The “Silent” Floor: Choosing Underlayment for Multi-Level Homes

If you’ve ever lived in a multi-level home or a townhome in the Riverdale area, you know that sound can be a major factor in your quality of life. The “hollow” sound of footsteps or the clicking of pet nails on the floor above can make a beautiful home feel noisy and unpolished. Achieving a “Silent Floor” isn’t about the planks you see; it’s about the science of what lies beneath them.

What is Underlayment, and Why Does it Matter?

Underlayment is the thin layer of material—usually foam, felt, or cork—installed between the subfloor and your new flooring. In Utah’s architectural landscape, where basements and multi-story living are the norms, underlayment serves three critical roles:

• Acoustic Insulation: It breaks the “sound bridge” between the floor and the ceiling below. High-quality underlayment absorbs impact noise, turning a sharp “clack” into a dull, barely-audible “thud.”

• Thermal Barrier: Utah’s concrete subfloors can get incredibly cold in the winter. A premium underlayment provides a layer of insulation, making your floors feel warmer to the touch and improving energy efficiency.

• Subfloor Correction: No subfloor is perfectly level. Underlayment helps smooth out minor dips and peaks, ensuring your planks don’t “click” or move when you walk over a slight imperfection.

When selecting your floor, don’t skimp on the padding. A high IIC (Impact Insulation Class) rating is the key to a quiet, peaceful home environment.

Is noise keeping your home from feeling peaceful? Come chat with our experts about high-performance underlayment and let us help you build a quieter, more comfortable home from the ground up!