Raised Access Floor
SilentStep® is a next-generation acoustic hollow floor system engineered specifically for residential applications.
Designed to reduce both airborne and impact noise, it delivers a solid, non-squeaking floor feel, perfect for modern living environments.
This dry system offers fast installation, overcomes uneven subfloors, and accommodates higher voids with ease. With low embodied carbon and no timber or wet screed involved, SilentStep® is a high-performance, sustainable choice that meets and exceeds UK building regulations.
Benefits of SilentStep® acoustic floor system
- ✅ First of its kind – Non-combustible residential acoustic floor system with zero timber
- 🔇 Exceptional acoustic performance – Exceeds UK Building Regulations for sound insulation
- 🔥 Fire-safe – Outstanding fire resistance with all non-combustible materials
- 💧 No drying times – Unlike wet screed systems
- 🎨 Finish-ready – Apply surface finishes directly without the need for decoupling
- ♻️ Sustainable – EPD-certified, high recycled content, and low embodied carbon
- 🏠 Lifetime warranty – Guaranteed performance over the life of the building
Structural Performance
SilentStep® delivers outstanding structural stability, capable of supporting residential loads with minimal deflection. Its performance is driven by the high density of Knauf GifaFLOOR FHB25 (≥1500kg/m³), making it ideal for various floor finishes including ceramics, timber, vinyl, and more.
The system offers two understructure layout options, depending on your project’s load and deflection requirements. Pedestals are quick to install using SilentStep® Pedestal Adhesive. Once placed on the subfloor according to the set-out grid, pedestal heads are adjusted to the required height and locked into place with SilentStep® Pedestal Thread Adhesive.
Point Load Performance (25x25mm stamp applied)
| Layout | Load | Deflection |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Layout (600mm centres, 300mm perimeter) | 3kN | 1.8mm |
| 2kN | 1.3mm | |
| 1kN | 0.8mm | |
| Extra Pedestal Layout (600mm centres + centre pedestal) | 4kN | 2.0mm |
| 3kN | 1.5mm | |
| 2kN | 1.1mm | |
| 1kN | 0.6mm |
Fire Characteristics
SilentStep® contains no timber or plastic, making it a non-combustible system with excellent fire resistance and reaction properties.
Fire Performance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| GifaFLOOR FHB25 Density (EN 15283-2) | ≥1500kg/m³ |
| Reaction to Fire (EN 13501-1) | Class A – Non-combustible |
| Fire Resistance (EN 13501-2) | 30 Minutes (REI 30) |
Acoustic Performance
SilentStep® delivers superior acoustic insulation thanks to the combination of the high-density GifaFLOOR FHB25 panel and the SilentStep® Acoustic Pad. The system has been independently tested and offers exceptional sound reduction—minimising transfer between adjacent apartments and ensuring a peaceful living environment.
Acoustic Test Results
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Weighted Sound Reduction Index Rw (C, Ctr) | 63 dB |
| Weighted Normalised Impact Sound Pressure Level Ln,w | 69 dB |
| Impact Sound ΔLw | 22 dB |
Environmental Performance
SilentStep® is built with sustainability in mind. The Knauf GifaFLOOR FHB25 panel is made from naturally occurring gypsum, recycled paper/cardboard, and water—making it a highly sustainable option. It is independently certified with an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) and requires no FSC certification.
Environmental Credentials
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Declared Unit | 1m² Knauf Gypsum Fibre Panel (1500kg/m³) |
| EPD Standard | ISO 14025 / EN 15804+A2 |
| Valid Until | 25/06/2028 |
| Total Recycling Share | Up to 85% |
| Recyclability at End of Life | 100% |
| Global Warming Potential (GWP) | 1.22kg CO₂e (LCA A1–A3) |
