What soundproofing underlay for vinyl flooring?

[Mariam27]

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)?

[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.?