In multi-storey buildings, the acoustic comfort of occupants is a critical consideration when designing comfortable spaces to live or work in. Belgotex Aqua Elite underlay offers a robust solution for impact sound insulation when used beneath floating Belgotex laminate, engineered timber, or European hardened timber flooring.

Impact sound insulation refers to a floor’s ability to absorb noise from footsteps, dropped objects, or moving furniture. This is measured using the Impact Insulation Class (IIC) rating. The New Zealand Building Code requires a minimum IIC of 55 for floors in multi-storey residential buildings — a threshold that standard concrete slabs fail to meet. For example, a bare 150mm concrete slab typically achieves an IIC of only 25, demanding additional acoustic measures.

Belgotex Aqua Elite underlay, made from closed-cell, electron beam crosslinked polyolefin foam, is engineered to address this challenge. When installed beneath Belgotex floating flooring, Aqua Elite significantly improves impact sound insulation, delivering impact sound reduction (ΔLw) values ranging from 16 to 19 dB, depending on the flooring type and thickness. When used on a concrete substrate with an insulated ceiling cavity, the complete flooring system can achieve an IIC of up to 66, exceeding the Building Code minimum.

In many cases, Aqua Elite will equal or outperform most traditional rubber underlays, by offering acoustic performance that meets or exceeds the IIC requirement with the added benefits of reduced weight, much easier installation, and market-leading compression strength at a significantly lower cost.

Beyond impact noise insulation, Aqua Elite provides additional performance advantages. Its high compressive strength helps protect the integrity of the laminate or timber flooring’s joining system, ensuring long-term durability under load. Furthermore, the underlay’s integrated polyethylene (PE) vapour barrier protects the flooring from residual moisture in the substrate.

For architects and specifiers seeking a reliable, high-performance acoustic underlay for floating floors, Belgotex Aqua Elite delivers a comprehensive solution that meets regulatory standards while enhancing flooring performance, longevity, and occupant comfort.