If you are unsure, request an ASTM C627 test from the underlay supplier or manufacturer. Therefore it is not normally recommend to specify or use a masonry tile floor over a foam or other overly soft acoustic underlay (<500 kg/m3) as the foam or other soft type of underlay will compress over time which will cause the tile to move and eventually crack. It does not like being installed on uneven or soft surfaces and the last thing you want is your beautiful marble floor cracking! Masonry flooring is extremely rigid and can be hugely expensive. It is therefore recommended that a firmer underlay like cork or recycled rubber is used beneath vinyl plank/tile floors if you want to avoid that bouncy feel or are worried about indentation. The last one is particularly important if you intend to use a desk chair on the floor! Now some people like this “comfort” feel but it is not to everyones taste.Ī good way to assess this to check if the underlay has a test to ASTM F924 (puncture testing), ASTM F1265 (resistance to impact) and ASTM F2753 (rolling load indentation). Now you are probably asking what does this have to do with acoustic underlay? Well as you might expect the thinner the vinyl tile/plank product, the more flexible it is likely to be and therefore the more likely it is to flex and indent under furniture feet point loads AND if you have a soft underlay (like foam on felt) beneath it you will likely feel the vinyl floor move when you walk across it. Remember less raw material may equal lower cost but this may have an impact on the longevity further down the line. The two main things to check are the overall thickness of the plank/tiler and the thickness of the upper wear layer. Like with the original sheet vinyl format, the quality and price vary greatly. It has become increasing popular in all building types for its ease and speed of installation as well as its vast array of colour and pattern formats.

Vinyl flooring is definitely not new, but it is certainly the new kid on the block on this list in its latest tile and plank format. Some underlays are not suitable for use under some flooring types so in this section will provide a few details on things to look out for with the most common flooring types. The flooring you intend to specifying or install over the acoustic underlay mat effects the choice you make. What flooring will you be installing over your acoustic underlay? However, we can educate you on what is available on the market so you can make an informed decision that is best for your project. Understanding the different materials used to make acoustic flooring underlay will allow you to select a product that matches your floor type, performance requirements, budget and eco credentials.Īt Pliteq, we manufacture and sell acoustic flooring underlay made from re-bonded recycled rubber (predominantly recycled car tires) but the truth of the matter is an acoustic underlay made from recycled rubber may not be the best choice for you and your project. So you have decided that you need acoustic underlay under the floor in the project you are building, designing or renovating.

Way increased by the above recommendations or by advice given by our sales representatives or applications engineering staff.Which Of These 3 Acoustic Underlays Is Best For Your Floor? Our liability and responsibility in the event of damages is limited to the extent defined in our General Terms and Conditions of Business and is not in any The recommendations for applications and installation are based on our extensive experience and on current technological practice. The sole remedy against the seller will be the replacement or repair of the defective goods, or at seller's option, credit may be issued not exceeding the selling price of the defective good. All other warranties, including implied warranties for a particular purpose, are expressly excluded.

Pliteq warranties that during the warranty period GenieMat® shall not harden, become brittle, chip, crack, tear, or exhibit any signs of excessive deterioration except for normal wear and tear. Pliteq offers a limited lifetime warranty on the GenieMat® brands of Impact Sound Insulation products against defects in material and workmanship and GenieMat® shall meet all published specifications and shall perform effectively. is a corporation duly organized and validly existing under the laws of the province of Ontario.

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