Tired of hearing every footstep from the floor above? If you're planning a tile or stone flooring project, you might be wondering if cement board underlayment can help reduce sound transmission. The good news is, it can – but it's not a magic bullet.
Cement board, primarily designed to create a stable and moisture-resistant base for tile, offers some sound dampening properties simply due to its density. It adds mass to the floor assembly, which naturally helps to block sound waves. However, the effectiveness of cement board underlayment for sound reduction depends heavily on other factors. These factors include the type of flooring, the subfloor construction, and whether you use additional soundproofing measures.
For optimal sound control, consider combining cement board with a dedicated soundproofing membrane or underlayment. These products are specifically engineered to absorb and block sound vibrations, providing significantly better results than cement board alone. Think of cement board as a good foundation, and soundproofing membranes as the specialized tools for a truly quiet space. So, while cement board contributes, a comprehensive approach is key to silencing those unwanted noises.
