A shag rug on the ceiling and rubber textile mats on the walls softens annoying noise within the apartment while also absorbing racket from the adjacent units.
How to soundproof a ceiling yourself.
Soundproofing a ceiling can be a little tough because it s so far out of reach.
It is possible to soundproof ceiling floor partitions to an stc of 80 or higher.
To be an effective sound blocker with an stc of 27 mlv consist of two main elements.
Replace your ceiling drywall using isolation clips to separate the drywall slightly from the wooden struts and other layers of soundproofing materials.
Whether you have noisy neighbors upstairs at a condo complex or simply loud teenagers in their bedroom a thin ceiling can allow a lot of sound to emanate.
How to soundproof an existing ceiling.
However if you re unwilling or unable to do that much there are foam options that are nearly as effective.
Since noise is vibration to soundproof a ceiling is also to reduce its capacity for vibration.
These both conduct noise and the ceiling fan even generates its own.
Not only that but the most effective products require opening the ceiling and are best done if you are renovating or putting up a new ceiling.
Take down all ceiling fans and lighting fixtures.
Not many diy soundproofing projects go by without utilizing a sound blocking material called mass loaded vinyl.
The goal when soundproofing a ceiling is to prevent the transfer of soundwaves from one floor level to another.
Making sure at this stage that the entire ceiling is airtight is very important so look closely and be thorough.
Unless there s some basketball action going on you may find that it s the only thing you need in order to hear a real difference.
Then screw the drywall into the underside of the ceiling and fill any gaps with acoustical caulk.
This is called a floating ceiling.
Soundproof ceilings allow you the freedom of hosting parties or listening to your loud favorite music.
Once the ceiling is insulated get a 1 2 5 8 inch sheet of drywall and apply a damping compound to it.
Step 6 replace the drywall.
Soundproofing mats for ceilings.
Instead of soundproofing the ceiling you can soundproof the floor of the room that the noise is coming from.
Finally let the damping compound dry completely which can take up to 10 days.
So when you invite friends over for a visit or a party your home looks organized.
To learn how to soundproof a ceiling by decoupling it scroll down.
There are acoustical ceiling tiles specifically made for this purpose but they tend to be quite expensive.
Noise entering your living sleeping or workspace through the ceiling floor connection can be a real headache.
To reduce sound reflection cover bare walls and even ceilings with something soft so sounds like voices barking or even the commotion created by a running vacuum cleaner won t reflect.
In that case i recommend you get a thick rug first.