Acoustic Underlay Soundproofing 

Acoustic Underlay for sound reduction and proofing use under carpets, vinyl, ceramics, porcelain, timber and more. 

Overview

​Acoustic Underlay products have been individually tested at the CSIRO Laboratory in Melbourne in accordance with the requirements of ISO 140-8 – Part 8: “Measurement for the reduction in transmitted impact noise by floor coverings on a standard floor”. ​Acoustic Underlay complies with ISO 140-6 “Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and building elements – Part 6: Laboratory measurement of sound insulation of floors”.

All products were tested at the CSIRO on a certified concrete slab and are deemed to satisfy the requirements of the National Construction Code (formerly known as the BCA). ​Acoustic Underlay products have been extensively on-site tested in numerous centres and buildings, and have successfully reduced the transmission of structure born regenerative noise vibration from the typical activities performed in gymnasiums, school halls, under screeds and high traffic areas.

The source and transfer from one level to another varies in accordance with each individual building construction. ​Acoustic Underlay products are specifically designed for the reduction of impact sound to suit both concrete and timber subsurface and has been specifically engineered to meet the acoustical requirements of specifiers for all common construction and installation methods.

Recommendation

​Acoustic Underlay products are specifically designed for the reduction of impact sound. The source of transfer noise from one level to another varies in accordance with each individual building Nerang Tiles strongly recommends testing in situ by a registered Acoustic Engineer to establish suitability of purpose. 

Acoustic Density

Nerang Tiles Acoustic Underlay is available in in a 850 density.

​850 density provides a firmer density, offering effective results at minimum thickness, allowing for low build heights. The firmness of this density allows for use under some impressionable top surfaces. 

Acoustic Applications

• Solid Timber Over Plywood
• Engineered Timber Floating
• Engineered Timber Direct Stick
• Laminate Floating
• Laminate Direct Stick
• Vinyl Plank Floating
• Ceramic Direct Stick
• Carpet Over carpet Underlay
• Carpet Tiles Direct Stock
• Porcelain Tiles Direct Stick

For high-rise units, multi-storey townhouses and homes. Suitable for new and old buildings requiring impact sound insulation for the installation of timber, laminate, carpet, plank vinyl/vinyl over Masonite or ceramic floors. Can be installed on timber and concrete sub-bases. Can be used in wet areas when installed in conjunction with a suitable waterproof membrane system. Can be used in conjunction with underfloor heating. 

Acoustic Testing

CSIRO

Engineered Floating Timber Floor & Acoustic 850 3mm on 150mm Concrete Slab​	Laminate FLoating Flooring & Acoustic Underlay 850 3mm on 150mm Concrete Slab	Carpet Over Carpet Underlay & Acoustic Underlay 850 3mm on 150mm Concrete Slab
Achieved a (db) reduction of △Lw 18. System achieved Ln.w 59, exceeding NCC by 3.	Achieved a (db) reduction △Lw 18. System achieved Ln.w 59, exceeding NCC by 3.	Achieved a (db) reduction ​△Lw 43. System achieved Ln.w 31, exceeding NCC by 31.

Ceramic Flooring Over Screed Bed & Acoustic Underlay 700 5mm on 150mm Concrete Slab	Carpet Tiles Direct Stock & Acoustic Underlay 850 3mm on 150mm Concrete Slab
Achieved a (db) reduction △Lw 18. System achieved Ln.w 59, exceeding NCC by 3.	​Achieved a (db) reduction ​△Lw 30. System achieved Ln.w 47, exceeding NCC by 15.

Site Tests
Real world installation with high star ratings using Nerang Tiles Acoustic Underlay

Penninsula Drive Apartments Breakfast Point, NSW	Watermark Residences Gold Coast, QLD	Parkland Boulevard Apartments Brisbane, QLD
Ceramic over 3mm Acoustic Underlay System achieved L'nT,w 45. Achieved a 5 star rating	Timber over 3mm Acoustic Underlay System achieved L'nTw, 44. Achieved a 6 star rating	Vinyl plank over 3mm Acoustic Underlay System achieved L'nT,w 43. Achieved a 6 star rating.

