The Best Way to Soundproof a Floor

It is common for people living in condos to hear the sounds of those living below. You can make your living area more peaceful and quiet by soundproofing it, to block out the sounds of barking dogs, voices, footsteps, stereos, and loud appliances. You can soundproof your floor to block out both impact noises -- caused when one object comes into contact with another -- and airborne noises, such as those caused by TVs or voices.

Measuring tape
Vinyl barrier

Instructions

- 1
  Determine the specific sound barriers appropriate for your needs. A mass-loaded vinyl barrier, with a high ratio of vinyl mass to volume, will block airborne noise effectively. An acoustic vinyl barrier, on the other hand, will block both airborne and impact noise by combining the sound-deadening properties of open cell polyurethane foam with the sound transmission and vibration dampening properties of mass-loaded vinyl.
- 2
  Measure the square footage of your floor and purchase the appropriate amount of soundproofing material.
- 3
  Pull up your existing carpet, to access the sub-floor. Make sure that the sub-floor is free of protruding screws.
- 4
  Leave your soundproofing material in your room for 24 hours, to allow it to achieve room temperature. Lay sheets of your material on the floor in staggered patterns, making sure that your sheets are flush with each other, until the entire floor is covered.
- 5
  Inspect your floor for gaps between your sheets, which will cause lumps on your carpet and allow sound to pass through. Replace your carpet.

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