Hardwood and tile floors are prized for their timeless beauty, but the sound of footsteps and other impact noise can be a major annoyance to homeowners and neighbors in adjoining units. However, there are options for quieter floors beyond installing carpet and getting earplugs. At Crescent Homes Maui we specialize in installing sound-dampening floors in both new and existing homes.
The technique we use is installing new flooring with a rubber acoustic underlayment. The underlayment separates the flooring materials and reduces sound vibrations that travel along joists and beams.
Made From Recycled Rubber
Underlayments come in many different materials, such as fiber, rubber, foam, and cork. At Crescent Homes Maui we have found that the best choice is made from shredded rubber because its resilience and heavier weight absorb more sound. The brand we prefer is QuietSound, which is made in the United States by U.S. Rubber Recycling, Inc.
This product uses 94 percent post-consumer recycled content and comes in various thicknesses. (Crescent Homes usually uses the 5-millimeter size.) It can be installed under most types of floors, whether they’re grouted, glued, or floating. These include ceramic tile, stone, marble, brick, pavers, hardwood, engineered wood, laminate, parquet, luxury vinyl tile, and carpet.
A Sound Investment
Calvin Baty, owner/manager of Crescent Homes, says that the underlayment adds about $3 to $4 a square foot in labor and materials to the cost of a new floor.
“While it may be tempting to cut corners when building a home, opting for sound-dampening floors is one of the best choices you can make,” says Calvin. “New construction is a big investment, and adding the underlayment enhances your home’s livability and resale value.”
While sound-dampening floors control the sound of footsteps and other impacts, the best way to deal with airborne (aka ambient) noise like radio or TV is to install fiber insulation in cavities of the floor and ceiling.
These measures not only increase the value of your home, but they are especially valuable in multi-dwelling buildings. Condos and apartments have building codes that are designed to ensure privacy and help make living more comfortable for all residents. Crescent Homes Maui can help homeowners choose the right products to reduce floor sounds and ensure that any codes are met.
Come Home to Calm
Crescent Homes recently installed sound-dampening floors for several of its projects. These include the extensive remodel of a condo on Ironwood Lane in Maui’s Kapalua Ironwoods development, and two luxury homes on Anapuni Loop in the Kaanapali Hillside neighborhood.
Call Crescent Homes today to learn more about this game-changing technology. Together we can talk about how to make your home a quieter, more restful retreat.