Acoustic Testing Data Results

Top Floor	Density / Thickness	LnW Lab Test	LnT, w On site Test	Test Documents
Solid Timber Over Plywood	700 5mm	Ln, w61	LnT, w44	CSIRO INR157-D
Engineered Timber Floating	850 3mm	​Ln, w59	LnT,w47	​CSIRO INR157-A Palmer PN3178
Engineered Timber Direct Stick	​850 3mm	​Ln, w61	Lnt,w54	​CSIRO INR157-H AW Cadigal 2021
Laminate Floating	​850 3mm	​Ln, w59	LnT,w43	CSIRO INR157-B A&W SP6731 2019
Laminate Direct Stick	​850 3mm	​Ln, w59	​LnT,w43	​CSIRO INR157-B2
Vinyl Plank Floating	​850 3mm	​Ln, w56	​LnT,w43	​CSIRO INR184-2 ASK Parkland 2018
Vinyl Plank Direct Stick	​​850 3mm	​Ln, w60	​LnT,w43	​CSIRO INR233-01
Vinyl Sheet Direct Stick	​​850 3mm	​Ln, w54	​LnT,w43	​CSIRO INR157-J
Ceramic Over Screed	​700 5mm	​Ln, w59	​LnT,w43	CSIRO INR157-M
​Ceramic Direct Stick	​850 3mm	​Ln, w62	LnT,w45	​CSIRO INR215-01 TRZ&A TJ202 2018
​Ceramic Direct Stick	​850 4mm	​Ln, w60	LnT,w53	​CSIRO INR215-02 TTM Q1 2021
​​Ceramic Direct Stick	​​850 5mm	​Ln, w62	LnT,w52	CSIRO INR215-03 AW Oracle 2018
​Carpet Over Carpet Underlay	​ ​850 3mm	​Ln, w31	​LnT,w52	Airstep
​Carpet Tiles Direct Stick	​850 3mm	Ln, w47	​LnT,w52	Airstep

Acoustic Underlay Types

Acoustic Underlay Roll ​3	Acoustic Underlay Roll 4	Acoustic Underlay Roll 5
Acoustic Underlay Roll 3mm 15 x 1.2 ​Lineal Meters (18m2)	Acoustic Underlay Roll 4mm 10 x 1.2 ​Lineal Meters (12m2)	Acoustic Underlay Roll 5mm 10 x 1.2 ​Lineal Meters (12m2)

Installation Guide

• If possible roll out 24 hours prior to cutting to allow the material to relax and acclimatise.
• Keep rolls between 18°C and 24°C or at the ambient room temperature for 24 hours prior to installation.
• All Acoustic rolls must be installed in the same direction and allowed to relax unrolled for a minimum of two hours before cutting or adhering.

Preparation is the key to any successful flooring installation. Reasonable time should be spent to ensure that
your subfloor is prepared well. Concrete and/or any floor type that is to be adhered to must be dry, clean,
smooth, level, be free of oil, grease, fat, curing compounds, old adhesive residue, paint, wax, sealers and any
extraneous materials.

If specified then the rolls must be adhered to the sub-base using only the specified adhesive. A concrete
moisture test should be carried out to make sure the floor is dry (below 5.5%) and meets the manufacturers
specifications.

Once the subfloor is prepared, establish your starting point by rolling out one Acoustic Roll roll vertically [long
seams to go with the traffic flow where possible] and position it against the wall and/or square with the desired
run configuration. Continue to roll out all the Acoustic Rolls for the entire installation that is to be adhered
or laid in the one day. Lengths can be trimmed in position if required. All seams are to be butt jointed using the
precision cut factory edges.

To apply adhesive fold the first sheet to be glued in half length ways. Apply the adhesive as per manufacturers
specifications. Carefully roll the sheet back down into the wet adhesive ensuring that no air is trapped
underneath the Acoustic Rolls. Immediately ensure proper contact with the adhesive by rolling the floor
with a flooring roller. Next roll back the other half of the first sheet and half of the adjoining sheet and apply
adhesive. Continue repeating the rolling in of the sheet and application of the adhesive as previous and for the
remaining area.

Disclaimer

All tests were conducted with flooring that was installed to the manufacturers’ specifications. All adhesives were applied to the manufacturers’ specifications. All Acoustic Underlay was butt joined and cut to cover the area required. These tests were carried out by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) under strict laboratory conditions. The source and transfer of noise from one level to another varies in accordance with each individual building construction. The information provided is given as an example of the performance of Acoustic Underlay impact sound acoustic underlays only. The results provided are not
to be read as a guarantee for any specific application. Nerang Tiles does not guarantee that top surface products and adhesives not manufactured by Acoustic Underlay Manufacturer will be fit for purpose or compatible with Nerang Tiles Acoustic Underlay and manufacturers specifications of these products should be consulted before installation with Nerang Tiles. Nerang Tiles recommends testing in situ to determine the exact performance of these systems in your project by a registered acoustic engineer. All applications of these products are subject to our standard Terms and Conditions of Sale.

We provide Acoustic classifications as a guide only, based on a acoustic test reports specific to a product's batch. We have no information on the ultimate environment in which the product will be installed. We are not responsible for the suitability of the product within the installed environment.  

Products may achieve acceptable acoustic ratings in a laboratory test. However it is possible for the performance in-situ to be less than expected due to unforeseen circumstances. These include the effect of grouting, wear and tear, furniture, construction materials or build up of residue. There are many contributing factors to acoustics affecting products that are beyond our control.