Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to inquire about anything regarding soundproofing or our operational procedures. We are delighted to provide personalized responses and incorporate them into our FAQ database for the benefit of others.
Generic Q&As
What is impact noise?
Impact noise is sound that travels through the fabric of a building travelling from one room to another.
What is airborne noise?
Airborne noise is sound that makes it from one room to another via the means of air particles sitting between the two rooms.
What is flanking noise?
Flanking noise is a combination of airborne and impact noise that makes its way to the walls of one room, down the walls and out into the space of another room. We ensure that flanking noise is addressed by using things like acoustic mastic, perimeter beads and open cell spray foam injections.
How much does it cost?
These figures are based on average room size and start from:
Walls – 3m x 2.4m = 7.2m2 from £1200.00 +vat
Ceilings – 3m x 4m = 12m2 from £2000.00+vat
Floors – 3m x 4m = 12m2 from £1000.00+vat
Does it work?
Soundproofing systems are a combination of materials that affect sound transmission by altering the density, separation and depth of a ceiling, wall, or floor. Typically, the greater the separation, density and depth of the system being installed, the better the noise reduction.
Why do I need soundproofers, why can't I use a builder?
We do this day in day out and pay huge attention to detail. There are many opportunities for error and when an error is made it can render the whole soundproofing system null and void. We are specialists in soundproofing, and we know our stuff. Would you ask your gardener to build you an extension?
How does soundproofing work?
Our soundproofing systems work because we use the correct materials and process to achieve the best results.
We need 3 qualities to every system we install which are absorbency, dissipation and mass once we have 3 qualities onboard with a skilled installation team we achieve the best results possible within the budget.
What's the best system for floor, walls, and ceiling?
the best system for walls is an independent resilient clips system with a upgrade of a mass loaded vinyl and under floor insulation.
The best system for ceilings is a resilient clip system with a upgrade of a mass loaded vinyl.
The best system for floors is under floor acoustic insulation with a mass loaded vinyl on of your floorboards then an acoustic barrier matt with a 22mm caber floorboard on top.
Are we insured?
yes,we are fully business and public liability insured.
What's included in the additional consumable's on the contract?
The consumables are for all self-adhesive carpet coverings/hard floor coverings , furniture coverings and other consumables that are not listed in our proposal.
Does the mineral wool insulation that is placed under the floor board(s) prevent flanking issues?
Absolutely, the mineral wool we use is a 60kg/m3 density and is friction-fitted between the floor joist so that any residual noise will get absorbed and dissipated under the floor.
How many dBs will noise be reduced by with the soundproofing in place?
Due to the noise transfer being very subjective, we always quote a performance uplift and will be increasing your wall performance from approx.. 40dBA to 70dBA across all frequencies if we use the recommended upgrades.
Ceilings Q&As
What's the best system for ceilings?
The best system for ceilings is a resilient clip system with an upgrade of a mass-loaded vinyl.
Do we protect the floors?
We use multiple layers of floor protector and seal with tape to ensure no dust gets through
What happens to lights, electrical fixtures and furniture?
Lights and electrical fixtures, will be relocated in exactly the same position as they were before.
Typically, we like to have a room as bare as possible before we come in as we can get straight to soundproofing but we can factor in things like moving fittings etc if needs be into our quote as a separate line item.
We’d prefer an empty room in terms of furniture but we can help move this if needs be and some of it may be able to stay in the room and we can work around it.
How long after the works completed can i decorate/paint my ceiling?
When the full ceiling changed from a dark pink to a light pink colour.(usually 2-3 days)
Can I have spotlights in my soundproof ceiling?
Yes, you can have surface-mounted spotlights as you don’t have to cut a hole out of the ceiling like your typical spotlight.
How much space am I going to lose?
Our systems range from 40mm up to 80mm
How much mess does taking down a ceiling make?
If its plaster board usually there is not much mess, and you never would have known we just taken down a ceiling.
If it is a lathe and plaster ceiling this will create more mess, however, we lay floor coverings and clean up after so you can barely tell we taken a ceiling down.
Can I leave my existing ceiling up?
We found that our best results are achieved by taking the existing ceiling down due to the void between the joists acting like an echo chamber.
What if my window is close to my ceiling?
We have a space saver system that reduces the head height loss.
What happens with my coving?
Standard plaster covings can be reinstated at the same time as plastering however where we need to reinstate original victorian coving our specialist coving/ceiling rose partner can do this as part of the soundproofing project.
What do you do with a concrete ceilings?
It depends on the existing room height plus the window header, we can use either an independent or an acoustic batten system.
What if I have stud walls adjoining the ceiling?
