Problem: Floor not providing enough insulation from impact sound

Cause: Upper layer not heavy enough or no direct absorbing of impacts.

Solutions:

• Add carpet on underpad.
• Increase the weight of the upper layer of the floor to at least 10 lb/sq. ft. (50 kg/m²) by adding a concrete layer or equivalent.

Install underpad and carpet.

• Install a floating floor as shown in Figures 12a, 12b and 12c. A carpet on top of the floating floor will give additional protection but may not be needed.

Figure 12a - Floating Floor Utilizing  A Resilient Layer & Concrete Layer

Figure 12b - Floating Floor Utilizing A Resilient Layer, 2 X 4 Sleepers & A Layer Of Plywood

Figure 12c - Floating Floor Utilizing A Resilient Layer, 2 X 4 Sleepers, Sound Absorbing Material & A Layer Of Plywood

• Build an additional ceiling under the existing one. A ceiling of 1/2 inch (12 mm) drywall, fastened to 3 foot (64 mm) standard metal studs, which act as resilient furring, with batt insulation between the studs, provides good results.
• Use heavy layers, such as concrete, lightweight concrete, gypsum concrete or gypsum board over the plywood subfloor.

Continued.......