I Have Passed The Sound Testing So Why Do I Have Squeaking Floors
One potential problem with floors is that they can squeak after they have been installed. This is often down to the fact that Joists are often spaced too far apart which can result in a reduction in floor stiffness and complaints about footstep noise at low frequencies. Over-notching of joists can also lead to a reduction in floor stiffness and also potential squeaking. Although the projects partitions may have passed impact sound tests, the annoying squeaking sound may persist due to the extra loads imposed to the floor partition by people walking above.
To help with pass the impact sound test timber floors a resilient membrane is often incorporated into the overall floor design. This not only assists impact sound insulation (against footstep noise transference) but also reduces airborne sound transference.
Timber floating floors, must use a flanking strip to isolate the floorboards from the perimeter walls and skirting’s. If flanking strips are not fitted then footstep noise can easily enter the structure via walls etc. and subsequently flank into the adjacent dwellings. In the 1980s, mineral wool was used as a flanking strip but it was difficult to turn round at the floorboard edge. It was also prone to deterioration due to compression and movement under dynamic load. As a direct result of this, 5–10mm polyethylene flanking strips were incorporated into the acoustic design and construction, they are also easier to install and do not degrade over time to the same extent.
There are many reasons why floors may fail the sound testing, such as the use of incorrect mechanical fixing can reduce the insulation performance provided by floating floor treatments and resilient ceiling bars. Using very long screws will lead to bridging of the resilient layers and noise flanking. Inserting pipes or services within a platform floor can reduce the potential acoustic performance if they are not adequately boxed. The placing pipes or cables under resilient battens can also bridge the resilient layer.
If you require more information about acoustic design and/or sound testing on your project, please contact us now at info@aptsoundtesting.co.uk or call me direct 07775623464.