Are you looking to soundproof your basement ceiling? Frustrated by the noise coming in from above? Soundproofing your basement’s ceiling can be a challenge but the good news is there are many ways to deal with this problem and we’ll walk you through some of them below.
In this article, we will be discussing the preparation, installation, and tips on finishing touches so you can get started today!
Table of Contents
Investigate the type of noise and the causes of it
Before you start soundproofing your basement ceiling, the most crucial step to understand where the noise is coming from, what type of noise it is and also what might be the main cause of the noise.
This is important because it will help you to take the right measures and steps to combat noises. finding out the type of noise that is impacting your ceiling is key, luckily you can do this easily.
There are categories that I like to classify the type of sounds into, which are:
- Impact Noise: Impact noise simply sounds that are created due to an impact of an object, for example, hearing footsteps on your ceiling when people are walking, another great example would be hearing sounds when your pets are running around.
- Airborne Noise: Airborne sounds are noises that travel through the air and are not created by any impact of an object, a great example is when someone is playing music through their phone/speakers and echoes amplify the sounds and you hear.
Understand the type of noise and what caused it will help you when it comes to soundproofing your basement ceiling and will help to cut down the costs. Now that you know the type of noise you want to soundproof against let’s move on to ways in which you can achieve that.
1. Apply Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV)
When soundproofing something, adding mass and increasing the thickness is very crucial is sound deflecting, absorption and blocking, that is where mass loaded vinyl comes into play, MLV is thick and contains sound blocking properties.
Fortunately, MLV is affordable too and very effective, if I were to recommend the one thing that will drastically reduce noises on your basement ceiling with minimal effort and budget, then mass loaded vinyl would be number one.
2. Carpeting The Ceiling
First and foremost, you need to place some carpet on the top floor of the respective basement ceiling. That will be the first layer of defense against the sound. When someone walks on the floor, you may hear the footsteps.
If you apply some soundproof mats under the primary mat, the result will be very effective. By attaching the thick dense sound-absorbing mat to the ceiling, It will significantly reduce all the external noise including the loud footsteps that we all don’t like.
It is important to know that only attaching sound absorbing mat will work great, but will not completely lower the noise levels, What I really like about this approach is how affordable these thick dense mats are.
The one I recommend is Rubber-Cal and this is the first crucial step to take.
3. Sealing The Cracks
Next, you need to seal every possible crack in the wall and the ceiling with caulking seals, thus the sound waves won’t pass and make the unwanted vibration noise. However, you need to consider every tiny gap too.
You need to do the same if you have some electrical wiring in the ceiling. The soundproofing putty will be the best idea for this job. As a result, the gaps will not come into the equation for sound measurement. Some Acoustic Caulk, Acoustic Putty, High-Density Foam Tape, etc. will be needed for this job
4. Acoustical Insulation
The acoustical insulation is needed to be placed between the ceilings. They will absorb the maximum amount of sound came from the basement top. Incidentally, it’s a must-have product for making the basement noise-proof cheaply.
For this reason, carefully place them on the ceiling. However, you can install acoustic insulation slabs inside the ceiling cavities, or you can use acoustic hangers to create separation in the basement ceiling.
5. Assemble the Drywall
On the other hand, the whole basement wall should be covered with an at-list ½ inch thick sheet, for drywall making. In the meantime, you need to cut and place it tighten using glue and screw correctly.
Make sure you won’t miss a place, or the drywall is stretched enough and not making any unwanted vibration. As a matter of fact, you may add another layer of drywall for more sound-absorbing properties.
Additional layer on the drywall: you can add some extra layer of a sound-absorbing sheet on the drywall. In fact, some soundproofing mats can be on this list. You may use a particular kind of paper that is meant to use as the soundproofing material.
6. Foam panels
You can add some soundproof foam panels in your basements. The soundproof foam panels or Acoustic foam will reduce the force of any sound wave.
It increases air resistance and reduces the amplitude of the sound waves. Of course, when you need to minimize the noise levels, echoes, and vibration, you should use soundproof foam panels in your basement.
The foam panels should be attached to the ceilings, walls- everywhere possible. This product is cheap and handy for soundproofing the basement.
7. Install Acoustic Tiles
You can install some acoustic tile in the ceilings for more effectiveness. But before that, the assembly of the framework for the dropped ceiling is required.
After the proper arrangement of the frame, now the acoustic Tiles should be appropriately placed. In the same way, you need to attach each tile correctly with the frame; thus it leaves no blank space on the ceiling.
Tighten the screw carefully, not to damage the other sections of tiles. For this reason, when you cover the ceiling accurately with Acoustic Tile, the airborne sounds from the top will reduce significantly.
8. Moving Blankets Hack
I had to mention this hack since it works so beautifully, one thing you can do directly above the basement ceiling is you can apply soundproofing blankets. Since finding the right blankets is harder I suggest that you use moving blankets instead, this is very effective and you will notice a difference in the number of sounds and noises you can hear through the ceiling.
Final Thoughts On Soundproofing a Basement Ceiling
I want to conclude by saying it’s not a really tough job as it sounds.
Even if you are looking for Basement Soundproofing Ideas. This site should help you
If you follow the steps as mentioned earlier, the basement ceiling will ultimately become soundproof, Without; harming your budget at all.
If you follow the instructions, the situation will finish before even you get warmed up. As a result, you will get the most affordable way to soundproof a basement ceiling for yourself.
