The best approach depends on the floor type. When a floating screed is installed, products from the Mapesilent range may be used to soundproof against impact noise.

• The minimum thickness of a floating screed is calculated by considering the intrinsic characteristics of the material used to make the screed and the mechanical stresses to which it will be subjected under normal conditions of use.

• Traditional cementitious-based substrates must be at least 4 cm thick, and their thickness must be increased accordingly if the loads are high when in service.

It is possible to obtain sufficient insulation against impact noises between different living units by interposing an element with the capacity of dampening vibrations between the source of the noise and the adjacent structures. This is why the most widely adopted solution is a “floating screed”, made by interposing elastic material between the load-bearing structure or the levelling layer and the screed. 

This solution is usually adopted in new buildings and generally where a self-supporting screed at least 4 cm thick has to be installed. A floating screed is generally considered the best solution to improve acoustic comfort and to meet acoustic requirements. When a floating screed is installed, products from the MAPESILENT range may be used to soundproof against the noise of footsteps.