Soundproofing ceiling with exposed beams

Dear experts! We had to pull down our kitchen ceiling and have found nice exposed beams and of course the old subflooring-type planks. We need some soundproofing as this is between our unit and a rental unit. I planned to put thick drywall and some sound insulation between the beams, but how much will this work? Can anyone please advise on what the best approach might be? It seems relatively common – how do people deal with this? Thanks a lot!

citizenjane

in General Discussion 8 years and 3 months ago

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Augustiner | 8 years and 2 months ago

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if you just insulate the ceiling try to get the more rigid Roxul and put it in between the beams before mounting sheetrock. It is important to not stuff the cavity with Roxul, but rather leave an air gap. in fact if you can manage 2 air gaps it would be best.
sub floor, gap, roxul, gap, sheetrock.

Expect to still have sound travelling, bass from the whole ceiling vibrating when someone with a heavy foot walks above, and some high frequencies travelling through the beam.

allans | 8 years and 2 months ago

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Homasote is the way to go.

mzjack58

in General Discussion 8 years and 3 months ago

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Yes, I agree get the sound proofing on the floor.

robertbullock | 8 years and 3 months ago

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Right, we had to put down new hardwood and added a layer of Homosote between the subfloor and the new floorboards. Not sure how economical it would be to do this if you’re keeping the existing floor but it’s definitely worth asking.

citizenjane | 8 years and 3 months ago

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Robert, how did you do soundproofing on the floor above without ripping it out? Thanks.

robertbullock | 8 years and 3 months ago

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We did the soundproofing on the floor above, were told insulating between the joists would achieve little

workisfun | 8 years and 3 months ago

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Consider Roxul soundproofing insulation above the sheetrock. It comes in various thicknesses