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Noisy heating pipes are a common cause of complaint from homeowners. As the pipes heat up and expand or cool down and contract, they rub against the joints under the floorboards, causing this all-irritating "tick, tick, tick" you are all too familiar with. To remedy this problem, there are a number of sound-proofing solutions at your disposal. Most of them are fairly simple to install and can be undertaken by enthusiastic DIYers. There are two main soundproofing approaches to solving noisy pipes. If there are no restrictions to accessing the pipes, then you can consider an under-floor solution. The principle is that the pipes are enclosed in materials that will reduce the amount of noise, first by providing padding between the pipe and the joints thus eliminating the friction. Secondly, the acoustic efficiency of the outer layer of foam of these casings is compounded by a core that blocks the transmission of noises. You can also fill the cavities between the pipes with sound-absorbent products, not dissimilar to insulation materials. While the casing stops some of the noises, the insulation will absorb what has escaped. It is this mixed approach that will make a difference to this unwanted creaking. Implementing this solution will probably be a significant task as you will need to lift floorboards and put them down again, in addition to wrapping every inch of every pipe and filling the cavities around them, but by tackling the problem at its source, you will obtain the best possible results. In addition to wrapping pipes in a soundproof "tube", or if access to pipes is restricted, you can increase sound absorption further by installing soundproof underlay on top of your floorboards or on your walls. You will find a multitude of products available, including underlays suitable for use with tiles, wooden floors, carpet or rooms with moisture present such as kitchens and bathrooms. Prices vary, but you may want to look for Part ‘E’ certified products, whose properties are so efficient that they are used for conversion of houses into multiple-occupancy dwellings and comply with current stringent Building Regulations on noise levels. Sound-absorbent underlays and products for walls range from a single layer of rubber for example, to multiple layers of several materials which combine different qualities to deliver effective acoustic solutions. They are a quick and efficient way to reduce noise coming from central heating pipes.
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Soundproofing, Acoustic Flooring, Acoustic Treatment, Wall Soundproofing,
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