Hush: Why acoustic insulation is vital in concrete screeded floors

Concrete may be better than timber at reducing airborne sound transmission between the floors of a building due to their significantly greater mass, but an acoustic membrane from the Hush Acoustics range should be a key part of the specification to address nuisance impact sounds.

UK acoustic products-manufacturer Hush Acoustics offers both under screed and over screed rubber-based acoustic membranes that can be used with most floor finishes and work to provide a sound-reducing resilient layer. These are designed be used within an appropriate floor design, providing additional sound insulation to isolate sound transmission paths, or – for a more effective solution – as part of one of Hush Acoustics’ fully tested acoustic flooring systems.

These expertly configured systems are designed to give architects and contractors peace of mind that the acoustic insulation specification will meet the client brief, providing every element is installed as recommended. 

Amongst the acoustic systems available for screeded floors is the HD1043 Hush System Overscreed, which offers a treatment for screeded concrete slab floors. This utilises the Hush Overscreed Acoustic Membrane over the entire floor surface, bonded to the screed using Hush Contact Adhesive, with the added benefit of enhancing airborne sound transmission too via the Hush MF Ceiling system installed to the underside of the concrete structure. 

By creating a clear 150mm void between the concrete slab and ceiling board below, Hush-Slab 100 Sound Absorber can be installed within the MF Ceiling System prior to installing a double layer of 12.5mm Soundbloc plasterboard. 

Another solution

Another solution that works in a similar way is the HD1042 Hush Underscreed 6 System. This is ideal for floor constructions where there is an opportunity to install the acoustic membrane before the screed is laid. There is also a version of this system specially for screeded beam and block floors with the HD1047 Hush System Underscreed B/B.

The Hush Under Screed Membrane consists of a fine granulate of recycled rubber with a cork and PU elastomer. Combining minimum build height with permanent resilience, it is suitable for numerous applications including residential, industrial, educational, healthcare and the leisure sector, with performance meeting the criteria of all UK Building Regulations, including Approved Document E

Similarly versatile is the Hush Over Screed Membrane which has been designed to isolate a screed from the structure – also in line with all UK Building Regulations. It is suitable for new build, conversion and refurbishment projects, and as an alternative solution to Robust Details acoustic membranes, and can be used to isolate a screed from concrete structures, concrete planks, raft structures, combined concrete/metal structures and beam and block.

Find out more at www.hushacoustics.co.uk or, to access specialist acoustic insulation support for a specific project, call 0151 268 0488.

Hush Acoustics Ltd
Unit 2, Tinsley Industrial Estate
Shepcote Way
Sheffield
South Yorkshire
S9 1TH

Tel: 0114 551 8685
Fax: 0151 944 1146

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