Acoustic underlay for Bexleyheath flat conversions
Most Bexleyheath freeholders write "17dB minimum impact reduction" into the lease and stop there. That single line rules out standard 3mm foam, standard XPS boards and 90% of laminate underlay. In a large 1930s and 1950s semis conversion we fit rubber-crumb or cork-composite underlays rated 18–21dB with a signed spec sheet you can send to the managing agent before work starts.
What acoustic underlay for flat conversions in Bexleyheath actually involves
Most Bexleyheath freeholders write "17dB minimum impact reduction" into the lease and stop there. That single line rules out standard 3mm foam, standard XPS boards and 90% of laminate underlay. In a large 1930s and 1950s semis conversion we fit rubber-crumb or cork-composite underlays rated 18–21dB with a signed spec sheet you can send to the managing agent before work starts.
1950s semis usually have chipboard upstairs — checked for squeaks and re-screwed first.
"Managing agent asked for paperwork. Got it same day. Fit went ahead the following week." — Barnehurst border owner
- Rubber-crumb and cork-composite underlays rated ΔLw 18–21dB
- Meets typical London leasehold requirement (≥17dB impact reduction)
- Signed spec sheet supplied for managing agent / freeholder approval
- Perimeter isolation strip fitted so plank noise doesn't bridge the wall
What we check first on a Bexleyheath lvt job
- Subfloor flatness
LVT shows every bump — large 1930s and 1950s semis subfloors in Bexleyheath almost always need ply or self-levelling screed first.
- Door undercut
We trim doors on the day so they swing cleanly over glue-down LVT — no scraping, no callbacks.
- Pattern direction
Plank run follows the longest sightline; in narrow Bexleyheath hallways that means front-door to kitchen.
Bottom line: if your lease says 17dB, standard foam won't pass. We fit and document the underlay that will in Bexleyheath.
Postcodes: DA6/DA7 · Routes: the A2 and A220 · Common build: large 1930s and 1950s semis.
Covering Upton, Barnehurst border, Long Lane.
Acoustic Underlay for Flat Conversions jobs we've finished nearby
Acoustic Underlay for Flat Conversions in Bexleyheath — common questions
We provide the underlay's independent test certificate (BS EN ISO 717-2) plus a photo record of the perimeter strip and floor build-up. That's enough for 95% of Bexleyheath managing agents; full on-site sound testing is a separate acoustic-consultant job.
A 5–10mm foam strip around the wall edge stops the plank layer touching the wall or skirting. Without it, footfall bridges into the party wall and the downstairs flat still hears it — even with a great underlay. We fit it as standard.
Only by lifting the LVT first. If the LVT is glue-down we usually replace it; if it's click-lock we can lift, add underlay and refit — subject to a condition check on site.
Usually yes on Bexleyheath leasehold flats. We supply the underlay spec sheet and product data ahead of the fit so you can get written approval — most agents turn it round in a week.