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We live in an upstairs circa 1935 apartment that is in dire need of an update (looks like the last time this was done was in the 70’s). There is no doubt there are some beautiful original floorboards under our worn out carpet, we’ve seen the neighbours’ floors. BUT, we are very conscious of the noise issues and are exploring our options to find something that will give a contemporary look but is well insulated (and affordable).
We are considering cork flooring and are wondering whether it will be a suitable sound insulator of both impact and ambient sound (the man downstairs plays computer games at such a volume it comes up through our carpeted floors and can be heard over the top of our television, so ambient sound insulation is important in both directions).
There are cork planks, made of 1.8mm integrated cork underlay, 6mm high density fiberboard, and a 3.2mm top layer of cork. It is then finished with UV laquer. The brochure claims “Impact sound reduction 16dB” and “IIC Insulation Class 58dB”. I confess I don’t fully understand what this means and whether it is even a good or bad rating!
There are also cork tiles made from 3.2mm cork. It claims “Impact sound reduction 8dB” and “Step Sound 70dB”. Also finished with lacquer.
Has anybody had experience with these cork products? Will they provide good sound insulation for us and our neighbor?
Thank you!
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OK, the first thing to bear in mind is that there is no substitute for a good carpet on a quality underlay when it comes to sound insulation (in either direction). Everything else is a compromise and the probability is that your floorboards were never intended to be exposed. Carpet would possibly have been laid when your flat was first built.
The other thing to remember is that you can investigate the acoustic qualities of flooring till the cows come home but if the result is that enough sound is transmitted to annoy your neighbors, then you have a problem.
That said, cork does have sound deadening qualities and is used as a layer in some of the higher-end ‘acoustic’ timber flooring. It may even be be better than timber as a flooring material if installed properly. Have a look at these websites HERE and HERE and you could talk to an acoustic engineer.
Judging by what I’ve read, cork boards rather than tiles ‘floating’ on an effective insulation bed will give you a better sound insulation than timber would. But whether that is enough depends very much on the specifics of your building.
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Harmony seems like a better neighbour than the downstairs person deserves. The loud computer games surely place the man downstairs in breach of the NSW By-law No 1, which states “An owner or occupier of a lot must not create any noise on the parcel likely to interfere with the peaceful enjoyment of the owner or occupier of another lot or of any person lawfully using common property.” Note that there is nothing about the noise coming down, up or sideways – it is just not meant to happen, and there does seem to be the basis of a complaint about what appears to be unreasonable behaviour.
Hi harmony
I recommend to all my owners that they contact Regupol and fill out the strata enquiry form (it’s posted on our website HERE).
They will recommend the best solution and they do most of the home work for you, to help get it over the line. Whether you’re laying cork, carpet, tiles or floor boards they can specify the required standard under the BCA (building code of Australia).
Their website is HERE:
Cork flooring is good as compare to other flooring.
- It creates less noise.
- Cork flooring is soft and comfortable.
- It has high durability.
- Easy to maintain.