How to Soundproof a Ceiling
Soundproofing your home may seem like a difficult task but, in reality, it’s not at all. Some people balk when it comes to soundproofing the ceiling in any room, mainly because they can’t fathom sound coming from the ceilings above their heads.
The truth is that soundproofing the ceiling is incredibly easy to do, especially if you do it as the room is being built. Here’s how:
- Start by cutting your drywall into strips that will fit between the ceiling joists. Apply Green Glue damping compound to the strips and attach the drywall to the subfloor above. Install a second layer of drywall and Green Glue if you feel it might be necessary.
- Install your normal fiberglass batts between the joists. Make sure any fiberglass you use covers recessed lighting areas.
- Install whisper clips to the joists and then run a hat channel through the clips.
- Install your drywall by screwing it to the channels you’ve created. Standard drywall screws will work perfectly for this part of your project.
- Apply Green Glue to another set of drywall sheets and install them over the sheets you’ve just attached to the resilient channels. Things time you should use screws to attach the drywall sheets to each other.
- Use acoustical caulk to seal the seems around the edges of the room and in between the layers of drywall.
- Finish the ceiling, painting as you wish.
This process may seem arduous and certain parts can be omitted if you are on a budget. Contact us for help if you need it.
If the room is already built you won’t want to do all of that work unless you’re remodeling and don’t mind ripping your ceiling down. If that’s not the case you’ll simply want to apply a layer of drywall to the existing ceiling with Green Glue in between. Seal the seams with acoustical caulk, refinish the ceiling as before, and your project is complete.
The sounds of footsteps, sliding furniture, televisions, and voices can be bothersome for sure. Take special care when soundproofing your ceiling and you’ll appreciate a quieter life for a long time.