Soundproof Ceiling Solution
Another product you can look into is “Mass-Loaded Vinyl.” It comes in a roll and there are different densities available (measured in lbs/sqft). In the case of my renovation, my walls are too shallow for Roxul, believe it or not, so I will instead carpet the studs and cavities with MLV, affixing it with heavy duty staples or brads. Seams between sheets should occur at the studs. Then, butter those studs with green glue before installing your sheetrock (or use isolating clips instead). Be sure to caulk all gaps and holes using an acoustic caulking as well. Don’t stretch the mlv tight or it will decrease its effectiveness.
amason84
in General Discussion 8 years and 10 months ago
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peaceout | 8 years and 10 months ago
We are renovating the lower level of our home, which is zoned for an office space. Since the former owners used this space for their son’s apt, the need to soundproof was not necessary.
Any suggestions on how to effectively soundproof the ceiling? Double the sheetrock? Use insulation Thanks.
Augustiner | 8 years and 10 months ago
Depends on how soundproof you want it.
This combination will eliminate 90%:
Semi-rigid roxul between beams, without touching the subfloor
Suspended ceiling, or rubber clips
Walls decoupled from ceiling and floors
Quiet rock sheetrock
Metal beams across
slopefarm | 8 years and 10 months ago
I once had a commercial client who needed to soundproof his ceiling but had limited funds. Te advice he received from an acoustics expert was to suspend the ceiling. with springs, use several layers of sheetrock and make sure the tape lines do not line up from one layer to the next. I know there was other advice for taping the edges (leave the tape a bit loose, perhaps). The idea was (1) make sure there are no gaps, and (2) allow the ceiling to float slightly to absorb noise rather than pass it through, particularly bass.
mfernest | 8 years and 10 months ago
if you are concerned about sound proofing, don’t skimp when you have the chance to address it. At minimum, two layers 5/8″ sheetrock with joints staggered and batt insulation (like Roxul mentioned above) laid over top will give you a solid sound barrier. For further increase :
-increase the air space above the ceiling (ie decrease your ceiling height), don’t have the sheetrock running between exposed wood joists
-use a resilient ceiling mounting method such as PAC Intl RSIC clip or Kinetics Isomax or Wave Hanger. For max benefit, use a spring hanger like Kinetics ICC / KSCH. Follow manufr. instructions for detailing of the ceiling (like around the perimeter where meets the wall).
-Use “acoustic” drywall products like Quietrock for an incremental benefit over standard drywall
-Avoid penetrations in the floor or ceiling. If there are any, seal them completely, or build a backer box with plywood or sheetrock.
-If you’re worried about the noise of footsteps to th e lower level space, the above will help but you really should address upstairs with a rug or acoustic underlayment under hardwood floor.
drewbrownstonecyclone | 8 years and 10 months ago
We had a similar issue but had to attack it from above while replacing the floor. The roxul definitely helped. We don’t ever hear them talking or much of the TV. Unfortunately their foot steps still come through. If I had the chance I definitely would have hung the ceiling from the sound dampening clips mentioned in the other comments. I think those have the biggest impact. If you’re interested we did a post about the project for BrickUnderground.
http://www.brickunderground.com/blog/2014/11/brownstone_soundproofing
neilw | 8 years and 10 months ago
I am using Green Glue between two layers of drywall in targeted ceilings and walls in my renovation. Easy to use, inexpensive, and (if you believe the marketing) very effective. Actually, a friend used it to create a recording studio and swears by it (note that he did more than just use GG, but says it works as advertised).
amason84 | 8 years and 10 months ago
Another product you can look into is “Mass-Loaded Vinyl.” It comes in a roll and there are different densities available (measured in lbs/sqft). In the case of my renovation, my walls are too shallow for Roxul, believe it or not, so I will instead carpet the studs and cavities with MLV, affixing it with heavy duty staples or brads. Seams between sheets should occur at the studs. Then, butter those studs with green glue before installing your sheetrock (or use isolating clips instead). Be sure to caulk all gaps and holes using an acoustic caulking as well. Don’t stretch the mlv tight or it will decrease its effectiveness.