A Step-by-step Guide To Make Soundproof Existing Ceiling

By Author: lewiseuan
Total Articles: 13
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The term soundproofing is used to reduce sound pressure. Controlling sound levels is necessary for different purposes i.e., studio operations. In a studio, you need to control the volume of different sources and prevent sounds from outside of your studio. Because you don’t want those sounds to interfere with your recordings. As there is nothing worse than a motorcycle roar behind your recordings.

Mostly, during the making of a studio, the resilient bar for ceiling is screwed beneath the timber joists that make the studio soundproof. A resilient bar is basically a thin steel channel that absorbs vibrations. And it reduces impact noise and vibration. 

Moreover, in a multi-family dwelling, the biggest complaint that people report is neighbor noise. In this case, what you can do is to treat the floor above. But mostly it is not possible ...
... because you need good terms with your neighbors for that. So, adding extra drywall helps. You can hire a professional for the installation of a soundproof ceiling or you can do it by yourself. But of course, hiring professionals cost more.

So, do it yourself, and for best results follow a step-by-step guide given below to make your ceiling soundproof.

Step 1: Add Extra Drywall

This approach of making the ceiling soundproof can be said ‘middle ground approach’. Because it is relatively easy and moderately effective. It will add approximately 6 to 9 STC points which means loud conversations will be reduced to murmurs or indistinct speech. But to block loud music and noises, you may need to decouple the ceiling.

Step 2: Installation of Insulation

First drill a hole in the existing ceiling. Approximately a quarter-sized hole will be enough. Then look for the insulation if present. If insulation is not present already, blow in medium density fiberglass insulation or cellulose. After insulation installation, you don’t need to fill the hole. Because we are going to install new drywall. 

If insulation is already installed, don’t install a new one. Because new insulation couldn’t install evenly in the presence of the old one. Don’t go for extra dense and foam insulation otherwise low-density vibrations will get worse.

Step 3: Apply Damping Compound

In this step, we are going to apply a damping compound to a new drywall sheet. You can use any damping compound. “Green Glue” can also be used to decrease vibration between both layers. Apply glue to the back of the sheet of drywall. Read the instructions given on the label and follow them carefully.

Recommended drywall is 15.9mm because extra mass will block more sound. However, if your existing drywall is 15.9mm thick, you can choose 12.7mm sheets for a new layer of the ceiling. Different thicknesses of sheets will resonate at different frequencies blocking more sound as a result.

Step 4: Installing Drywall

Once you applied the glue or damping compound, it’s time to screw the drywall sheet to the underside of the existing ceiling. While screwing the new drywall try to keep the gap around the perimeter.

Step 5: Fill Gaps With Acoustical Caulk

After screwing the new drywall fill the narrow gaps around the ceiling fixture or around the perimeter. Otherwise, a lot of noise comes inside, through them. Choose the acoustic caulk carefully after reading the label. Caulk should be suitable for the material you used for the ceiling. You should also check if you can paint on the caulk you are buying. Otherwise, you need to buy caulk matching with your ceiling. 

Step 6: Wait Until Compound Dries

The damping compound is an important part of ceiling installation. You need to wait until it gets dry completely to see the final soundproofing qualities. It may take a week or more to cure fully. Usually, the time required by to compound to dry completely is mentioned on the compound label.