Acoustic flooring is designed to help reduce airborne noise and structural reverberation. With over 7000 UK gyms located in the UK and many gyms situated in shared commercial premises, acoustic gym floors are more relevant than ever.
Rubber is the most common acoustic flooring product. Shock absorbent by nature, rubber is a cost-effective way to reduce airborne noise and structural reverberation. Most rubber flooring products are available in tile or roll format, and vary in thickness from 2mm up to 100mm or more. Many rubber flooring products are also made from recycled tyres, so you can be sure you are doing your bit for the environment.
Next-level acoustic floors involve using sublayers such as rubber shock pads, polyurethane foams and chip block foams. These products vary in thickness and density and are often used in combinations to offer superior acoustic performance. Acoustic consultants can be employed to carry out on-site tests with products from specialist suppliers such as Regupol and Pliteq.
One thing to bear in mind with acoustic foams is that it can have a detrimental effect on heavy gym equipment, especially if the equipment has a small point load. To counteract this, rigid interstitial layers can be used or even spreader plates.
If an extreme acoustic solution is required, there are companies who will install a ‘Jacked up floor’. This type of floor consists of a concrete slab, usually 100mm-200mm thick, with acoustic springs installed within the slab. Each spring is turned gradually so the slab eventually lifts off the subfloor creating an air gap. This type of system is robust, high performing and expensive.
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