How to install soundproofing cork underlayments

By michael On July 31, 2009

You realized that your floors are not soundproof enough and you are looking for a floor soundproofing solution. Cork underlayment is the best soundproofing material available that can be used to soundproof any residential floor.

Facts about Soundproofing Cork Underlayments

  • Natural cork is the underlayment of choice for soundproofing a floor and sound control in general
  • Cork can be installed under any type of floor covering including hardwood, laminate, stone and ceramic tiles
  • Cork is a natural product which does not rot, it reduces and absorbs the moisture which might be created by condensation
  • Cork underlayment prevents the degradation of the floor covering and the subfloor due to moisture
  • It is a fire inhibitor which does not spread flame and does not release toxic gases on combustion.
  • Cork underlayment is available in sheets and rolls of various sizes and thicknesses
  • Cork rolls or sheets can be used as underlayment for radiant heated floors, floors with radiant heated systems
  • Cork underlayment can be installed under floating floors

Advantages of Soundproofing Cork Underlayments

  • Acoustically Effective
  • Economical
  • Naturally Resists Mold, Mildew & Insects
  • Moisture Resistant
  • Stress Crack Suppressant
  • Environmentally Friendly
  • Fire Resistant
  • Quick & Easy to Install

Required Tools and Materials

Steps to Installing Soundproofing Cork Underlayments

  • Unpack and let the cork to adjust to the humidity and the temperature of the room for at least 3 days (72 hours)
  • Remove floor covering and underlayment
  • Thoroughly clean the surface using a broom or a shop vacuum cleaner
  • Maintain the temperature and relative humidity to a level consistent with those conditions that will prevail when the building will be occupied
  • Patch all crack, joints and holes in the plywood by using a cement-based compound
  • Wait for the cement to dry before continuing
  • Sand down high spots in the subfloor
  • Cut and glue 2″ wide cork strips along the wall
  • Unroll the cork carefully against the 2″ strips
  • Pull back half of the roll and apply adhesive undernead with a notched trowel
  • Lay the cork underlayment back over the adhesive
  • Use a heavy floor roller to press the cork underlayment

Typical Glues for Soundproof Cork Underlayments

Tips for Installing Cork Underlayments

  • In order to reach the typical inside temperature and humidity, use heating or air conditioning for an appropriate length of time prior to beginning the installation
  • Make sure to use a glue recommended by the cork underlayment manufacturer
  • Do not fold the cork during handling, to prevent cracking it
  • When pressing the cork underlayment with the floor roller, start from the middle of the roll to allow trapped air to escape
  • After installing the cork underlayment, wait until the next day to begin the floor covering installation
  • Never use cork underlayment as the top layer of any floor – use cork tiles instead or any other floor covering such as hardwood, laminate, ceramic tiles, carpet, vinyl, concrete, linoleum, palm, cork tiles or bamboo

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