Retrofit sound insulation in joists

trevorbayliss · 5 Mar 2021

I am working on a flat and this old semi was converted in 1982. There is nothing between each floor in terms of sound insulation. The big 9" joists just contain the electrics and water pipes.

Ideally i will have an exposed wood floor in the living area, but i need to address the sound issue as i am ripping apart most of the flat, so now is the time to try fit some product.

Just not sure what to use, so any ideas ? I can get soft insulation between the joists pretty easily, but is this the stuff to use ?

catlad · 5 Mar 2021

Your out of your depth! its just not that simple any more regarding flats, I suggest getting some professional help or you may find yourself in prison for manslaughter.

trevorbayliss · 5 Mar 2021

Im not out of my depth and i am not breaking any regs. I am just wanting to upgrade the sound insulation between the joist in the floor as there aint any. This is NOT a flat conversion. So what products are good for this retro fit. Basic loft insulation not worth doing ?

23vc · 5 Mar 2021

Rockwool dense insulation (slabs) not earth wool loft roll. Other things like eliminating literally every gap, having no down lighters, and using resilient bar or separation methods are likely to be needed for any significant benefit.
That’s generic advice, like if it was between 2 floors of your own house. Last time I worked on a flat I did what I liked, but that was nearly 20 years ago so as per Catlad if there are new regs/gotchas be careful

trevorbayliss · 5 Mar 2021

Ok thanks, i have read rockwood dense is the better bet as well.

Just not sure how you can be penalised by regs when what i am doing is only going to improve things. I dont need to meet any regs you see and i am not involving build control.

23vc · 5 Mar 2021

I’m guessing it’s more about liability/fire type stuff.

KenGMac · 5 Mar 2021

Up here historically there was Ash Deafening

So.

1/. Battens fixed along the sides of the joists near the bottom of the joists
2/. Laid on top of these battens [were] crap bits of timber, today it is OSB
3/. Back in the day Ash was then dumped on top of the [crap] boards.

The ash is / was dense and acted as a really good sound deadening material

Suggest you look at " Quietex" there are various forms, in this case the bags of there gravel like material works?

Ken.

StephenStephen · 6 Mar 2021

I found the dense rockwool bats worked well. You need to fill every gap and be completely anal about it. Sealing between the floorboards seems to help too - I used string and acoustic sealant myself. I wouldn't have bare floorboards in a flat above anyone - the neighbour below might find themselves in prison for manslaughter!

freddiemercurystwin · 6 Mar 2021

The question is, do you have the deck up and/or the ceiling down? Bare wood is not a good idea for any floor above ground level.

trevorbayliss · 6 Mar 2021

I will have the floor up, but most likely i will be recovering with carpet.

catlad · 7 Mar 2021

Ok Trevor

Just let me tell you now that ignorance will not be a defence to you or anyone else who may be reading this! I say this as I went to a house where a fire had occurred (man died) to install a smoke escape velux skylight after the fire brigade had smashed out the old non opening skylight on the stairway.
The two owners where tossing a coin as to which one of them was going to prison at the time!

trevorbayliss · 7 Mar 2021

Why is this relevant to putting in sound insulation in the floor ? Please explain exactly how i might endanger someones life, or have you just read my post incorrectly and dont want to admit it ?

catlad · 7 Mar 2021

I was under the impression that you are renovating the property?

trevorbayliss · 7 Mar 2021

It is not a conversion, i am renovating it. So how am i breaking any regulations and endangering life? What you have written doesnt help me one bit. You have told me to go and seek special advise. I am pretty sure this is not needed. But i will do if i am going to kill someone. So please tell me what i am doing wrong. Saving a life must make you feel good after all.

catlad · 7 Mar 2021

You don't like what I am saying well that's up to you! It was converted nearly 40 yrs ago according to you and don't you think building reg's have changed since then with regards to flats? If you are renovating that flat to rent out then as I said you are out of touch with what is required.

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Retrofit sound insulation in joists

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