Reducing impact noise in HDB: Flooring underlayment options

Common options include foam, rubber, cork, and felt underlayments. Each has varying degrees of sound absorption and suitability for different flooring types.

Underlayment acts as a cushion, absorbing the energy from footsteps and dropped objects, preventing the noise from travelling through the floor to the unit below.

HDB has guidelines on impact noise reduction, and while specific underlayment types might not be mandatory, meeting the noise reduction requirements often necessitates their use.

While some underlayments are DIY-friendly, professional installation ensures proper fitting and optimal noise reduction, especially for complex flooring systems.

Yes, underlayment adds to the overall floor thickness. Its crucial to consider this during renovation planning to ensure doors can still open and close smoothly.