EPS impact sound insulation (DES)
EPS-T impact sound insulation: Effective sound insulation under screed (DES)
Noise from the apartment above? Loud walking noises on the stairs? Effective sound insulation is a decisive factor for living and working quality. In ceiling constructions, impact sound insulation under screed plays a central role in minimizing the transmission of noises such as walking or moving furniture. Special insulation boards made of EPS-T (expanded polystyrene for impact sound applications) are a proven and widely used solution for this. As your nationwide specialists for screed and floor structures, we explain how EPS-T impact sound insulation works, what properties it has and why professional installation is so important.
The problem: Why impact sound is annoying and how it occurs
Impact sound is caused by mechanical excitation of a ceiling (e.g. walking). These vibrations are transmitted as structure-borne sound through the ceiling construction and adjacent walls into the rooms below, where they are perceived as disturbing airborne sound. The minimum requirements for sound insulation in ceilings are regulated in DIN 4109, but higher comfort standards are often desired.
The solution: EPS-T - elasticity for more peace of mind
To effectively reduce the transmission of impact sound, you need an insulating layer under the screed that not only insulates heat, but also "cushions" it.
- The material: EPS-T boards are specially manufactured so that they have a defined elasticity. They correspond to application type DES (insulation under screed with sound insulation requirements) in accordance with DIN V 4108-10.
- How it works: This elasticity ensures that the insulation layer absorbs and dampens the vibrations of the floating screed. The screed is acoustically decoupled from the bare floor.
- The characteristic value: The measure for this resilient property is the dynamic stiffness (s'). The lower this value is (e.g. s' ≤ 30, ≤ 20 or ≤ 10 MN/m³), the better the impact sound insulation effect of the material.
- The result: a measurable reduction in impact sound, expressed in decibels (dB) in the impact sound improvement factor (ΔLw).
Important properties of EPS-T impact sound insulation boards
When selecting EPS-T, we pay attention to the following characteristic values:
- Impact sound improvement factor (ΔLw): Indicates by how many decibels the impact sound is reduced by the panel (in the system with screed). Typical values are approx. 25 to over 30 dB.
- Dynamic stiffness (s'): A low value is crucial for good sound insulation.
- Compressibility (thickness-related): Indicates how much the board deforms under load. Important for the stability of the screed. DES is often subdivided here (sg = low, sm = medium, sh = high compressibility).
- Compressive strength: Impact sound insulation must also bear loads! EPS-T boards must have sufficient compressive strength (e.g. EPS 100 DES-sg) to bear the weight of the screed and use without settling.
- Thermal insulation: EPS-T also provides good thermal insulation (note the lambda value), so it often fulfills both functions.
Application & installation: What we pay attention to
EPS-T impact sound insulation is mainly used under floating screed on storey ceilings. Correct installation is crucial for its function:
- Laying without gaps: Tightly butted tiles without joints are mandatory.
- Edge insulation strips: Absolutely critical for sound insulation! They must be fitted correctly all around all walls and supports to avoid sound bridges.
- Pipe penetrations: These must also be carefully enclosed with insulation strips.
- Covering: A PE foil as a separating layer protects the insulation from the screed water.
We make sure that the entire construction is correctly decoupled before we lay the screed on the insulation.
Costs of EPS-T insulation
Due to its special production and tested sound insulation properties, EPS-T is generally somewhat more expensive than standard thermal insulation boards (EPS DEO) of the same thickness. However, the costs are a sensible investment in noticeably more peace and quiet and quality of living. An individual quotation is required.
Your partner for effective impact sound insulation with EPS-T - nationwide
Our expertise for your project:
- Competent selection of the right EPS-T board according to your sound insulation and load requirements.
- Professional, seamless laying of the impact sound insulation screed.
- Careful execution of all edge details to avoid sound bridges.
- Nationwide service from our experienced screed laying teams.
Conclusion: EPS-T - The proven solution for quieter ceilings
EPS-T impact sound insulation is an effective and economical method of meeting the sound insulation requirements of ceilings under screed while ensuring good thermal insulation. The selection of the right product and, above all, precise, professional installation are crucial for success.
More peace and quiet in the building? We advise on EPS-T!
Do you value effective impact sound insulation in your new build or renovation project? Contact us for advice on the right EPS-T screed insulation and a quote. We are there for you nationwide - by phone, email or WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
EPS DEO is a pressure-resistant board primarily for thermal insulation without special sound insulation requirements. EPS-T (application type DES) is additionally optimized for impact sound insulation (defined elasticity / low dynamic rigidity).
This is indicated in the impact sound improvement factor (ΔLw). Good EPS-T boards achieve values of approx. 25 dB to over 30 dB, depending on the product type and thickness.
In order to meet the minimum requirements of DIN 4109, tested impact sound insulation such as EPS-T (or e.g. mineral wool MW-T) under floating screed is generally necessary. For higher comfort requirements, materials with even better sound insulation often make sense.
No, not across the board. EPS-T is more elastic. However, there are also different compressive strength classes for EPS-T (e.g. characterized by the permissible working load or the class of compressibility according to DES-sg/sm/sh). The appropriate class for the expected load must be selected!
Yes, extremely important! They prevent direct sound transmission from the screed into the walls(sound bridges). Without correctly laid, all-round edge insulation strips, the effect of even the best impact sound insulation board is severely impaired or lost.