Soundproofing under floor tile

[TECH1682]

Please help. I made the huge mistake of installing tile in the entryway of my condo. My obnoxious neighbor who constantly compains about noise has now said something about the noise coming from the tile. Now the association is demanding information about proper soundproofing. All we used was the adhesive (thin set) before laying the tile. There was already a layer of concrete under the old carpet and it never occurred to me that I needed to put something additional in between the cement floor and tile. I need to show that I used at least 3/4" of soundproofing. What can I tell them to satisfy their requirements. I don't think they will buy that we used 3/4" of thin set and I know nothing about this stuff. Any advice??

[Mikepier]

I don't know how you can use a soundproofing material under ceramic tile. Tile needs to be installed on a hard surface. Even if you did use a 3/4 " soundproofing material like plywood, I doubt it would help deaden the sound of walking on ceramic tile.

[RicodJour]

Maybe you'll get help to assist you in lying to your condo association, but we both know that's not the right thing to do. You should have addressed this prior to laying the tile. There are soundproofing products, but the condo's stance on 3/4" stuff is stupid

- it's not necessary. There are thinner products that do a very effective job of interrupting structure-borne sound transmission. Sorry I am not able to assist you in locating a product to pretend you installed it.

The condo board might, just might, ask to see a receipt or pictures of the installation. What are you going to do then?

R

[TECH1682]

[Dave Bugg]

Thin set isn't a sound-proofing material, regardless of thickness.

[Joe]

Any advice??

Instead of trying to do the impossible deal with the sound issue. Leave the tile alone, get some double back adhesive strips and install a nice cheap soft wall to wall carpet completely covering the tile. Invite Mr. Obnoxious over to see and hear your muffled footsteps as well as other condo officials. You have now shown that the complaint is groundless. In due time, (your patience will be rewarded) the carpet can be quickly removed and you can enjoy your tile floor. At then a small stylish rug could be laid down over the tile to keep up the sound deadening facade. Meanwhile, keep a log of all the irritatng things that Mr. O does that might be in violation of condo rules. Makes good ammunition at condo meetings if he steps too far out of line. Good luck.

Joe

[ValveJob]

Good advice.

I have a throw rug near my door.

Now, I know why I never want to own a condo.

[mm]

A couple ideas.

Put carpet over your floor tile, and if the person below ever moves, maybe you can take the carpet off and the new owner won't mind.

Have everyone take off their shoes when they come in, unless maybe they are wearing sneakers.

Give everyone slippers or booties when they come in.

Many apartment buildings, rental or owned, require carpeting through out. Usually this is spelled out in the lease or, I assume, in the coop or condo papers. Not the deed but the bylaws or covenants or some such paper.