Is it possible to soundproof a ceiling

Just keep in mind that your ceiling should be at least 7. The thicker, the better. Ceilings are generally hard and flat, so anything you can do to produce a soft, irregular surface will prevent noise from escaping.

Carpets, quilts, curtains and other soft decorations are a quick, cost-effective way to soundproof your room with the current infrastructure intact. These additions you already have lying around the house provide a greater amount of absorptive surface area that will trap sound.

Even paintings will mitigate airborne noise more effectively than bare walls. If you want to keep sound in, fill your room with fluffy, comfy furniture. The more irregular and soft surfaces for sound to bump into, the better. Incorporating dressers, drawers, plants and other furnishings that complete your room aesthetically will provide sonic benefits, too. The more surfaces you have in your room, the fewer pathways airborne sound will have to escape. From acoustic foam to soundproofing barriers and hanging baffles , intentionally crafted soundproofing materials will seal your room and look professional.

Soundproof Cow carries all the materials you need to limit the amount of noise that enters or exits your room. Note : Soundproofing in general is costly , regardless of the materials being used. Adding a layer of drywall will help to further absorb both airborne and impact noise, thereby minimizing the passage of sound waves from the space above you and through your ceiling assembly. Fiberglass insulation is relatively inexpensive and fairly easy to install too.

Do note, however, that this method should only be reserved for fiberglass ceilings. It is not conducive for dropped ceilings because of the structural elements — ductwork, lighting fixtures, electrical wires, etc. The installation of acoustic tiles can be an effective soundproofing remedy for both drywall and dropped ceilings. These tiles are constructed of fiberglass and higher-end tiles feature a layer of MLV or sound-interrupting foil. The tiles are held in place with a metal grid, like the one you might have in place if you have a suspended ceiling.

If you have a drywall ceiling, you can use specialized clips , which can be screwed into the drywall and the back of the panels, to anchor the acoustic tiles in place. Alternatively — and for even easier installation on a drywall ceiling — acoustic panels can be secured in place applying construction adhesive to the back of each panel and affixing them to the ceiling.

Once attached, use screws or nails to further secure the panels to the ceiling. Acoustic foam works much the same way as acoustic tiles. However, it should be noted that they may not be as aesthetically pleasing, as this foam looks similar to an egg crate note - egg cartons do not work well as a soundproofing material. However, if arranged in a pattern — alternating between vertical and horizontal positioning — you can make them more pleasing.

Acoustic foam is usually sold in panels that vary in size; 1 square-foot, for example. You can apply construction adhesive to the back of the panels to secure them to the ceiling; or, you can affix them in place with finishing nails.

In addition to or instead of soundproofing the ceiling, you might want to consider soundproofing the floor above you. Absorbing noise: A soft material such as fiberglass insulation may seem the best option, but what really does the job is a dense, heavy material such as drywall, medium density fiberboard MDF , or a layer of heavy vinyl sheeting. Interrupting sound: Creating a gap or inserting a non-conductive barrier prevents noise from vibrating through ceiling and floor joists. Soundproofing is not likely to boost the resale value of your home , according to David Maturen, an appraiser in Portage, Mich.

There are simply too few comparisons to be had with conventional homes, he explains. That may be changing, however, as home owners become more conscious of sound reduction possibilities in their homes. Skip to content.