How to stop noise from upstairs unit.

Question

I own a duplex that we have turned into a triplex. We live in the basement unit.  We built this unit from scratch, it was a large finished empty basement.  We insulated the ceiling to help with noise but it hasn't done much at all.  We are in the process of updating the upstairs unit. My husband has gutted it.  I'm planning on floating vinyl plank throughout the entire unit, with the exception of tile in the bathroom.  What underlayment should I use to reduce noise. Right now with an empty unit and no flooring I can hear every step and the sound of talking.  I've researched but I can't find much good info. Please help. thanks - Jessica

Account Closed · Answer

I used to work on Hotels and what we would do between rooms for the most sound proof wall assembly was have two layers of gypsum (mostly for fire protection) on each side and then stager 2" metal studs (4" thick wall total) with insulation wrapped between. The idea was breaking the solid elements between walls to limit acoustical transfer. I'm thinking for your ceiling if you don't mind losing some height, figure out of way to attach a loose foam material to the existing ceiling and put another layer of gypsum bd on top. Here's link with some graphics

http://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/rooms-and-spaces/walls-and-ceilings/soundproofing-a-ceiling

Matthew Paul · Answer

Or just turn up the TV a little more .............My idea doesnt cost as much

Mike Reynolds · Answer

Resilient Channel: If You Use It, Don't Screw It Up! - BKL

Note that if you only need one layer of drywall then install your channel on your joist and then your one layer of drywall. If you need 2 layers for a fire wall then use the diagram above.

Closed cell foam will not work at all for sound. The key is to get air space and closed cell foam doesn't cut it for that. Open cell foam will work but only marginally (just a bit) worse than rock wool or fiberglass. Rock wool is the best DIY insulation for sound. Look at the lumber yard for sound insulation.

For good measure you can install sound barrier rubber or vinyl. It is heavy and hard to install so make sure your joist will handle the extra load. I mean it is heavy. 1 to 3 pounds per sq foot so you have to figure that into your live load calcs.

Account Closed · Answer

@Jessica Shinneman what option did you end up going with and did it work?

Account Closed · Answer

Hi Jessica,

Is the insulation just between the joists? Or does it overlap continuously over it? If you have it just between joists, the sound will transfer through the joists into the downstairs unit.

Account Closed · Answer

The biggest thing I would suggest is to check that the sub flooring is secured to the floor joists. It's not fun in the wee-hours of the morning to wake up to creaking as someone is walking through their unit. My wife and I are in the process of securing the sub floor to the joists in our home so as to not wake up the baby when we lay him down for a nap.

Thomas S. · Answer

Nothing you do to the upstairs apartment will diminish the sound effectively. The only way to do it is with the proper treatment of the basement ceiling area. Better insulation and a double layer of 5/8 drywall.

At this point in time your only real option is another layer of 5/8 drywall on the ceiling. If you do this make sure you use the metal strips (resilient channel) designed to float the ceiling otherwise it will not accomplish anything. Sound is transferred through solid surface contact so the drywall must be separated from the floor joists or the existing dry wall in your case.

Jessica Shinneman · Answer

I don't want to do carpet bc it really grosses me out.  I think I'll try an extra layer of plywood, acoustic calking and then a layer of recycled tire underlayment with vinyl plank on top.  We do have 2 recessed lights but luckly its below a closet.

I guess my question is which underlayment is the best on the market

Arlen Chou · Answer

@Jessica Shinneman try using a product called DynaPad.  It is made by a company called Dynamat.  They originally made material used for sound deadening cars for aftermarket audio enthusiast.  It is a sound deadening adhesive sheet that would be stuck to the interior of door skins, flooring etc. DynaPad is basically the same concept but for the home.  I have used Dynamat on cars, but I have never used it on a home.  But if it works in a "giant tin box" it should work in your home.  If you do use it, please report back to us on the effectiveness.

How to stop noise from upstairs unit.

Most Popular Reply