MuteMat™ 3 is three-ply, high performing soundproofing floor mat for achieving superior impact and airborne attenuation in both timber and concrete structures, it is suitable for almost all internal building applications including large scale residential builds. MuteMat™ 3 comprises of three effective soundproofing materials, a 6mm PE crosslinked foam (closed cell) which has a consistent in molecular structure ensuring a high quality sandwiches between a 5kg per m2 Mass Loaded Viny and a 7.5kg per m2 Mass Loaded Vinyl - these two different densities within Mass Loaded Vinyl help to reduce resonance which can be found together and amplified with identical masses, these are also both hard wearing and able to receive carpet directly on top with the need for an overlay board, additional floor coverings are explained in detail on our installation guide found under our Related PDF tab above or in our Library.
We recommend using the MuteMat™ 3 within a system to achieve it's optimum performance.
Due to the mass of concrete being relatively high in most cases, we would advise the seperation of MuteMat 3 using our MuteCradle System or Timber Battening to suspend the mass for best results.
Listed below is a typical reduction figure taken from our system performance data.
Can I just use carpet instead of using MuteMat™ 3 for soundproofing a floor?
MuteMat™ 3 is high performing against impact noise because of it's Closed Cell Polyethylene Foam and it's dense layer of mass loaded vinyl spreading the load - although mass loaded vinyl is not effective on it's own against impact noise, in this case it is important. The two layers of mass loaded vinyl also vastly improve airborne noise reduction, especially when they are featured as part of an acoustic system. Carpet will offer some sound proofing qualities against impact noise, but not to the degree of which a dedicated sound insulation material provides, this is because it is easily compressed underfoot, carpet will offer little to no sound insulation against airborne noise.
Can I install my Tile or Wooden floor finish directly on top of MuteMat™ 3?
MuteMat™ 3 is a compressible sound insulation material and this is an important function for the reduction of impact noise - it is not suitable for installing tiled or wooden finishes directly on top; but it is very effective in making sure replacements of carpet in apartments with laminate flooring receive the best sound proofing possible, so as to not disrupt neighbours. An over boarding is required with: ceramic tiling, laminate flooring, engineered wood flooring, luxury vinyl flooring such as amtico and karndean, and standard vinyl floorings such as lino.
Building Control will often want to see the acoustic performance values when trading off carpeted flooring with proposed new hard floor finishes, we can help you with this - 01937 588 226.
Do I require an adhesive with MuteMat™ 3?
Concerning Building Regulations, it will most likely be required that you bond all sound proof materials to the floor so that it exists as 'fabric of the structure', in other words so it cannot be removed at a later date after passing the regulations; this is usually up to the discretion of the acoustic testing engineer. With any hard finishes you will want to bond MuteMat™ 3 to the floor and any over boarding then bonded to the top to reduce flex and movement in the flooring. Using adhesive will not increase it's sound proofing qualities. No adhesive is required when regulations are not concerned, as well as when using a woven carpet, this can be pulled over the top and attached to Carpet Gripper Strips around the perimeter.
No over boarding is required with woven carpet finishes, you will need to use a Carpet Gripper Strip around the perimeter to raise the gripper rods to a suitable height to avoid a dipping around the edges. Carpet Tiles will benefit from the installation of an over boarding to reduce the edges coming apart, carpet tiles are often used in offices, so when you are soundproofing an office with the use of MuteMat™ 3 an over boarding will help to support wheelbase chairs.
Can I use MuteMat™ 3 for soundproofing a wall?
When you are looking for wall sound proofing options, MuteMat™ 3 would not be your best option - although there would be no issue in using it, it won't offer a great finish nor can it be decorated over. We offer a range of effective wall sound insulation options for stud framing, brick, block and concrete constructions.
Can I use Mute Mat™ 3 for soundproofing stairs against footsteps?
Mute Mat™ 3's impact performance is almost identical to MuteMat™ 2, and since it is impact noise that is largely the main concern, MuteMat™ 2 may be your most cost-effective option. You can click here for a video on how MuteMat™ is installed on stairs.
Can I use MuteMat™ 3 for soundproofing bathrooms or wetrooms?
The first concern many have when looking to soundproof a bathroom or wet room is whether water or vapour will become trapped in any foam materials belonging to the sound insulation material, MuteMat™ 3 is not subject to these issues as the Cross Linked Polyethylene Foam does not absorb moisture, nor does it suffer from fungal or mould issues. It offers high levels of sound insulation for both airborne and impact noise. Tiling and lino floor finishes may require a form of water resistant marine over boarding as opposed to standard ply or MDF as a bed to lay the flooring correctly.
Can I use MuteMat™ 3 for soundproofing a floor with underfloor heating?
With the installation of underfloor heating, whatever lays on top must be able to pass heat energy through without straining the heating system. MuteMat™ 3 is comprised of two layers of mass loaded vinyl which work incredibly well at reducing sound energy, but will, if installed on top, suppress heat energy. We would recommend seeking advice from the Underfloor Heating specialist before proceeding with MuteMat™ 3 as well as proceeding with a underfloor heating system when soundproofing requirements need to be met - we are happy to send out samples to make sure it is compatible. In most situations MuteMat™ 3 would be best installed underneath as an option for sound proofing underfloor heating trays.
Does MuteMat™ 3 come in a roll?
Because of how the MuteMat™ 3 is laminated together - it only comes in sheets. The different densities of mass loaded vinyl would make it very difficult to roll and could cause separation between the layers over time.
How do I cut MuteMat™ 3?
MuteMat™ 3 is best cut with a fresh Stanley blade and a straight edge or metal ruler, always cut away from your body and behind the straight edge.