What is the best and cheapest way to soundproof ceiling in a apartment building?

10/15/2014 at 9:25:05 AM

Honestly you would have to remove your ceiling in your apartment and depending on how well you would like to damp the sound you can always put one layer of r20 on the very top on the inside of the truss and you can also put r20 on the bottom if the truss right flush where the drywall goes. Basically most companies just use one standard layer of r20 but the more installed the better.

10/17/2014 at 1:34:56 PM

Hi Anne,

That is a terrible situation!

If you get a good drywall contractor in your area you can:

Install "Resilient Channel" onto your existing ceiling.

Install "Sonopan" sound deadening insulation between the "Resilient Channel" and then cover everything with "Quiet Rock" drywall.

The Resilient Channel will work best if it is screwed directly through the existing ceiling and into the framing of the building. It provides a break from vibration (sound) being transferred directly to the room below (your apartment).

The Sonopan is specifically sound deadening insulation and is very good at reducing noise transfer. Each 4' X 8' sheet is about $25.00 here in Toronto (NOT installed).

Information on it can be found here: http://www.goodfellowinc.com/en/produit/sonopan-2/

Lastly, the Quiet Rock is sound deadening gypsum wall board (drywall). This is excellent for reducing noise transfer. Information and a video on its effectiveness can be found here:

http://www.dryco.ca/sound-proofing/quietsolution.htm

There is a cost to all of this as the Quiet Rock is expensive and you will need an electrician to adjust your lighting and install extension electrical boxes, but the end result should be very peaceful.

I hope this helps.

Good Luck

Jason Irving

The Cedarbrook Group