Sound proofing basement ceiling?

[Mark42]

I am back to working on finishing my basement now that the nice weather has left us.<br /><br />I want to keep the sounds from the basement in the basement. Mostly trying to dampen the sound of TV/Stereo and kids roughhousing.<br /><br />The ceiling will be finished using the Armstrong Optigrid ceiling tile system. Its like a suspended ceiling, except the framing is made of vinyl instead of aluminum or steel, and it attaches directly to the joist rather than hanging. It takes standard 2x2 or 2x4 ceiling pannels and I will probably use a sound deading pannel. I can put insulation between the joists, but the gap usually found in suspended ceilings is not there to put extra insulation in.<br /><br />Has anyone had experience with the sound absorbing insulation like Owens QuietZone accustic batts(fiberglass) versus regular fiberglass insulation. Is it that much better then regular fiberglass insulation?<br /><br />I have been trying to find ratings on sound absorbing insulation but have not been successful so far.<br /><br />Any alternatives you know of are greatly appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Mark

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Sound proofing basement ceiling?

60 minutes ran a spot on acustic dampening insulation. I am not sure what kind it was. It is the kind rock bands use to deaden the sound in rooms. This stuff is very dangerous. It will spread a fire in like 20 seconds. 60 minutes tested the stuff and then they tested the fire resistant stuff. The fire resistant stuff took an extra 15 seconds to make the fire go completly out of control.

 

[funpilot]

Re: Sound proofing basement ceiling?

Mark,<br /><br />I finished a ceiling in my basement, I sheetrocked it because the utility area was isolated from the rest of the house... so I wasn't covering vital pipes or the like.<br /><br />I simply placed batts of fibre glass between the joists. I believe it made a big difference in deadening the sound.<br /><br />I would think that placing a spacer between the ceiling tile frame and the joists would help cut down the direct noise transmission, but may create a sound board as well.<br /><br />good luck<br />fp

 

[waterone1@aol.com]

Re: Sound proofing basement ceiling?

Mark, there are a few different ways to control sound,(deflection,absorption and isolation).<br />For high frequency sounds (such as kids screaming)Absorption (such as insulation)and deflection (suspended drywall panels) will get the job done.<br />For low frequency sounds, such as a good stereo playing rap music, that is much harder, that requires lots of mass (while church is great that's not what we're talking about here) and isolation.<br />For instance if you want to avoid a cranked stereo(big speakers and all) in the basement, you would want a hanging grid that is isolated from the upstairs floor joists( rubber hangers, etc) and full of heavey gypsum panels with a bit of insulattion between the drop ceiling and the floor joists. The system that you described, being mounted directly to the floor joists, and no room for insulation is, in my opinion the worst for sound proofing.

 

[ED21]

Re: Sound proofing basement ceiling?

Any insulation will help. To work best it has to be a system.<br />Any direct path for sound like through ducts or registers need to be sealed(caulked).<br />I know headroom in basements can be a problem. Drywall w/ the joists filled w/ insulation would probably give you better isolation, but is more difficult to install.<br />Carpet also will help absorb some of the sound.<br /> http://www.owenscorning.com/around/sound/soundhome.asp

 

[lakelivin]

Re: Sound proofing basement ceiling?

http://www.dulley.com/docs/f691.htm <br /><br />Check out the above link to an article by James Dulley. It has some info and also tells you how to get his full update bulletin (for around $3.00):<br /><br />"Update Bulletin No. 691 - buyer's guide of soundproofing product manufacturers, 18 soundproof wall designs describing basic construction (single stud or double stud walls) and absorptive materials, STC (sound transimission class) ratings, fire ratings, recommended room-to-room STC's, and soundproofing tips for homes."<br /><br />The info is mostly about walls but the principles relate to floors as well. I've got a copy of an old version of this doc (from 1993) and it's well worth the investment! <br /><br />Water1 is right, the system you describe won't work. One of the key principles is to avoid attaching materials directly to the joists (studs in walls) which is one of the primary mechanisms of sound transmission. At the very least you can attach resilient channels to the joists and then attach the ceiling framing to the channels instead of directly to the joists.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[Mark42]

Re: Sound proofing basement ceiling?

Thanks everyone for all the tips.<br /><br />One restriction to this design I have is the headroom. If I used a suspension ceiling, then too much headroom is lost, therefore the direct attachment ceiling tile design. That system will result in a full 7 foot headroom with removable 2x4 tiles for access to wires, pipes, etc. <br />Hopefully, seeing as all the runners are vinyl, they will not be a good transmitter of sound.<br /><br />From Funpilot:<br />

I simply placed batts of fibre glass between the joists. I believe it made a big difference in deadening the sound.<br /><br />I would think that placing a spacer between the ceiling tile frame and the joists would help cut down the direct noise transmission, but may create a sound board as well.<br />

Glad to hear you thought it made a difference. I did think of adding a 1/4" rubber spacer (probably use silicone rubber tube flattened). Don't know how much improvement it would make, and its one of those things that is hard to measure. But seeing as I have the tube, I might as well use it. As far as being a soundboard, I can't really see that happening, especially if the insulation is in contact with the tiles. But one never knows, do one?<br /><br />I'm not going overboard with sound proofing on this project. Will probably use sound deading tiles, insulate between the joists as well as the interior partition walls and use carpet to absorb reflected sound. <br /><br />But the best sound control is just yelling down the stairs "HEY YOU ROTTEN KIDS! DON'T MAKE ME COME DOWN THERE!!!". Worked for my Dad.