The stud walls will be a weak point and will need to be upgraded to a soundproof partition.
Walls Q&As
How much space am I going to lose?
Our systems range from 50mm up to 160mm
If I soundproof downstairs wall, does it affect upstairs wall?
Soundproofing only affects the room that you soundproof however sound has energy which will be reduced and will find the least course of resistance. (this is dependent on the fabric of the building).
If I soundproof upstairs wall, does it affect downstairs wall?
Soundproofing only affect the room that you soundproof however sound has energy which will be reduce and will find the least course of resistance. (this is dependent on the fabric of the building).
Do I need to insulate under the floor?
It is best to insulate under the floor as it reduces flanking and will give you better results.
Can I upgrade a stud wall?
Yes, you can upgrade a stud wall, you can remove the plasterboard and keep the original stud wall.
What happens to skirting boards and picture rails?
We reinstate the skirting boards and picture rails ourselves (if they come off in one piece) however, we can fit new skirting and/or picture rail if needed.
What happens with coving?
Standard plaster covings can be reinstated at the same time as plastering however where we need to reinstate original victorian coving our specialist coving/ceiling rose partner can do this as part of the soundproofing project.
Floors Q&As
Do I need to insulate under the floor?
It’s best to insulate under the floor as it fills the voids between the joist and stops the drum like affect.
What happens to skirting boards?
Most of our floor system are designed to leave the skirting boards on but if we have to take them off We will reinstate the skirting boards.
How much height am I going to lose?
Our systems range from 0mm up to 42mm.
Will we need to remove the floorboards?
we would advise to insulate under the floor so yes we would take the floor boards up but we do offer systems that you dont have to take your floorboard up.
Do we have to trim my door?
Depends on the system that you are fitting but if we need to trim the door we will take care of that for you.
Will adding carpet and underlay sound proof my floor?
No, but a good quailty underlay and carpet will improve the sound from a hard floor but with a system it will give you your desired result.
Secondary Glazing Q&As
What Are The Benefits Of Secondary Glazing?
Secondary glazing is used to combat all sorts of annoyances within the home. Noise, cold temperatures, and condensation issues can be managed and controlled using our solution. We also offer multiple design and glass options to match your décor.
What Secondary Glazing Options Are Available?
Our whole range of secondary glazing is made to measure and features an unobtrusive profile. We can fit a range of standard window styles and even offer a bespoke secondary glazing service for the less common shapes.
Does Secondary Glazing Help Noise Reduction?
Secondary glazing is scientifically proven to reduce noise in your home by up to 54 decibels, giving your windows unrivalled levels of acoustic performance. Perfect for built-up areas such as homes near trainlines or under flightpaths.
How Does Secondary Glazing Stop Heat Loss?
The extra layer of protection offered by secondary glazing ensures the heat remains firmly within your home. Our solutions reduce heat loss by up to 60% and improves your carbon footprint.
How Much Does Secondary Glazing Cost?
You’ll be amazed at how cost-effective our entire suite of secondary glazing products are. You also receive the added benefit of saving money with secondary glazing installed, as your energy bills reduce due to less heat escaping.
How Secure Is Secondary Glazing?
Alongside the thermal and noise benefits that you receive with secondary glazing, it also adds an additional layer of protection to your home against any would be intruders. A very discreet security feature that reduces the need for unsightly grills and other preventative measures.
House Keeping Q&As
Do we cover carpets and hard flooring?
Yes, we cover both carpets and hard flooring.
For carpet, we use carpet roll and for hard floor, we use the correct protection sheet and a second layer of hardboard if needed for more heavy-duty jobs.
What happens to furniture?
Typically, we like to have a room as bare as possible before we come in as we can get straight to soundproofing but we can factor in things like moving fittings etc if needs be into our quote as a separate line item.
We’d prefer an empty room in terms of furniture but we can help move this if needs be and some of it may be able to stay in the room and we can work around it.
Can we cover the walls?
Yes, we can cover the walls, but this will encure a extra charge.
Will I need to redecorate?
Probably a quick freshening up.
Do you expose of the waste?
Yes, we will take away the waste for an extra charge.
How far do you travel?
Anywhere within 1 hour 30 form bristol centre,any further we will stay in accommadation as an extra charge.
Do you need a key?
If the customer is at home and can let the team in then no, however if the customer is working and is happy to leave us with a key, we can discuss a safe place to leave the key so we can securely lock up behind us.
How do you stop the dust from going into the other rooms?
We tape up the door ways with tape so theres no gaps for the dust to get through.
Can you do the work while I'm away?
yes we can do the work while your away,we will just need a key and when your back it will be all completed.
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