FAQ's
On our faq page, you can find questions about flooring underlayment and floor heating systems. Get helpful information to assist with your purchase decisions and address any concerns you may have.
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When installing SoundBuffer underneath a floating floor, please use a high quality duct tape at the seams. If you are using the double-glue or nail-down installation method, that is not required.
SoundBuffer will help reduce minor subfloor imperfections, however it is not a substitute for proper subfloor preparation. Please ensure your subfloor is within tolerances of your flooring manufacturer prior to installing SoundBuffer.
If you are looking for a test report please send an email to [email protected] and specify the product and type of report you are needing. We would be more than happy to email you a copy of any testing data that we have.
SoundStep LV does have an integrated moisture barrier. The Perm rating for SoundStep LV is 0.14Perm. The WVTR (water vapor transmission rate) is 0.18lbs/1000sf/24hrs.
SoundStep LV does have an attached vapor barrier, which will offer water protection for your plywood subfloor.
SoundStep LV can be installed over existing sheet vinyl, provided the flooring manufacturer approves it as a suitable substrate. SoundStep LV is not approved for use with peel and stick tile. Please consider using an alternative flooring product, such as luxury vinyl tile or plank over SoundStep LV.
SoundStep LV is not approved for use with sheet vinyl. Please consider using an alternative flooring product, such as luxury vinyl tiles or planks over SoundStep LV. Telegraphing is a very common problem with sheet vinyl, where the imperfections in the subfloor become visible at the surface.
It is not recommended to use any underlayment beneath peel and stick tile.
SoundBuffer has an IIC rating of 68. To view specific test reports on all of our products, please visit our Knowledge Center and click on Underlayment Sound Test Tool.
SoundBuffer is suitable for use with most flooring adhesives. We defer to your flooring manufacturer’s guidance on selecting a specific product.
SoundBuffer does not prevent or protect from moisture in your concrete slab. We recommend selecting an underlayment from our QuietWalk family of underlayments. The QuietWalk products have a recycled fiber construction that wicks harmful moisture from the slab and allows it to safely evaporate, while protecting your new flooring with the bonded vapor barrier.
No, SoundBuffer is not approved for use with ceramic tile. We recommend Insulayment for a ceramic tile application.