sound is to identify whether the sound is airborne or impact. Airborne sounds are those carried by airwaves such as from neighboring TV sets, blaring music or outside traffic. Impact noise is that which comes from footfalls and the sound of walking on floors.

Many different floor options like floating laminate floors are ideal for soundproofing as they can be isolated from the existing base structure with an insulating layer or underlayment. A layer of some specially developed acoustic insulating material, such as special underlayment is interspersed between, which deadens and absorbs the sounds of impact noise and airborne sounds. There are several methods of installing this sandwich layer or underlayment. For the best results, the manufacturer’s recommendations should be followed.

There are two factors to be kept in mind when selecting an acoustic insulation or specific sound deadening material or underlayment. The first is to ensure it is fire-proof. The second is to take into consideration that the floor level is going to rise. Make sure to plan for clearance for the opening of doors.

Another issue in soundproofing floors is squeaky hardwood, bamboo, or cork floorboards. There are several reasons for this, some of which are:

• Friction between boards or the joists to which they are fixed
• Poor nailing, undersized nails or nails too far apart
• Warped or twisted joists, bowed wooden sheathing or sub–floors

Often it is best to resolve squeaky floorboards before making any attempts at other soundproofing options.