Creating Soundproof Ceilings

Soundproof ceilings aim to control noise bleeding in or out of a room through a ceiling system. This could be sound transmitting through a common floor/ceiling assembly, from upstairs to down, or downstairs to up, or it could be targeting the elimination of noise bleeding from room to room through an open plenum ceiling tile system. In any case, the goal is to produce more privacy within the room, and more protection against noise being heard in adjacent rooms.   If you are wondering how to soundproof a ceiling, even soundproofing an existing ceiling, welcome to your sound solution!

Demo:  dB-Bloc + Disconnection

Creating a Soundproof Ceiling:  Q&A

How do I soundproof my ceiling?

To soundproofing an existing ceiling, your goal is to separate upstairs from down structurally, and then line the assembly with additional density.    The separation will disconnect upstairs from, the equal to snipping a string pulled tight between two cans.  The density will impede vibration, much like placing the flat of your hand against a tuning fork or a wine glass so it can’t “sing”.  This formula can be applied to finished existing or new build surfaces.  The density comes in the form of mass loaded vinyl.  Layer that up first.  The disconnection comes from isolation clips that support hat channels.  Layer that up second.  Then finish with a new layer of drywall.

Does soundproofing a ceiling really work?

Yes.  But only to a point.  Remember that sound waves travel both structurally and air borne.  Any two rooms that share common contact will deliver sound waves back and forth regardless of your best attempts to block it from happening.   Thus the need for isolation clips.   The perimeter walls upstairs and downstairs are also connection points that will bleed noise structurally around your treatment.   Airborne leakage points include light canister cutouts, fire detector cutouts, ventilation systems, plumbing fixtures inside your surfaces, anywhere that air can travel, the noise will come with it.  Due to these mediums, there is no “cure” to soundproof a ceiling.   But better control over it?  Absolutely.

How much ceiling noise can I block?

This depends on how much you minimize the leakage points.    By adding dB-Bloc and a disconnection in your assembly, using RSIC Clips or other, you could elevate your rating to luxury grade STC Values of 55 or greater.   You could block up to 90% of the bleeding noise, but if you have cutouts in your ceiling, or soffits carrying plumbing or HVAC, your sound values will begin to decay.   Results will vary from treatment to treatment based on leakage.   And that’s ok, as every soundproof ceiling treatment will have some form of leakage.  The goal is to better “control” the bleed of noise, not “cure” it.

Does batting insulation block ceiling noise?

For thermal purposes, batting insulation works great!  For acoustic purposes, not so much.   Remember that ceiling noise is due to being structurally connected to upstairs.  To block noise coming through, the goal is to force a break in the contact points, which are the joists.   Therefore, stuffing batting insulation between the joists is ignoring the path the energy is taking.  The problem is structure borne vibrations.   Batting insulation might offer a 5% drop in sound bleed, while the “disconnection + density” formula could deliver up to a 80-90% drop in noise transfer.   Focus on adding  Isolation Clips and Mass Loaded Vinyl

How do I reduce noise from upstairs?

If the primary issue is foot noise coming from upstairs down through the floor and spilling into the room down below, one option is to layer a floor underlayment beneath the finished surface upstairs.   Move the soundproofing treatment closer to the noise source.  Keep the vibrations from foot steps from coming into contact with the joists.   But the reality is that most floors are finished surfaces, making the underlayment option not viable.   In this case, move the treatment down below and apply mass loaded vinyl and isolation clips to your existing ceiling.

Will light canister cutouts in my ceiling bleed noise?

Yes.  Stuff batting insulation up above into the cavity space above the light cans.   It will at least slow down the bleed of the noise.  But any cutout in the ceiling will decay your soundproofing values, and batting insulation can only do so much, but better to do it than not.

Does density in my ceiling block noise?

Yes.  dB-Bloc is a mass loaded vinyl, and the most popular way to layer density into a common floor/ceiling assembly.   Without the density, your ceiling will accept resonance and vibrations and let sound waves pass through.

How do I reduce foot noise from upstairs?

The goal is separation.  Isolation clips can be anchored to your ceiling to help lift and separate your finished ceiling downstairs form your finished floor upstairs.   The resulting disconnection will force the collapse of the structure borne vibrations passing through.   Also be sure to layer in the density of mass loaded vinyl to your ceiling.   The treatment can be applied to exposed joist or direct to a finished ceiling.

Should I install double drywall for soundproofing?

Once the dB-Bloc and your disconnecting channel system is in place, the final step is to layer up new drywall to finish off your soundproof ceiling treatment.    At a minimum, use 5/8″ drywall at this point.   For those who ask about doubling up on the finishing layer of drywall, we recommend doing just 1 layer and gauging the values back.   You might be satisfied with the results at that point and forego the need for the second layer.   At that time you can make the decision to add a second layer if you think you need it.   But here, we recommend going with 1/2″ for your second layer.