Laying a sound control mat under the carpet helps prevent noise from adjacent rooms from penetrating your space, enhancing comfort. Sound control mats absorb and dampen sound waves, minimizing noise transmission through floors. These mats also offer underfoot cushioning and support, making walking on your carpet more comfortable. Here are the various types of sound control mats you can lay under your carpet:
FIRM-FILL® SCM-125
The FIRM-FILL® SCM-125 sound control mat is suitable for limiting impact noise transmission in multi-unit buildings. This mat is designed to absorb impact sound from falling objects, walking, and dragging furniture. It can be ideal if your gypsum concrete pour isn’t thick enough to offer needed soundproofing. Top this mat with less than three-quarters of an inch of FIRM-FILL® Brand Gypsum Concrete to build a low-profile sound regulating system. This sound control mat addresses the cost-effective impact of insulation class (ICC) requirements and facilitates smooth floor transition between the carpet areas and the hard surface. Get licensed applicators to install your FIRM-FILL® SCM-125 mat correctly to avoid mishaps.
FIRM-FILL® SCM-250
The FIRM-FILL® SCM-250 is designed with filaments, corrugations, and a U groove core to reduce noise impact between floors. It can be installed in both wood frame and concrete structures. When used in wood frame constructions, it increases the sound transmission class (STC) and the impact of insulation class levels. This sound control mat is appropriate to minimize high and low-frequency sounds. It facilitates tight wall construction assemblies by providing a thin profile and minimizes degradation and deflection. Use it with concrete topping to make it light and easy to handle.
FIRM-FILL® SCM-400
The FIRM-FILL® SCM-400 is used for luxurious multifamily establishments to achieve an outstanding impact of insulation class values. It prevents creep and degradation after long-term use while providing additional noise reduction if you use a thicker mat. This sound control mat can also be used in concrete and wood frame constructions. A professional needs to install the mat to make sure it’s laid evenly and integrates seamlessly with your carpeted floor.
FIRM-FILL® SCM-750
FIRM-FILL® SCM-750 cost-effectively addresses high IIC and STC needs. It creates an air void, building extra resilience for efficient sound absorption. A thicker mat provides extra noise cancellation, making your living space quieter. This type of sound control mat is lightweight, which makes it easier to handle and installation smoother. With minimal deflection and no long-term degradation, you can rely on the mat to dampen sound for an extended period.
Factors to Consider When Getting a Sound Control Mat
With multiple sound control mats available, looking into important factors first can help you find the right soundproofing solution for your needs. These factors include:
Material
Your sound control mat’s material will impact its performance and durability. Evaluate the material’s sound absorbing and damping abilities, weight, and resilience to make an informed decision. Materials such as foamed elastomers and glass fibers effectively control airborne sounds, while acoustic mounts and underlays work well for solid-borne sounds. Durable materials like rubber can withstand wear and tear, maintaining their soundproofing qualities for longer.
Degree of Noise
Determine the level of noise you want to address to get a sound control mat with properties that match your noise characteristics. Look into factors like noise intensity, duration, frequency, and transmission path to determine the degree of your noise. If you need more clarification, seek professional guidance to get recommendations for an ideal mat based on your noise needs.
Environmental Factors
Assess the environmental factors of the property you want to soundproof to find a sound control mat that suits your specific environment. Look for signs of moisture and potential leaks like mold growth and research your space’s average temperature. If your building experiences high temperatures, get a mat made from a heat-resistant material like rubber. Prioritize sound control mats with moisture-resistant properties to soundproof areas like bathrooms.
Building Type
Take into account the type of building where you intend to install sound control mats. In residential spaces, sound control mats will be useful in different areas compared to in an industrial or commercial building. Ask yourself what spaces would benefit most from a quiet atmosphere.
For single-family homes or multi-family units, entryways and common areas could benefit from sound control mat installation. Home theaters and home office spaces can also benefit from dampened sound.
Commercial buildings can utilize sound control mats in open office plans to minimize noise common in open floor plans. Hotels, gyms, and restaurants can also place sound control mats strategically to ensure a quieter environment for customers. Recording studios commonly use various types of sound control mats to create optimal environments to capture specific sounds.
Choose the Right Sound Control Mat
Getting a suitable sound control mat enhances noise control in your space, creating a quieter environment. Find a licensed applicator to guide you on suitable sound control mat options to address your noise pollution concerns. They have the skills and expertise to install and prevent noise penetration properly.
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