The GenieMat RST Acoustic Floor Underlay is a premium-grade soundproofing solution engineered to provide superior noise reduction and impact sound control. Made from 94% recycled rubber content, it offers an eco-friendly and durable underlayment suitable for use under a variety of hard surface flooring materials, including tile, stone, vinyl, and wood. This versatile product ensures compliance with building regulations, enhances living and working environments, and offers up to 23dB sound insulation while being resistant to mould, bacteria, and water.
What is an Acoustic Floor Underlay?
An acoustic floor underlay is a soundproofing material designed to minimise noise transmission between floors. Positioned beneath hard surface flooring, it absorbs vibrations, reduces impact noise, and prevents sound from travelling through structural elements. Acoustic underlays, like the GenieMat RST, are particularly effective in multi-story buildings, creating quieter spaces by tackling both airborne and impact noise.
How Does Acoustic Floor Underlay Work?
The GenieMat RST works by forming a resilient barrier between the flooring material and the subfloor. The recycled rubber composition absorbs sound energy and dampens vibrations, preventing them from transferring through the structure. Additionally, the underlay minimises impact noise caused by footsteps or furniture movement by dispersing the energy within its dense, flexible layer. This acoustic isolation creates a more peaceful environment in residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces.
How Effective is the GenieMat RST Acoustic Floor Underlay at Stopping Nuisance Noise?
The GenieMat RST offers up to 23dB sound insulation, making it one of the most effective solutions for controlling both airborne and impact noise. Its dense recycled rubber composition is specifically engineered to tackle common noise problems in multi-family housing, high-rise buildings, and commercial spaces. Additionally, it provides protection against substrate cracks and reduces moisture transfer, enhancing both acoustic and structural performance.
Where Can the GenieMat RST Acoustic Floor Underlay Be Used?
The GenieMat RST is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
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Residential Spaces: Apartments, houses, and multi-family housing.
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Commercial Buildings: Offices, retail spaces, and public buildings.
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Hospitality Environments: Hotels, resorts, and restaurants.
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Healthcare Facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and care homes.
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Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities.
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High-Rises: Suitable for both concrete and wood frame construction in tall buildings.
It is ideal for use under ceramic tile, porcelain, stone, wood, luxury vinyl tile (LVT), and other hard surface floor finishes.
GenieMat Thickness Options:
| Product |
Roll Size |
Lw (under LVT) |
Data Sheet |
| 2mm GenieMat RST |
1.2m x 22.9m |
20dB |
📄 |
| 3mm GenieMat RST |
1.22m x 15.24m |
21dB |
📄 |
| 5mm GenieMat RST |
1.2m x 9.1m |
23dB |
📄 |
How to Install the GenieMat RST Acoustic Floor Underlay
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Prepare the Subfloor: Ensure the subfloor is clean, level, and free of dirt, dust, and debris.
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Dry Lay or Glue: The GenieMat RST can be dry-laid onto floorboards or adhered with GenieMat Adhesive for a consistent finish. Choose the method that best suits your project.
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Cut to Size: Trim the underlay as needed to fit the area, ensuring an exact fit for full coverage.
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Install Flooring: Lay your chosen floor finish—tile, wood, or vinyl—directly over the GenieMat RST, following the manufacturer’s guidelines for flooring installation.
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Seal Edges: Use appropriate sealing materials to prevent gaps and enhance acoustic performance.
For detailed installation instructions, refer to the GenieMat RST Installation Manual.
How rubber underlay works
Rubber underlay is a great way to stop sound from travelling through walls and floors. It helps to reduce noise pollution and makes for a much more peaceful and comfortable living environment. Rubber underlay is made up of a soft layer of rubber that is installed between the sub-flooring and the flooring material. It helps to absorb the vibrations that are created when sound travels through floors making it an effective sound-proofing solution for both residential and commercial spaces.
What Are the Benefits of Using the GenieMat RST Acoustic Floor Underlay?
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Superior Noise Control: Provides up to 23dB sound insulation to reduce airborne and impact noise.
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Eco-Friendly: Made from 94% recycled rubber, contributing to sustainable construction practices.
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Mould and Water Resistant: Protects against moisture, bacteria, and fungi, ensuring long-term durability.
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Versatile: Suitable for a variety of flooring types and construction methods.
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Crack Protection: Safeguards ceramic and stone floors from substrate cracks.
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Building Regulation Compliant: Approved for Document E and Robust Details E-FC-1 & E-FC-2 compliance.
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Easy to Install: Offers both dry-lay and adhesive application options for straightforward installation.
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Thermal Conductivity: Compatible with underfloor heating systems, with a thermal conductivity of 0.133 W/mK.
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Durable Performance: Exceeds requirements for point load testing and VOC emissions.
Tackles impact noise
Rubber underlay also helps to reduce impact noise, which is generated when people walk, run, or move furniture. The rubber absorbs the impact energy, which prevents the sound from travelling down through floors. This is especially helpful in multi-story buildings, where the sound can travel through multiple floors and cause annoyance or disruption to other occupants.
Why choose a Rubber Underlay?
Overall, rubber underlay, like the GenieMat RST, is a great way to stop sound from travelling through walls and floors. It helps to reduce noise pollution, impact noise, and provides an effective soundproofing solution for residential and commercial spaces.
Using GenieMat RST with Underfloor Heating Systems
When incorporating soundproofing with underfloor heating, it’s essential to verify compatibility to ensure optimal performance. The GenieMat RST Acoustic Floor Underlay features a thermal conductivity rating of 0.133 W/mK, making it suitable for many underfloor heating systems. However, because heating performance can vary depending on the system and flooring type, it’s recommended to confirm compatibility with your specific underfloor heating setup prior to installation. This ensures efficient heat transfer while maintaining the acoustic benefits of the GenieMat RST.
With all these benefits, it is no wonder the GenieMat RST is quickly becoming the go-to acoustic underlayment for professional contractors and homeowners alike.
