Can I Soundproof My Ceiling? – Is It Really Possible?

Anyone looking to soundproof their ceiling will obviously be living in a story building apartment, and I get it, some neighbors can be downright annoying when it comes to keeping their noise to themselves. This reason alone is enough to get your ceiling soundproofed, at least for the sake of your sanity and quiet, but this doesn’t mean many people know how, with some even asking “Can I soundproof my ceiling?” 

Yes, you can soundproof your ceiling to help reduce any form of noise disturbance coming in that direction. 

Soundproofing your ceiling is one effective way you can enjoy your home quietly. So, in this blog post, we’d be discussing the things you should know before soundproofing your ceiling, how to soundproof your ceiling, and many more. Read on!

What should I know before soundproofing my ceiling? 

Before you get all too excited about the prospect of having a shot at some quiet, there are a few things you have to know. 

Note the exact point of the disturbance 

It’s a good thing you already know the unwanted sound is coming from your ceiling (the point of entry), however, it’s also important you note the exact location where the disturbance emanates from.

This information will help you manage the available materials needed to tackle the problem at hand rather than covering the entire ceiling. 

Know your budget 

There are different options you can use to soundproof your ceiling as you are about to find out, this is why you should take your time and read through the next segment of this article, and when you settle for a choice, ensure it’s one you can afford. 

The type of ceiling 

Basically, there are two types of ceilings which are suspended ceilings and drywall ceilings. Let me briefly explain;

Suspended ceiling 

A suspended ceiling or sometimes called a drop ceiling is a flexible kind of ceiling that can be easily removed, or simply put, it has a certain kind of flexibility that can be maneuvered. Hope that was simple enough! 

During construction, suspended ceilings have spaces that allow electrical and other connections to be made.

Drywall ceiling 

Many experts have recommended a drywall ceiling because it absorbs more sound than a suspended ceiling. 

A Drywall ceiling is very easy to install and remove, besides, its isolating characteristics make it a perfect choice if you have lots of footsteps running above you. 

Knowing your ceiling type will help you know the exact procedure to follow which can only help you save cost in the process. 

I mean, it’s pointless to tear down a soundproof plan simply because it doesn’t go with your ceiling type. It’s too much trouble to experience for a second time and that I can tell you for a fact. 

Once you are acquainted with the know-how, you can now go ahead and soundproof your ceiling using any suitable method as explained below. 

How can I soundproof my ceiling? 

The steps include;

• Floating ceiling joists 
• The use of mass-loaded vinyl 
• Using acoustic underlayment 
• Decoupling your ceiling 

Step 1: Floating ceiling joists

The use of floating ceiling joists is best served when there’s an existing pair of ceiling joists. This procedure requires you to fix a newer pair of ceiling joists between the old one by extending it by at least two inches from the old one. 

After this, place insulating materials such as acoustic insulation foam between the joists to help absorb the sound from the ceiling. However, don’t make the foam too dense by compacting it as this may affect the integrity of the entire setup. 

This method is ideal for drywall ceilings. 

Step 2: The use of mass-loaded vinyl 

Vinyl is a compound that is very capable of blocking sound if used in large quantities. This compound comprises barium sulfate and vinyl which makes it non-toxic and also increases its density to make it very effective for soundproofing. 

However, professionals in time past have substituted this option for green glue since it’s cheaper and does almost the same job as loaded vinyl. Loaded vinyl is very effective in blocking out airborne sound and can also be used on floors to improve the padding of carpets. 

This method is very effective for drywall ceilings as well as subfloor options, however, the same can’t be said for suspended ceilings.

Step 3: Using acoustic underlayment 

If you feel your neighbor can be reasonable enough to make some adjustments on his floor (which happens to be your ceiling), you can propose the use of acoustic underlayment. But bear in mind that may need to foot the bills. You’ll need to expose the subfloor below the original covering before placing the acoustic underlayment in areas where you feel the noise are in excess. 

When this is done, you will discover that acoustic underlayments are very effective in absorbing whatever sounds your neighbors make, be it impact or airborne sounds. 

Step 4: Decoupling your ceiling 

This procedure involves the use of hat channels and very durable sound clip(s). You’ll be using about ⅝ inches of drywall (double layer) and a single layer of green glue to get the best result. Before proceeding, remove any existing drywall and ensure you don’t fix the hat channels in any joist as they are not designed to work together. 

The soundproof clips will now be used to hold the hat channels in place and away from the drywall by fastening them about 10 inches apart. Ensure you take an accurate measurement of the joist so you can know the exact amount of hat panels that can fit in, and when you are done, use a saw to cut the hat panels accordingly. 

The large Lange of the hat panels should face downward, while the sharp part upwards, then place the soundproof clips so you don’t cause a noise disturbance to your neighbor above. 

With an STC value of almost 66, this method comes highly recommended but you may need the services of a seasoned professional to get the best result. 

How can I cheaply soundproof my ceiling? 

You can cheaply soundproof your ceiling by simply Increasing your love for pillows and soft furniture 

When a sound is made or heard, the reflective surface it hits goes a long way in determining the sound’s level of disturbance.

If it hits a hard surface, then you can be almost certain it will cause a nuisance, especially if it’s not a pleasant one, however, a soft surface will help a great deal in absorbing the sound as it comes on it. 

This is where pillows and other soft pieces of furniture come in. Having pillows on your cushion and bed will help absorb the sound as it travels from the ceiling to your room, and it would be even more helpful to have soundproof curtains as well. 

Although this won’t be as effective as the other steps outlined above, especially since the sound is coming from your ceiling and the distance is much. However, it is the cheapest and is definitely worth a shot. Before I round up, kindly note the following precautions before settling for any method of soundproofing your home. 

• Seek the services of a seasoned professional if you are not sure you’ll follow the instructions. 
• There are building codes that have to be followed so you don’t default on your insurance policy, this is another reason why using the services of a professional comes highly recommended. 
• Take note of the STC codes as they give you an insight into the effectiveness of a soundproof material. 
• If there’s a ceiling already in an apartment, it can still be soundproofed by making the necessary adjustments that may involve you tearing down or padding up the ceiling. Regardless of the changes you choose to make, ensure you seek the needed consent from your landlord or the homeowner since it isn’t yours, so you don’t breach your lease contract. 
• Don’t begin a soundproofing project without first considering the cost. A budget gives you a clearer picture of what you want and what can be attainable. 

Top searches:

• Are Hotel Rooms Soundproof?
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• How Do I Soundproof A Room For Cheap?
• How Do You Soundproof A Room So No One Can Hear You? 

FAQs 

Can you soundproof a ceiling in an apartment? 

Yes, you can soundproof a ceiling in an apartment by using acoustic insulations in areas where the sound is made the most. 

How do I reduce footstep noise from upstairs? 

You can start by having a gentlemanly conversation with the neighbor that stays above you. Start by offering to soundproof their floor, because if you can hear it, they can hear it too. 

If this isn’t fruitful, you might want to soundproof your ceiling as I earlier explained. And if it becomes unbearable, you may want to involve the relevant authorities to step in. 

How do I stop noise traveling between floors? 

If you are building an apartment and you want to limit sound traveling from one floor to another, you can start by insulating the floors using acoustic floor insulation. This reduces the air cavity that’s responsible for transferring sound from one floor to the other. 

Can I Soundproof My Ceiling – Conclusion 

As long as you follow the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to soundproof your ceiling in no time and have the quiet you seek. If you have more questions or tips on this subject, kindly let me know in the comment section. Cheers…